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
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.”
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.”
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
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
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…
@MthuliNcube "it is not true that the local currency has been rejected; the people are chasing after the Zim dollar & can't find it. No 2- it is not easy to de dollar rise… so it is not correct to say that the local currency is being rejected it is actually being chased…" pic.twitter.com/ONc6i54w7m
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.
"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@MinistryofTIDpic.twitter.com/Lsvr8v6QwW
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.
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.
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:
At 10:AM, Justice Mushore hears an urgent application filed by UZ medical students represented by @obeyshava of @ZLHRLawyers, refusing to be fast-tracked into completing degree programmes before doing the necessary practical courses such as bedside learning&theatre procedures
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.
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.
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]
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.
The Police Support Unit is currently conducting #CrowdControl training at 2 Brigade, Cranbone, bringing together the Army, Police & CIO. The vicious "cops" that unleashed yesterday's gratuitous violence on MDC supporters, bystanders & passersbys came from the 2 Brigade Unit! pic.twitter.com/RmEmRDSRXv
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.
Police teargas smoke covers the streets of Harare in the latest police brutality on citizens
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.
King Zwelonke Mpendulo Sigcawu died on Thursday, November 14, after being admitted to hospital the previous evening.
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.
Ministers Mthuli Ncube and Mangaliso Ndlovu presenting the matrix
Priority Projects Under the Fourth 100-Day Cycle
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.
Report on Approved New Place Names
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.
Joint Statement by the Ministries of Finance and Economic Development, Industry and Commerce; and Lands, Agriculture, Water and Rural Resettlement on the Relaxation of Licences and Permits for Importation of Maize Grain, Maize Meal and Wheat Flour
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.
Report on His Excellency the President’s Visit to Dubai, United Arab Emirates to Attend the 5th Global Business Forum on Africa: 18 – 19 November 2019
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.
Update on the Industrial Action by Doctors and City of Harare Nurses
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.
1/2- ZIMLIFE AGRICULTURAL MERIT AWARDS -2019* (ZAMA) Pst G Kwedyo received "Thriving With Disability Award'" (TDA) at the Zimlife Agricultural Merit Awards *(ZAMA)* hosted by the Zimbabwe Castor Industry Association. pic.twitter.com/gwZHW0iM3D
…The award is an order of honour given to persons living with disabilities who exemplified great leadership in their field of agriculture through output, innovation, land stewardship, value – added opportunities… pic.twitter.com/g2HwUknBC4
A protester strips off a street name as Former President Robert Mugabe is removed from power. Mnangagwa has similarly named streets after himself.
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.
Patients gathering for medical attention at a Mbare Clinic but no nurses were available to help.
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.”
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.
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 “lawful authority, justification or excuse” 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
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.
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.
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 MDCYouthAssemblyNationalSpokesperson
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.
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
By A Correspondent- A woman from Bulawayo has been arrested for allegedly terminating her preg_nancy at four months by using traditional herbs.
Nokulunga Dube (24) from Old Lobengula suburb allegedly terminated the preg_nancy and dumped the foetus at Masiyephambili dumping site.
The court heard that Dube was arrested after police received an anonymous tip off. Dube pleaded guilty to an unlawful termination of preg_nancy charge before Western Commonage magistrate, Mr Stephen Ndlovu.
The magistrate remanded her in custody to December 2 for continuation of trial. Dube said she resorted to abortion after her boyfriend deserted her.
“I admit to the charges levelled against me because my boyfriend denied responsibility and I am an orphan,” she said.
Prosecuting, Mr Stewart Madzore said on September 30 this year, Dube allegedly drank a traditional concoction to terminate the preg_nancy.
“Dube unlawfully terminated a four-months-old foetus by drinking some herbs and wrapped it with a black plastic bag,” he said.
Mr Mdzore said on October 23, police received an anonymous tip off that the accused person terminated her preg_nancy and immediately arrested her.
Dube said she bought the traditional herbs in Plumtree.
By A Correspondent- Several Harare butcheries have been closed down while their owners and some meat vendors were arrested this week during a joint raid by police and city authorities on butcheries selling uninspected meat believed to be contaminated.
The raided butcheries are in Mabvuku, Dzivarasekwa, Highfield, Southlea Park, Warren Park, Glen View and Budiriro.
Deputy Harare police provincial spokesperson Assistant Inspector Webster Dzvova and the City Health Services Department confirmed that they were conducting a crackdown on the errant butcheries and meat vendors.
The meat from the raided butcheries and vendors was confiscated and sent for laboratory testing. The raid followed reports that some butcheries are using embalming chemicals as meat preservatives.
Investigations conducted so far revealed that the scam involves the use of formalin, a chemical mixture of preservatives used on corpses, which is sprinkled on meat products to make them look fresh and to extend their shelf life.
Formalin is used for embalming in mortuaries to temporarily prevent the decomposition of a human body after death. Sodium metabisulfite, a white chemical, is mixed with water and sprayed on the meat to maintain its reddish hue and create the impression that it is fresh.
Used in large quantities, the chemicals can keep flies away and preserve the meat for as long as two months. Soda water is also sprinkled on the meat to maintain its reddish colour.
Police in Harare province have since embarked on crime awareness campaigns urging people to desist from buying suspicious meat
By A Correspondent- Mother of the Churchill high school boy who jumped to his death four weeks ago at the Julius Nyerere Way Parkade says she is traumatised following leaked social media comments accusing her of pressurising her son to death.
Jessica Jacobs the mother to the 18-year-old boy who committed suicide at the parkade in October spoke to a local publication from her home in South Africa and revealed leaked WhatsApp group chats which blamed her as the reason of his son’s death.
Jacobs came across social media chats which involved parents who insinuated her as an irresponsible and unfit mother who failed to raise her son.
She said:
“I’m quite disturbed over social media messages which a friend sent to me coming from Riverton Academy school parents’ WhatsApp group in Masvingo where they were discussing how I put pressure on my son which led to him committing suicide.
“People shouldn’t just start judging people without even knowing where they’re coming from, mwana aiterera and I just want him to rest in peace.
“You see, the death of his dad triggered his depression because he was very close to him.”
Her sentiments follow speculations which circulated on social media the day her son died as some said he committed suicide after he impreg_nated a girl while others pointed to drugs.
She added:
“When he wrote his “O” levels, he passed 10.
“He enrolled at Churchill in boarding school to do sciences.
“He started having challenges which I investigated, and it happened to be bullying then I took him out of boarding.
“I got him private tutors too.
“When he started mentioning about the fear of failing exams, we sat him down with his brother.
“The brother explained to him how he failed ‘A’ levels twice and how I was supportive of him until his completion of a degree.
“We brought him here in SA to seek medical attention with psychologists.
“I went to Dubai and did shopping for him. I wanted to make him happy and I even went to his school to request for a transfer so that I’d take him with me back to SA to continue counselling with psychologists.
“I was checking up on him and all was well.
“The very day he committed suicide, I texted him and the previous night we spoke on the phone; he was happy.
“All I can say is depression is a mental issue which needs medical attention and we just did that by taking him to the hospital where he got medication.”
Jacobs added that she is now undergoing counselling sessions due to depression.
By A Correspondent- At least 22 women are r_ped daily in Zimbabwe while one-third of females are s_xually assaulted by the time they celebrate their 18th birthday.
This was revealed by Zimbabwe Gender Commission (ZGC) chairperson Margaret Sangarwe while speaking at an awareness campaign ahead of the commemoration of this year’s 16 days of activism against gender-based violence in Zimunya area, Mutare.
She said:
Twenty-two women are raped daily in Zimbabwe, one woman is abused every 75 minutes and an average of 646 women are being s_xually-abused monthly and one in three girls is raped or s_xually assaulted before they reach the age of 18.
Sangarwe also revealed that there is a sharp increase in rape cases of minors as well as a rise of 30 per cent of early child marriages.
This year’s 16 days of activism against gender-based violence will start on November 25 and run until December 10. It will be held under the theme “Orange the World: Generation Equality Against Rape.”
Media Statement|We, the Young Lawyers Association of Zimbabwe, have taken note of the events that took place on the morning of 20 November 2019, wherein members of the Zimbabwe Republic Police assaulted members of the public and MDC members outside Morgan Tsvangirai House, as they waited for Mr. Nelson Chamisa to deliver a statement.
We deplore the excessive use of force and indiscriminate violence by the police against their own countrymen and women and again call upon the State to hold those responsible to account.
There is no legal or moral basis for the police brutality witnessed. Regardless of whether people were legally gathered or not, the conduct of the police:
violated the citizens’ constitutional right to freedom from violence in terms of section 52 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe,
was in breach of the police’s powers and duties in terms of section 13 of the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act;
demonstrated a failure by the police to adhere to the constitutional requirements to act as a professional and non-partisan police service in terms of Chapter 11 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe.
We urge the State to urgently establish an independent complaints mechanism to investigate and address such abuses by members of the security services as required by section 210 of the Constitution.
As young lawyers in Zimbabwe, we are looking at substantive ways in which we can assist the victims of the violence by the police and undertake to do what we can to uphold and promote the rule of law in Zimbabwe. Members of the public can contact YLAZ on any of the above contact details with any relevant information.
Source: Young Lawyers Association of Zimbabwe (YLAZ)
State Media|Citizens have been urged to take precautionary measures against heavy rains, in excess of 50 millimetres in 24 hours coupled with hail, strong winds and lightning starting from today.
Manicaland, Matabeleland South, Masvingo and southern areas of Midlands could be the most seriously affected according to the Meteorological Services Department (MSD)’s forecast. Rains will be accompanied by strong winds, lightning, hail and flash flooding.
The uprooting of trees and damage to infrastructure cannot be ruled out.
Drains may fail to cope in urban or built-up settings while visibility may be compromised especially for drivers, during the heavy downpours.
While Manicaland, Matabeleland South, Masvingo, as well as southern areas of Midlands Province are forecast to receive heavy rains today similar conditions will spread northward tomorrow.
“Thereafter, the rains should steadily ease off giving way to bright and showery conditions in most areas, with a possibility of localised heavier falls over Mashonaland East into northern parts of Manicaland,” said the MSD in a statement.
According to the MSD, insecure home roofs, schools and shopping centres could be blown off by strong winds while asbestos roofing could be perforated by hail in some instances, potentially endangering occupants.
The public has been advised to avoid being caught outdoors during the heavy storms, more so at night, when flood waters are difficult to see.
MSD has advised people to avoid crossing flooded rivers and swollen streams where the depth is unknown. “The Department will continue monitoring the conditions and update the public accordingly. The public is also being requested to provide feedback or information on disasters through the Department’s Twitter, WhatsApp or Facebook page,” said the MSD.
Zimbabwe has been experiencing heavy falls in most parts of the country resulting in the deaths of six people now while property and crops have also been destroyed.
With more violent storms and associated high winds, hailstorms and flash floods likely, the MSD will now issue more detailed impact-based weather information to reduce injuries to the public and damage to infrastructure.
The forecast will now give customised information on the weather event, the time frame, mapping, possible preventive measures or how to manage, if the event cannot be avoided.
Reports will also give case studies of where it happened in the past and how it was managed.
The start of the rainy season has been marked by more violent storms than usual for this time of the year, largely as a result of the extra energy pumped into the atmosphere during the recent spell of record heatwaves.
This has led to bursts of very high winds, caused by downflows from the storm clouds, that have ripped off roofs, uprooted trees, and injured people with flying debris.
There has already been damage to electricity lines by falling trees and other infrastructure damage. Lightning, as with every season, is a danger for unprotected people, livestock and electric installations. Intense downpours have caused flash flooding, when run-off exceeds the capacity of the land to absorb the rainfall or when storm water drains are inadequate.
The Met Department is now giving the public the forecast of the weather event, largely storms at this time of the year, its causes, when it is likely to occur, how it will happen, dangers associated with the phenomenon and what the public should do to protect themselves.
Specific weather information is also given for the agriculture sector, aviation and those in seismology (dealing with earthquakes). There are efforts by the MSD to also incorporate the mining, water and health sectors. The MSD is working on an agreement with the national broadcaster, ZBC, to ensure that when there is threatening weather the announcement will override any other programmes and be published instantly. The recent violent storms have already killed one person, injured several others and damaged infrastructure and property in many parts of the country.
The MSD issued advisories of these isolated events informing the public of the thunderstorms.
In an interview on Monday MSD principal meteorologist, Mr James Ngoma said the energy created by the high temperatures was transformed when extra moisture came into the atmosphere, resulting in lightning, strong winds, hailstorms and sharp intense downpours. He said as the rainfall season progresses, the country will be faced with the threat of flash floods since the ground will be saturated. Urban areas will also see such flash floods, because so much ground is built over, if drains are not kept clear and properly maintained. These early season storms have also brought high rainfall to some areas.
Kwekwe received 132mm in 24 hours, Chibero 57mm, Chivi 72mm and Binga 51mm. Mr Ngoma said these were isolated incidents that were not localised.
“For the past days we have experienced strong winds that destroyed roofs and damaged properties. Lightning affects people, livestock, buildings and electrical infrastructure.
“Flash flooding occurred in Buhera, Kwekwe, Masvingo and Lupane among some areas. We had given advisories of the potential of lightning and the sharp downpours. When it’s localised we give specific warnings,” he said.
Mr Ngoma said for advisories, the department gives daily forecasts. “We have gone beyond weather information. We now give the impact. Giving the effects of the weather for instance the violence associated with the storms, heat stroke that may affect people due to high temperatures, for frost we give the damage that may be caused to crops. We are trying to drive this forward. We are not ending at the forecast but the impact of the forecast. We urge the public to read the whole forecast. We are now giving colour coded format, giving the pictorial advisory that is eye catching and captivating to the audience,” he said.
Mr Ngoma said they give their weather updates on television, Facebook, WhatsApp and Twitter.
“For viewers in remote areas who cannot access that data, we are still giving them information through the radio or in text format. We disseminate information in different channels. We work with the ZBC using their radio stations,” he said.
“We are also working closely with the Department of Civil Protection (DCP) as they have structures from ward level to disseminate information.”
Mr Ngoma said farmers receive a rainfall bulletin, an agromet bulletin which is realised in 10 days and gives a forecast that helps farmers prepare and plan, and a 10 day seasonal forecast. Farmers also get a monthly update of the forecast.
HARARE City Council has denied liability for the deaths of people and destruction of cars when trees fell on cars during thunderstorms.
Two people were killed in Mbare when a commuter omnibus they were in was hit by an old tree while destructive incidents were reported in the Central Business District (CBD), Rhodesville, Eastlea as well as surrounding suburbs.
Councils are responsible for maintaining their immediate environs.
Harare City Council Principal Communications Officer Innocent Ruwende yesterday described the destructions as a natural disaster.
“What we can only do is to urge members of the public to desist from parking under the trees during the rainy season because these are adverse weather conditions.
“It’s just like what happened in Chipinge, tongobatsirana senyika because these are natural disasters,” he said.
Asked whether Council will consider compensating the victims, he said:
“Nothing much we can do.
“We are in the process of cutting down all old trees and those which need pruning.
“The rains have loosened the ground and the trees are falling.
“Note that it is not only the old trees that are falling.
“We have done much of the work on our drainage system and we urge residents to complement our efforts through proper waste disposal.”
Own Correspondent|President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s spokesperson George Charamba has launched a scathing attack on the Uniter States accusing the super power of working with the MDC Alliance to frustrate Zimbabwe’s engagement with the European Union.
Charamba accused MDC Alliance of engaging in chaos in Harare on Wednesday to get a response from the police so that they allege suppression by the state.
Below is the full attack by Charamba.
Did you know know? It’s not fortuitous that MDC-A’s Chamisa set his HONA provocation yesterday, a day before the resumption of Zim/EU higher level talks set for today, 21st November, 2019, and that America which is opposed to these talks has been swift with its one-sided condemnation…of the illegal gathering, obstructive demonstrations by opposition. However you translate HONA [dry, meatless bone; or simply behold], MDC-A is hell-bent on wrecking re-engagement efforts through contrived political spectacle [behold!] to ensure sterile outcome [dry bone!].
The SADC-led African and Third World Anti-Sanctions campaign observed on October 25 rattled the West, USA especially, which is why resumption of ZIM/EU higher level re-engagement talks here is Harare creates optics of acquiescence which America abhors and detests.
In any event, America has been opposed to EU’s re-engagement thrust, which is why it seeks to either overwrite the re-engagement agenda towards a cul-de-sac, or wreck the talks altogether so EU and USA are once more at one against Zimbabwe. Repeated defeat of MDC in by-elections has not helped USA strategy on Zimbabwe, much of it resting on an effective and even violent opposition in Zimbabwean politics. Additionally, the removal of POSA and AIPPA on Zimbabwe’s statutes, and replacement of both by laws which the MDC-A supported or never boycotted, let alone stopped, means USA is fast losing a credible basis upon which to rest & justify its illegal sanctions which greater part of the EU find harder and harder to retain, let alone justify. Both US and EU watch with growing concern a Zimbabwe looking elsewhere for succour.
As the US position gets unsustainable and more and more untenable, Zimbabwe and SADC should be wary of USA divisive diplomacy, including use of errant officials of sister Govts within SADC to try and suggest sagging solidarity against illegal sanctions. The past provides enough.
Examples of such contrived dissent falsely meant to symbolize weakening solidarity within SADC. Also to watch is our conscience industry – the Churches – which will become more and more strident in mounting political initiatives, many of which find echo even though absurd.
Paul Nyathi|The police in Botswana have arrested and charged a 19-year old girl to court for allegedly mimicking the First Lady, Leo Masisi, on her Facebook page, Mmegi online reports.
On or around November 11, the arrested 19-year old identified as Moniwe Nicholas Kamwi shared a Facebook post which reportedly violated the country’s cybercrime laws which came into effect in 2018.
The charge sheet mentions her “posting a photo of First Lady Neo Masisi… likening her with comedian William Motsetserepa,” according to Mmegi Online.
Such an offence can carry a fine of up to 20,000 Bostwanan pulas (£1,400; $1,800) or up to a year in prison, the news site says.
Cabinet has reportedly approved the renaming of several roads in Harare during a cabinet meeting held on Thursday. This was revealed by Larry Moyo on Twitter:
Enterprise – Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa
Kirkman – Solomon Mujuru Drive
Livingstone – OR Tambo Ave
Charter – Fidel Castro
Cameroon – Joseph Msika
Selous – John Nkomo
Fife Avenue – Leonid Brezhnev Avenue
JUST IN: Harare roads RENAMED Cabinet has approved these changes:
On the rampage “police” officers going after MDC supporters.
Paul Nyathi|POLICE and State Media reports claim that the widely condemned brutality by the police on MDC supporters in Harare on Wednesday was a mere procedural move to disperse an authorised gathering.
The police claim that the MDC supporters who were gathered outside the party offices to be addressed by President Nelson Chamisa disrupted traffic and harassed vendors along Nelson Mandela Avenue and First Street.
“Police ordered the party’s supporters to assemble inside the venue and vacate the streets but they defied the order,” claimed the State run Herald.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said: “The police engaged some MDC-Alliance officials including (Chamisa’s spokesperson)Nkululeko Sibanda and asked them remove their supporters from the road but some of them became confrontational and stoned one police officer, who was injured and taken to hospital.”
Anti-riot police fired tear gas and attacked a crowd of opposition supporters with batons in the capital on Wednesday.
The crowd gathered outside the headquarters of the main opposition Movement for Democratic Change Alliance (MDC) to hear party leader Nelson Chamisa’s planned “hope of the nation” speech.
A handful of opposition supporters danced and sang for several hours in the morning as police watched from a distance.
A balcony at the headquarters had earlier been converted into a makeshift podium after police barred the MDC from holding the event at the Africa Unity Square, the main venue of opposition protests.
A banner with a photo of Chamisa and public address equipment were perched on the balcony in anticipation.
Cash-hamstrung Harare City Council has ring fenced at least 3 700 stands to offer its employees in lieu of salary arrears dating back to 2017.
The council, battling to pay workers’ salaries and provide basic services owing to low revenue inflows, has also announced to launch a blitz targeting debtors, to offset some of the employees backlog. Addressing journalists at Town House this morning, Housing committee chairperson Hammy Madzingira said the allocation of stands to beneficiaries will commence in two weeks time.
“I am further pleased to advise that I have instructed that certain pieces of land be ring fenced for the benefit of the affected employees. These pieces of land are as follows Mabvuku (1 832), Tafara (342) and Eyestone (1 000),” he said.
MDC leader Nelson dispatched Bishop Nehemiah Mutendi of the Zion Christian Church (ZCC) to meet President Emmerson Mnangagwa and indicate that he is willing to sit with him and dialogue.
This was revealed by ZANU PF National Spokesperson Ambassador Simon Khaya Moyo who told state media that, “The President is ready to talk to anyone. I understand the MDC leader met with Bishop Nehemiah Mutendi of the Zion Christian Church (ZCC).
“Chamisa told Bishop Mutendi that MDC-A was willing to talk to President Mnangagwa anytime. He must do a follow up with the envoy. I hope that is the right thing to do.”
Chamisa has refused to join POLAD the platform that brings together all political parties that contested Presidential elections in the 2018 plebiscite.
Delivering his Hope of the Nation Address on Wednesday Chamisa said that he wanted a transitional authority to prepare comprehensive reforms that would usher in a new dispensation.
“We have to come together to find the definition of our problems. We are appealing to SADC to call Zanu-PF and MDC to engage each other for the national cause. The main show should be between Zanu-PF and MDC, but it should be done outside the Political Actors Dialogue (POLAD). We are committed to dialogue outside POLAD.”
South African Minister of International Relations Naledi Pandor said South Africa is ready to assist in the mediation process if it is invited to do so.
After the 2008 elections, SADC MANDATED South to mediate between MDC and ZANU PF leading to the GNU that ended in 2013.
ZANU PF has refused to meet Chamisa outside POLAD.
Cabinet has approved for the renaming of Enterprise Road to Emmerson Mnangagwa among a host of name changes made on various roads and buildings around the country.
Presenting the cabinet decision matrix today, Acting Minister of Information Mangaliso Ndhlovu said government had approved the naming of Enterprise road after Mnangagwa as well as the renaming of Harare Central hospital after the late former first lady Sally Mugabe.
Several Harare butcheries have been closed down while their owners and some meat vendors were arrested this week during a joint raid by police and city authorities on butcheries selling uninspected meat believed to be contaminated.
The raided butcheries are in Mabvuku, Dzivarasekwa, Highfield, Southlea Park, Warren Park, Glen View and Budiriro. Deputy Harare police provincial spokesperson Assistant Inspector Webster Dzvova and the City Health Services Department confirmed that they were conducting a crackdown on the errant butcheries and meat vendors.
The meat from the raided butcheries and vendors was confiscated and sent for laboratory testing. The raid followed reports that some butcheries are using embalming chemicals as meat preservatives. Investigations conducted so far revealed that the scam involves the use of formalin, a chemical mixture of preservatives used on corpses, which is sprinkled on meat products to make them look fresh and to extend their shelf life.
Formalin is used for embalming in mortuaries to temporarily prevent the decomposition of a human body after death. Sodium metabisulfite, a white chemical, is mixed with water and sprayed on the meat to maintain its reddish hue and create the impression that it is fresh. Used in large quantities, the chemicals can keep flies away and preserve the meat for as long as two months. Soda water is also sprinkled on the meat to maintain its reddish colour.
Police in Harare province have since embarked on crime awareness campaigns urging people to desist from buying suspicious meat.
Farai Dziva|Joey Antipas has explained his reported resignation as the Warriors’ interim coach which happened just a day after guiding the national team to a 2-1 victory over Zambia in the Afcon Qualifiers.
The gaffer signed a six-month contract with ZIFA in August which expires on December 31. He was tasked to oversee the team’s Chan, Afcon and World Cup qualifiers until the end of the year.
His last game in charge was the Tuesday’s victory in Lusaka, and the coach believes he is technically no longer in charge despite having another month on his contract.
“I have done my six games, so it is now entirely up to Zifa,” he told ZTN Sport.
“I need to go back to the drawing board and have a good thought about it because one thing is that this job is a thankless job.
“I think we worked very hard with the boys, respect one another, so it is entirely up to Zifa. I have done my six games, and I can’t say I’m still the national team coach.”
Antipas has also revealed that he is open to bounce back on a substantive basis if the association decides to engage him, but that will depend on certain conditions as he still has a contract with Chicken Inn.
“It really depends on a lot of things. I wouldn’t want to comment much, but I’m open to discussing,” he said.
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 MDCYouthAssemblyNationalSpokesperson
Farai Dziva|Zambian natioal team goalkeeper Mwenya Chibwe strongly believes Zimbabwean forward Khama Billiat is unstoppable.
Chibwe, who was between the sticks for Chipolopolo on Tuesday when they were raided by the Warriors at the National Heroes Stadium courtesy of a Billiat brace, thinks he (Billiat) will certainly lead Amakhosi to South Africa’ biggest club football prize.
“With no doubt… unless injuries,” he told Kick Off when asked if Billiat can lead Chiefs to the title.
“He was on fire, what a player. He made a difference in the Zimbabwe team. Every time the ball went to him [you knew] something is going to happen… making a save or my defenders block or it’s a corner.”
“The first goal it was a corner and Billiat got a head to it. The second one Musona dribbled my defenders then passed to Billiat, he was left alone in the box then punished.” he added.
A DIVORCE has turned nasty as hubby tried to set his ex-wife on fire in the house, a court heard.
Prisca Mugwagwa disclosed this during a trial before a magistrate court where she applied for a restriction order against her ex-husband Aledeyse Mugwagwa.
Prisca said she is now living in fear due to her ex-husband’s behaviour after many attempts to burn her in the house together with the children.
Aledeyse Mugwagwa
“I am now living in fear as he is always trying to burn my house whilst the children and I will be inside.
“He once came at around midnight and poured thinners on the cloth that I use to divide the room and set it on fire.
“I suddenly saw some smoke coming from the other side and when I went to check what happening, I saw then saw him running away,” she said.H-Metro
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 MDCYouthAssemblyNationalSpokesperson
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
Dravens Healthcare in the United Kingdom is currently recruiting Zimbabwean health practitioners.
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Dravens Healthcare has briefly described the types of services it offers on its website:
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Yesterday’s events at Morgan Richard Tsvangirai House where the illegitimate Emmerson Mnangagwa regime unleashed rogue police elements to unleash violence on innocent citizens is a clear reminder that military dictatorship has totally usurped the liberation war agenda.
Reading from the colonial book where colonial regimes would unleash their repressive state apparatuses on their very own people, Emmerson Mnangagwa unleashed a ruthless semi military police force to beat up women and children including those on their mothers’ backs.
Reminiscent of Ian Smith’s mabhurakwachas that were infamous for their brutality on fellow citizens, Mnangagwa’s semi military police force ran riot at MDC offices beating up and spraying teargas on its very own citizens.
Just like other post colonial regimes elsewhere in Africa like Idi Amin and Mobutu Sese Seko’s military regimes, Mnangagwa’s ‘New Dispensation’ has proved to be nothing more than a cabal of petty comprador bourgeoisie whose mental horizon is only driven by greedy and neocolonialism agenda.
As rightly posited by Fanon’s revolutionary scholarly writings, this clique that purpots to be torchbearers of the liberation agenda via Mgagao nonsense has proved to be nothing more than BlackSkininWhiteMasks!
They have copied everything and forget nothing from the colonial state!
For them, to be is to be like them!
Just like as Ian Smith’s colonial regime butchered natives at Chimoio and Nyadzonio, Emmerson Mnangagwa’s native comprador regime has guts to spray live ammunition on its defenseless citizens as was the case on 01 August 2018.
Whereas Smith used the draconian LOMA to ban demonstrations, Mnangagwa has a perfected piece of repressive legislation called MOPA that he uses to quash and mop up any dissenting voices.
While the liberation agenda is about social egalitarianism, Mnangagwa’s comprador bourgeoisie regime never cares about what people want as it is an elite class that is driven by self-political interest to siphon the country of its mineral resources.
Following the neocolonialism agenda, Mnangagwa’s ‘New Dispensation’ is virtually becoming a conduit that connects Asian and Gulf countries to our precious mineral resources in exchange for guns and chemical weapons to be used against our people.
While the revolution and the liberation agenda was about dismantling colonial legacies, Mnangagwa through the military have successfully established neocolonialism via a farcical ‘Operation Restore Legacy’.
It is overt that Mnangagwa is an antithesis of the Liberation Agenda and clearly has no place in the National Democratic Agenda.
Already ED has been judged and found guilty of crimes against humanity by the ever dependable court of public opinion and just like his fellow native compradors of the past, the end is nigh!
Stephen Sarkozy Chuma MDCYouthAssembly National Spokesperson
By A Correspondent- At least 22 women are r_ped daily in Zimbabwe while one-third of females are s_xually assaulted by the time they celebrate their 18th birthday.
This was revealed by Zimbabwe Gender Commission (ZGC) chairperson Margaret Sangarwe while speaking at an awareness campaign ahead of the commemoration of this year’s 16 days of activism against gender-based violence in Zimunya area, Mutare.
She said:
Twenty-two women are raped daily in Zimbabwe, one woman is abused every 75 minutes and an average of 646 women are being s_xually-abused monthly and one in three girls is raped or s_xually assaulted before they reach the age of 18.
Sangarwe also revealed that there is a sharp increase in rape cases of minors as well as a rise of 30 per cent of early child marriages.
This year’s 16 days of activism against gender-based violence will start on November 25 and run until December 10. It will be held under the theme “Orange the World: Generation Equality Against Rape.”
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
AN unidentified woman is suspected to have been killed and dumped in a Bulawayo City Council manhole in Pumula South Suburb.
Her body was discovered by two council employees who were attending to a blocked sewer pipe on Monday morning.
Sources said the woman whose body was already decomposing was drenched in sewer while wrapped in a cloth fuelling suspicions that she was killed and her body dumped in the manhole to conceal the crime.
Bulawayo police spokesperson Chief Inspector Precious Simango confirmed the death and said investigations were underway.
“We are investigating a sudden death case where a woman suspected to be in her early 30s was found dead in a manhole in Pumula South suburb.
The body was discovered by two council employees who were attending to a blocked sewer pipe in the suburb following complaints by residents. They informed their superiors who together with police attended to the scene and the body was retrieved by council’s Fire Brigade Department,” said Chief Insp Simango.
She said the body was taken to United Bulawayo Hospitals for post-mortem.
Chief Insp Simango said police could not immediately comment on circumstances leading to her death.
“Our investigations are in progress. That’s all we can say at the moment. We can’t speculate on what could have led to her death. We are still waiting for the post-mortem report which will guide our investigations,” Chief Insp Simango said.
Pumula South’s ward 27 councillor Alderman Siboniso Khumalo said the incident has left the community shocked.
“It’s not something that we expect as a community. It’s saddening and many people suspect she was murdered,” said Ald Khumalo.
— Chronicle
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 brewed a shocker 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.
Former Cabinet Minister, Ignatius Chombo’s, latest application for the temporary release of his passport has been granted by the High Court.
As a condition for the temporary release of the passport, Chombo was ordered to surrender title deeds for his Marlborough property as surety. The tittle deeds will be returned to him in exchange for the passport.
The order compels Chombo to return the passport on 3 December. Chombo is currently on bail on several charges including criminal abuse of office and violating Section 4(a) of the Prevention of Corruption Act (Chapter 9:16) by allegedly conniving with Psychology Chiwanga, Rejoice Pazvakavambwa, Iben Fransisco, James Chiyangwa, Theresa Chenjerayi, Elias Choto and Lazarus Chimba to forge documents used to transfer a Glen Lorne, Harare, property from the Harare City Council to Alois Chimeri.
It is the State’s case that the duo acted in connivance with Chombo, Chiwanga, Francisco, Chiyangwa, Chenjerayi, and Choto. Allegations are that on a date unknown to the State, Chimba wrote a memo dated June 13, 2008 to the City of Harare, indicating he had no objection to a double transfer of a property in Glen Lorne to Chimeri.
He also did not object to Chimeri being given title deeds to the said property, which had been acquired illegally and sold to him by Chombo. According to the State, Chimba also influenced Harare City Council to illegally get compensation for the said piece of land, which had been sold by Chombo.
Pazvakavambwa, it is alleged, authored another document on June 25 the same year addressed to the City of Harare, confirming the property had been sold to Chombo.
Pazvakavambwa, who is the deputy director of valuations and estate management in the Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing and Chimba (70), who is the registrar of valuers, have since been arrested as Chombo’s accomplices.
They are accused of facilitating the transfer of council property worth over $900 000 into Chombo’s name.
They appeared before Harare magistrate Josephine Sande on charges of violating Section 4 (a) of the Prevention of Corruption Act (Chapter 9:16).
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.
Ranganai Zimunya a member of the Young Journalists Association (YOJA) was Wednesday assaulted by anti-riot police officers while covering MDC President Nelson Chamisa’s Hope of the Nation Address, evidence that the state continues to disregard basic media rights despite continued complaints by journalists.
Zimunya who is with Community Radio Harare (CORAH) received two baton stick lashes despite identifying himself as a journalist.
He suffered a swollen back.
Zimunya who is accredited with the Zimbabwe Media Commission (ZMC) said officers ignored him when he identified himself as a journalist.
Also beaten were journalists from Open Parly, Daniel Chigundu and Loreen Tadzingwa.
We appeal to reason amongst those in power and control of state security agents.
We appeal to the Minister of Information Monica Mutsvangwa to add a voice in defence of freedom of the media, freedom to receive and impart information and the right to personal dignity.
Her silence is too loud and doing us more harm than good.
To officers in command, YOJA respectfully asks that you control your agents as their action continues to taint our country’s name on the international stage.
Journalism is not a crime and actions of junior officers should reflect that they are indeed undergoing Basic Human Rights courses.
By Own Correspondent| Zimbabwe Republic Police officers and or as ZANU PF politicians can be prosecuted in the UK for torture, it has emerged.
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.
