What has since happened to President Museveni was aptly captured by late Hon. Eriya Kategaya in his book “Impassioned for Freedom”. Condemning Mr. Museveni’s third term bid, Kategaya wrote; “I have observed that the longer one stays in power, the more one is insulated from reality. The trappings of state apparatus tend to make one live an unrealistic existence.”
Sadly, President Museveni has been living this ‘unrealistic existence’ for a long time now. For starters, he removed all doubt about who has been blocking our music concerts. Ridiculously, he says that I cannot stage concerts because I discredited his government to foreign investors! So, you can see! The same police which desperately wanted us to believe their stories about late comrade Ziggy Wyne is exposed once again! They have been saying that our shows are stopped because we didn’t have enough ambulances, a traffic management plan, and that all of a sudden our venue had become too small to host our fans. Now, President Museveni busts his own shadow by exposing their lies!
Shamelessly, Mr. Museveni also told BBC News Africa that I am an enemy to Uganda’s progress! You can imagine the lack of shame. In case he has forgotten, let us remind him who and what the real enemy of Uganda’s progress is!
The real enemy to Uganda’s progress is a 34-year-old dictatorship which has nothing left to offer to Uganda.
The real enemy to Uganda’s progress are the sickening levels of corruption for which President Museveni is a chief priest.
The real enemy to Uganda’s progress is the breakdown of democratic values, characterised by rigging elections, violation of civil rights and liberties and the blatant disregard of the law.
The real enemy to Uganda’s progress is a failed education system where millions of our nation’s children do not finish primary school; where children study under trees, and those who are lucky to finish school have no skills whatsoever.
The real enemy to Uganda’s progress is a sick healthcare system- where the few health facilities are understaffed and ill equipped. Where health-workers are poorly paid and the few drugs sold on the black market. Where the casualty ward at Mulago hospital is itself a casualty- victims of accidents sleeping in their blood on the cold floor.
The real enemy to Uganda’s progress are the rampant land evictions, where poor Ugandans are thrown off the only thing left in their possession by the powerful and mighty.
The real enemy to Uganda’s progress are the murders of our people at the hands of the state- Kasese being only an example.
The real enemy to Uganda’s progress is the nepotism and sectarianism practiced in the public service and championed by President Museveni himself. Where merit no longer counts and a small clique controls every aspect of the state!
The real enemy to Uganda’s progress is the breakdown of state institutions and erosion of their independence. Where a president controls the judiciary, parliament, police, IGG, etc.
The real enemy to Uganda’s progress is the excessive wastage of public resources – where President Museveni and his cronies bulge in abundance at the expense of an overtaxed, poor Ugandan.
The real enemy to Uganda’s progress is the illegal, high-handed grabbing of Uganda’s public assets and resources!
You can add on and on and on……… The enemy to Uganda’s progress is not me and other Ugandans who are fighting to free our nation from oppression, suppression and exploitation!
INTERVIEW OF ZIMBABWE’S SPEAKER OF PARLIAMENT WITH SIMBA CHIKANZA AT THE IN-HOTEL IN SERBIA ON SUNDAY 13TH OCTOBER 2019.
The interview by Simba Chikanza (SC) with Adv Jacob Mudenda was recorded partly on audio and the rest on video. It began with Simba Chikanza showing Adv Mudenda his official name badge presenting himself as a journalist doing research over the Interparliamentary Union ( The Union of all parliaments around the world).
Adv Mudenda was happy doing the brief interview which later became heated.
Watch video below. ..
FULL VIDEO OF INTERVIEW (PLUS AUDIO) LOADING BELOW…
SC: Many of the things that are coming on Zimbabwe; right now, I have just met some Tanzanians who were criticising us, heavily, just here.
Well, we are being told that we are now 7 times worse, more, than when we were during Robert Mugabe times. I think that is one matter that I am going to need a short engagement with you Sir.
Mudenda: There are exigencies (sic)
SC: Excuse me?
Mudenda: There are exigencies (sic)
SC: Let me just, while we are, let me just get a picture with you if you don’t mind Sir.
SC: Right, where are we here? Right so, here. Meeting Advocate Mudenda.
Mudenda: Thank you.
SC: You seem to have forgotten me, I don’t know why.
Mudenda: Yeah, I am trying to recollect.
SC: Splendid. Looking forward, I will be with you shortly.
Mudenda: Yeah
SC: Thank you Sir.
Mudenda: Someone will be joining me soon.
SC: Oh, someone will be joining you?
Mudenda: Yes.
SC: Okay, so someone will be joining you. Okay. So what I will do maybe, once they come maybe, I will go away. I am just having a very light one.
Mudenda: Okay.
SC: Oh, thank you Sir. Yeah, the criticism against us is very scathing, it is very heavy, this gentleman from Tanzania who was saying he runs an NGO, and works between Uganda and Tanzania, and he says your country is now 7 times worse than when Robert Mugabe.
Mudenda: What reasons does he give?
SC: Err, we didn’t go into deep, we didn’t get deeper than that, other than him saying the conduct of both government and institutions. He alleges the judiciary as well, and parliament and he mentioned specifically the withdrawal of allowances. Sir.
Ndokutorerai (shall I get you a ) chair?
SC: Sir, the withdrawal of allowances Advocate Mudenda, that has extremely, extremely criticised yourself. On what basis. You have here a topic, local and international policy analysts here, they say you have caused the deterioration of parliament, and.
Mudenda: I have what?
SC: You have made parliament to deteriorate. The value of parliamentarianism is, should be.
Mudenda: Into what?
SC: You are now a spokesman of a military cartel rather than parliament. And in this case Advocate Mudenda, you have a discussion, a topic, that you yourself, you allowed into parliament, you brought this discussion, and that is the 1 August brutality. It is clear even ZBC broadcast this.
Mudenda: (nod and sound in affirmation).
SC: They broadcast this, announcement that the military would be used to change 2018 election results.
Mudenda: (nod and sound in affirmation).
Mudenda: Yes
SC: The same MPs who are meant to be part of your own parliament Advocate Mudenda, they are part of your parliament. And you are the one who allowed this discussion to get into. You allowed it to be discussed.
Mudenda: No, you see the members of parliament have threatened to go to court, so that matter is subjudice.
SC: Sorry?
Mudenda: The matter is subjudice and I am not discussing that.
SC: Because they have threatened to go to court?
Mudenda: Yeah I’m not discussing that.
SC: But then, Sir, aren’t you concerned?
Mudenda: I am not discussing that.
SC: Aren’t you concerned?
Mudenda: I am not discussing that. I am not discussing that.
SC: That we have a clear matter.
Mudenda: I am not discussing that.
SC: You talked about a threat Sir, you talked about a threat advocate.
Mudenda: I am not discussing that.
SC: You talked about a threat.
Mudenda: Can you stop it. Alright?
SC: Advocate, Advocate, a crime is being committed right now. People are dying.
Mudenda: Go to court. Go to court.
SC: Go to court where? People are dying right now in Zimbabwe advocate.
Mudenda: I am not.
SC: I have got; I have got victims of 1 August.
Mudenda: Can you also respect my point of view. Alright?
SC: Do you also respect the people who are suffering, Sir? Do you respect the victims who still have bullets in their bodies, Sir…the victims who still have bullets in their bodies right now?
Mudenda: Can you stop it. Alright. Can you stop it.
SC: Advocate, Advocate, you are the highest you are the most respected person in Zimbabwe you are here to represent parliamentarianism. What parliamentarianism is. You are the person we refer to; we respect you sir. We respect you. And I’ve come to you to ask you about this thing which we are being criticised for; our nation is being criticised right here, Sir.
Mudenda: Can you still stop it. This is not the forum.
SC: Why is it not the forum Sir?
Mudenda: Can you stop it.
SC: But you are the Speaker of Parliament.
Mudenda: Can you stop it. Haaah.
SC: I have got people who are crying I have got victims. Are you concerned that you are no longer the Speaker of Parliament you are now the Speaker of a military cartel?
Mudenda: Can you stop it.
SC: Stop what advocate, stop what?
Mudenda: Can you stop it.
SC: Stop what?
Mudenda: Can you stop it.
SC: But you are destroying our country. You are destroying a whole community. You are right now, even the perception of our nation (sic) Advocate Mudenda.
Are you happy that parliamentarianism has been violated advocate Mudenda? Tell me.
Mudenda: [NO RESPONSE]
So you are not willing to address concerns about parliamentarianism, you are here to represent parliamentarianism and you are mentally torturing MDC MPs adding to the physical torture to victims of violence on 1 August which was done to change election results and this was broadcast on the ZBC. Advocate Mudenda, you are a respected man. You are the highest, the most respected person Sir.
Mudenda: Can you slow down so I can eat.
SC: I shall slow down, but I hope you realise here, that I have got people who are dying, there is a crime that is being committed.
Mudenda: Can I have my breakfast?
SC: You can sir, you can sir, I shall wait.
A crime is being committed Advocate.
Mudenda: Can you move off can you move off.
SC: I am not Sir.
I have got a legitimate criminal concern here, a legal concern sir;
I have got a legitimate legal concern.
UNKNOWN/ UNNAMED MAN – MUDENDA’S AIDE TRAVELED WITH HIM FROM ZIMBABWE:
Sorry sorry I thought I had given you enough time.
SC: No you can’t do this.
SC: Advocate Mudenda people are dying right now people are dying right now and you are mentally torturing MDC MPs. On what basis do you withdraw their allowances for 5-months merely because they are expressing what you brought before Parliament?
Mudenda: Can you move out.
SC: I am here I am not going to move out I am a guest here and I am also; I am very much here; I am very much here; but I will wait on you because this is important, because you are an employee; you are a civil servant Sir; you are a civil servant. This is your job. This is your job, to be accountable to members of the public; to the international community; to prove that you’re doing the job of a speaker of Parliament not a speaker of a military cartel advocate Mudenda.
ZANU PF MEMBERS SAY JACOB MUDENDA WAS HARASSED DURING SERBIA INTERVIEW | WAS HE HARASSED?
No you cannot shut me I’m going to slow down I will allow him to eat but I’m not going to leave here. I am here I am a guest here; I am an invitee to this conference where you are as well; Thank you.
Tine vanhu varikufa right now hamadzedu dzirikufa kuZimbabwe, akomana, varume, mauya kunoku imimi, saka ndanyarara ikozvino. Ndakumirirai. Ndakumirirai.
This is a legal matter, it is also a criminal matter; I am waiting here.
UNKNOWN/ UNNAMED MAN:
I think the honorable speaker has come here to have something to eat.
SC: Yes I will wait for him. I will wait for him Sir
As you can see I have withdrawn, I have withdrawn, I was sitting there when you are sitting so now I have moved away now so we will wait sir. I have got Zimbabweans who are waiting across inside Zimbabwe and around the world. They’re waiting; this is the most respected person; The highest person in the country in Zimbabwe next to Emmerson Mnangagwa.
UNKNOWN/ UNNAMED MAN:
So why are you shouting?
SC: I am not shouting I am waiting sir.
UNKNOWN/ UNNAMED MAN:
I think it is more about threatening than anything.
SC: What threat did you hear? What threat did you hear there?
UNKNOWN/ UNNAMED MAN:
I haven’t heard.
SC: No no no. Please don’t be unreasonable what threat did you hear here? What threat did you hear tell me, can you justify what you said.
UNKNOWN/ UNNAMED MAN:
Know what I am simply saying you know when you are talking on top of your voice if you really want to interview you the Speaker you should interview in a manner that is (sic).
ZANU PF MEMBERS SAY JACOB MUDENDA WAS HARASSED DURING SERBIA INTERVIEW | WAS HE HARASSED?
SC: According to your allegations I am quiet. Thank you.
UNKNOWN/ UNNAMED MAN:
Thank you.
POLICE ARE THEN SUMMONED IN AND DISRUPT THE INTERVIEW THEN THE BELOW HAPPENS….
BREAKING – JACOB MUDENDA HUMILIATED AFTER SENDING SERBIAN POLICE TO CHASE AWAY JOURNALIST AFTER BEING CONTRONTED OVER MENTALLY TORTURING MDC MPs AND 1 AUG VICTIMS, WHICH WAS DONE TO CHANGE 2018 ELECTION RESULTS | FULL STORY TO FOLLOW pic.twitter.com/RQwnMVX86m
FILE PHOTO: Burundi President Pierre Nkurunziza claps after signing the new constitution at the Presidential Palace in Gitega Province
Paul Nyathi|The Burundi authorities are cracking down on the foreign currency black market with more than 40 people arrested in the country since penalties for black market trading were increased last month, according the Ministry of Public Security.
A ministry spokesman said that those who had been arrested were accused of “breaching the central bank regulation on foreign exchange”, the East African reported.
Following the freezing of foreign aid in 2016 – after President Pierre Nkurunziza ran for a third term despite protests from his political opponents who asserted he was violating terms of a deal that ended the civil war – Burundi has suffered from foreign currency shortages.
In October the Central Bank asserted that official reserves in the first quarter of the year covered only three weeks of imports, and has not answered requests for more recent information.
The Burundi authorities are cracking down on the foreign currency black market with more than 40 people arrested in the country since penalties for black market trading were increased last month, according the Ministry of Public Security.
Business Times|The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc) is probing Gloria Magombo, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Energy and Power Development on allegations that she has been drawing a salary from the Zimbabwe Regulatory Authority (ZERA) despite her permanent secretary appointment.
Until her appointment in September last year, Magombo was the CEO of ZERA. Information obtained by Business Times showed that ZACC last week interviewed the acting Zera chief executive, Eddington Mazambani, on why Magombo was withdrawing a salary from the energy regulator.
Insiders say Magombo has been receiving salaries from both the government and ZERA since her appointment as permanent secretary.
Magombo took over from Partson Mbiriri following a reshuffle of permanent secretaries by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Mazambani confirmed ZACC’s inquiry, though insisting that the continued payment of a salary to the former CEO was above board as it had the blessing of the government and the Public Services Commission (PSC).
“Last week I met ZACC officials who were working on that matter and we gave them all the paperwork which showed that the payment of a salary to the former chief executive was above board,” Mazambani said.
“They also spoke to the PSC chairperson who also told them that the salary payment was above board. The payment of a permanent secretary salary from the government is reversed every month, so she doesn’t pick that one up, but the arrangement ended in September and now she is going to get her salary from the government.”
He said ZERA would continue to contribute to a fund which was established by the government to pay salaries for permanent secretaries. There is a plan by the government, as spelt out in the 2019 mid-term fiscal policy review on skills retention, that aims to ensure better packages for permanent secretaries.
According to Mazambani, “the ZERA accountant is the one who was dealing with Magombo’s matter and he has all the paperwork regarding the request by the government through the PSC and our parent Ministry to come up with that arrangement. There was also a correspondence from the Office of the President and Cabinet which questioned the arrangement initially and was told why it was being done.
Explaining the rationale behind the arrangement, Mazambi said “when Magombo was still chief executive here, she had a contract that was lapsing in 2022, so she had taken some loans among other obligations based on the ZERA salary which was going to end in 2022. She then bargained with the government that though she wanted to serve as a permanent secretary, she had made some commitments based on the ZERA salary. She and the government then came to an understanding that ZERA would continue to support the salary of Permanent Secretary Magombo.”
When contacted, Magombo said contract details with her employer were confidential and referred all questions to the PSC chairman, Vincent Hungwe who confirmed that Magombo was drawing a salary from ZERA and that he was not aware whether Magombo was getting a salary from the government.
“The expectation was that ZERA would support the government by way of meeting her salary for a year, by which time the government would have put arrangements in place that would improve the condition of service for critical staff,” Hungwe said. ZACC has also been investigating ZERA’s award of a tender for the construction of its head office by a Chinese firm.
CHAOS is reigning supreme in Zimbabwe netball after the senior team – the Gems – were walked over in what was supposed to be their opening assignment at the ongoing African Championships in Cape Town, South Africa.
The Gems were scheduled to face rivals Uganda on the first day of the tournament.
However, they were officially walked over after arriving late for the game and yesterday they fell 69-39 to hosts South Africa.
Zimbabwe, who in July hogged the limelight with a fairytale run at the World Cup in England, have slumped back to the pathetic state they were in before Liverpool, thanks largely to the poor planning of the Zimbabwe Netball Association (Zina) administration, which is under long-serving president, Leticia Chipandu.
The Gems were supposed to play the Ugandans at 8pm on Friday. However, they only flew out of Harare to Johannesburg at 11am on the same day and were yet to connect to Cape Town by 7.30pm.
Zina public relations official Maimba Mapuranga had claimed that they had successfully negotiated for a re-schedule of the game.
“The Zina president Mrs Chipandu has made the African Netball Association aware of this and consequently the Zimbabwe versus Uganda game has been re-scheduled to the last game for both teams in the tournament, “ said Mapuranga.
But, in a statement that was released on Friday, Netball South Africa said the game was still on.
After missing the game, Zimbabwe now risks dropping on the International Netball Federation rankings, where they are rated number 13.
The Gems debacle comes at a time when the Zina board is under investigation over allegations of incompetence and lack of transparency, among a host of other malpractices.
The Sport and Recreation are yet to complete their probe into the allegations levelled against Chipandu’s administration.
There are indications that a statement might be issued by the regulatory body on Wednesday.
Netball fans took to social media to express outrage over Zina’s conduct.
A netball enthusiast who chose to remain anonymous said, “These people were aware of the African Championships way back. Since returning from the World Cup, why have they been quiet? Financial challenges have always existed for sports in Zimbabwe, but we have always made a way. This association has failed us. Furthermore, why did they misinform the public, claiming that they had negotiated for a re-schedule of the game?”
State Media|THE Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage says the Registrar-General’s office will not renew expired passports that still have blank pages as it was against the International Air Transport Association (IATA) regulations.
This comes following concerns from the public over the continued delays in the processing of passports in the country. The Registrar-General’s office has reported that the passport backlog has now surpassed 370 000.
Most people who are applying for new passports say they have old passports with many blank pages, resulting in calls for the Government to consider extending the lifespan of such documents.
However, Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Ambassador Cain Mathema told Sunday News in an interview that the Government will not consider extending the lifespan of expired passports.
“All passports in the world belong to IATA, no passport belongs to any country, we work according to the rules and laws of that organisation. So, if you have a passport that was not used and has expired, in any case why would one have a passport that they are not using, you cannot use it again. You apply for a new one,” he said.
Minister Mathema said Zimbabwe is part of the international community and passports are part of the international community where rules are standard.
“People who do not use their passports until they have expired are simply showing us that they do not need the passports. You cannot apply for a passport and not use it for years and it expires and you expect my office to grant you the permission to use an expired passport because it still has a lot of blank pages, it does not work. If a passport has expired that’s it, it does not matter how many blank pages it has, it will not work and that is the rule in countries all over the world. We cannot change the international laws because we have a challenge in Zimbabwe of passports.”
He said the situation concerning access to passports was not yet desperate and efforts were being made to ensure that people have travel documents. Minister Mathema said people should be patient as Government has not failed to issue passports but the process was being hindered by the shortage of foreign currency to procure booklets and paper to print the documents.
He encouraged members of the public to continue applying for passports despite the challenges which he said would be rectified as a matter of time. He said it was a Constitutional right to access the vital documents that enable people to travel outside the country. The Registrar-Generals office says it is able to process 750 urgent passports per day.
The country also stopped issuing Emergency Travel Documents more than four years ago after most countries in the region turned them down.
State Media|Government will ‘thoroughly’ investigate the death in custody of one of the 11 suspects that were arrested in the capital last week for allegedly assaulting a police officer.
The Ministry Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services announced the death of Hilton Tamangani (29) on its twitter handle yesterday.
“Government would like to inform the public of the death in custody of an individual who was on remand in the custody of (Zimbabwe) Prisons and Correctional Services,” it said.
“The individual was remanded in a condition of unwellness and immediate medical care was sought for him and he was hospitalised.
“He was attended to by doctors. All deaths in custody are thoroughly investigated. We now await the result of a post-mortem to ascertain the cause of death. We wish to convey our condolences to the bereaved family and friends of the deceased. May his soul rest in peace.”
The deceased lawyer, Kudzayi Kadzere of Kadzere, Hungwe and Mandevere Legal Practitioners, claims his client succumbed to injuries sustained after he was assaulted by police. He, however, indicated that he had not seen the post-mortem results.
“The information that we have is that he was heavily assaulted by police with button sticks and booted feet at the time of arrest, and he succumbed to those injuries.
“The official report of his death is yet to come out and its not clear if he was receiving treatment while in custody,” he said.
Police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said he could not comment as the matter was subjudice.
“The case is before the courts and we cannot comment. Those allegations were also raised in court and the court directed us to investigate, so to comment on that issue will be contempt because its subjudice.”
Efforts to get a comment from Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) were fruitless yesterday.
Tamangani was arrested along with Evans Chinyanga (39), Tichaona Maziya (22), Petros Kaesa (44), Tafadzwa Madziwa (23), Lovemore Chitengo(42), Robson Mutseta (31), Hillary Nyawasha (29), Denford Mlambo (41), Blessing Chirodza (41) and David Tawanda Tekere (35).
The State alleges that the suspects pounced on a police officer , Tatenda Sibiya, who was standing at the intersection of Julius Nyerere Way and Kwame Nkrumah Avenue.
They allegedly took turns to punch and clap him, ordering him to leave ‘their’ area. Tamangani, the State alleged, stole a mobile phone, US$200 and $35 from the police officer during the scuffle.
President Mnangagwa with the Russian President Mr Putin. Mnangagwa will also attend the summit called by Putin.
MOSCOW – President Vladimir Putin hosts dozens of African leaders next week as Russia seeks to reassert its influence on the continent and beyond.
The heads of some 35 African countries are expected for the first Africa-Russia Summit in the Black Sea resort of Sochi next Wednesday and Thursday.
For Putin, the summit is a chance to revive Soviet-era relationships and build new alliances, bolstering Moscow’s global clout in the face of confrontation with the West.
“Russia has always been present in Africa, this is a very important continent,” Putin’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov said ahead of the summit.
“Russia has things to offer in terms of mutually beneficial cooperation to African countries.”
Though never a colonial power in Africa, Moscow was a crucial player on the continent in the Soviet era, backing independence movements and training a generation of African leaders.
Remnants of that influence remain, from the Kalashnikov rifle on the flag of Mozambique to the Angolan flag with its hammer-and-sickle-style gear and machete.
The leaders of former Soviet client states like Angola and Ethiopia will be at the forum, but so will others from where Moscow’s engagement has been traditionally low, like Nigeria and Ghana.
Egyptian President and African Union chairman Abdel Fattah al-Sisi – who Putin has fostered as an ally – will co-chair.
‘PIVOT TOWARDS AFRICA’
“This forum signals Russia’s decisive pivot towards Africa,” said Yevgeny Korendyasov, an expert at Moscow’s Institute for African Studies and former ambassador in Burkina Faso and Mali.
Russia’s ties with Africa declined with the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 and in recent years China has emerged as a key foreign power on the continent.
But Putin’s Kremlin – emboldened by its growing presence in the Middle East and the success of its military intervention in Syria – is trying to play catch-up.
Russian companies have invested in oil and gas in Egypt and Nigeria, in diamonds in Angola and in metals in Guinea and South Africa.
Moscow has also used a combination of arms exports, security expertise and support for local governments to deepen its political and economic presence.
“With varying degrees of success, Moscow is attempting to mobilise its Cold War-era connections and convert its old ideological links into business,” said Arnaud Dubien, the head of the Franco-Russian Observatory.
WEAPONS AND MERCENARIES
The Central African Republic – whose president Faustin-Archange Touadera will attend the summit – has been one of the most prominent examples.
Moscow has delivered weapons along with contractors to train soldiers in the former French colony.
It has flaunted its growing presence in the country, with Russian military contractors patrolling the streets of the capital Bangui and a Russian, Valery Zakharov, serving as security advisor to Touadera.
Moscow has struck a series of military agreements with other African countries and thousands of private Russian security contractors -many of them with experience fighting in eastern Ukraine and Syria – are reported to be working on the continent.
They include mercenaries from the Wagner Group believed to be controlled by Putin ally Evgeny Prigozhin.
In Libya, Russian contractors are reported to be fighting on the side of military commander Khalifa Haftar and in Mozambique, they helped the government fight jihadists.
Russian fighters have also been spotted in Sudan and Madagascar.
Still, analysts say it’s too soon to be speaking of a major Russian presence across the continent.
“There is a real difference between the masterfully promoted narrative and the reality,” French geopolitical analyst Arnaud Kalika said.
In a research paper for the French Institute of International Relations, Kalika said Russia’s return to Africa was more modest than Moscow would want the world to believe.
“Russia needs Africa now more than Africa needs Russia.”
State Media|FORMER Zinara boss, Frank Chitukutuku, who this week changed his name to Frank Mandlamakhulu, has appeared in court facing six charges of criminal abuse of office after allegedly awarding road rehabilitation contracts worth US$20 million to a ‘colleague’ without following legal processes.
Chitukutuku appeared before Harare magistrate Mr Francis Mapfumo yesterday following his arrest in Harare on Friday.
The accused was remanded in custody to Tuesday, for bail hearing, after the prosecution raised an objection that Chitukutuku had changed his name.
Prosecutor Mr Clemence Chimbare told the court that the State wanted to verify information that Chitukutuku and his family had changed their name to Mandlamakhulu.
Allegations against the former Zinara boss are that between January 2009 and May 31 2016, he influenced awarding of contracts worth US$20 million for rehabilitation of roads in Zaka, Buhera, Mhondoro-Ngezi, Murewa and Goromonzi.
The contracts were awarded to Fremus Enterprises (Pvt) Ltd without following procurement procedures. According to the case outline, Chitukutuku had the power over disbursement of road rehabilitation funds.
“The accused, in connivance with former Zinara technical director Moses Julius Juma, corruptly imposed the awarding of contracts for rehabilitation of road works for Rural Districts Councils without following procurement procedures,” read the court papers in part.
“The accused acted contrary to his duties as a public officer for the purpose of showing favour to Fremus Enterprises (Pvt) Ltd, a company owned by his ZAOGA church associate, Freddy Chimbari.”
It is further alleged that Chitukutuku and Juma would threaten to withdraw road rehabilitation funds to Rural District Councils that sought to award road contracts to other contractors ahead of Fremus Enterprises.
According to the charge sheet, Chimbari purchased a US$30 000 residential stand in Glen Lorne for Chitukutuku as a ‘kick back’ for the alleged corrupt awarding of contracts.
Chimbari is also said to have, on different dates, deposited a total US$114 000 in Chitukutuku’s CBZ account, as a return of favour for the contracts.
Farai Dziva|In a statement clearly meant to dilute the impact of MDC leader Nelson Chamisa’s visits to hospitals, government has claimed that “some politicians are violating patients’ rights.”
Chamisa paid impromptu visits to Harare and Parirenyatwa Hospitals where he described the situation at the country’s major health centres as pathetic.Chamisa also visited popular actor Gringo, real name Lazarus Boora in hospital last week.
In a statement the Ministry of Health and Child Care “warned politicians against unwarranted visits to hospitals.
See below an article that was published by a state run weekly publication:
GOVERNMENT has warned politicians, activists and media practitioners against unwarranted visits to hospitals, adding that such action violates the rights of patients.
In a statement yesterday, the Ministry of Health and Child Care said Section 57 of Zimbabwe’s Constitution provides the right to privacy.
“There has been a recent increase in the number of political actors, activists and the media making unauthorised visits to hospitals under different guises and pretexts,” noted the ministry in the statement.
“These invasions of patients’ privacy are unwarranted and are unacceptable.
When in hospitals, patients expect to have therapeutic encounters with doctors, nurses and other caregivers and not political actors leading media crews to record their most private and vulnerable moments…
“We urge all stakeholders including politicians and members of the media to respect the right of others to privacy as enshrined in Section 57 of our constitution,” reads part of the statement.
The Ministry called those intending to visit patients in hospitals to adhere to stipulated visiting times. Hospitals, the statement further reads, should not be used as venues for political grandstanding.
“Hospitals have stipulated visiting hours and limits the number of visitors to two at a time for the reason of controlling possible cross infections as well as compromising care and security of patients,” read the statement.
“Hospitals need to get authorisation from each and every patient before allowing strangers to have access to patients and their medical information.
“This is an international norm which Zimbabwe upholds.
Hospitals are not and should not be used as a venue for rallies.”State media
GOVERNMENT has warned politicians, activists and media practitioners against unwarranted visits to hospitals, adding that such action violates the rights of patients.
In a statement yesterday, the Ministry of Health and Child Care said Section 57 of Zimbabwe’s Constitution provides the right to privacy.
“There has been a recent increase in the number of political actors, activists and the media making unauthorised visits to hospitals under different guises and pretexts,” noted the ministry in the statement.
“These invasions of patients’ privacy are unwarranted and are unacceptable.
When in hospitals, patients expect to have therapeutic encounters with doctors, nurses and other caregivers and not political actors leading media crews to record their most private and vulnerable moments…
“We urge all stakeholders including politicians and members of the media to respect the right of others to privacy as enshrined in Section 57 of our constitution,” reads part of the statement.
The Ministry called those intending to visit patients in hospitals to adhere to stipulated visiting times. Hospitals, the statement further reads, should not be used as venues for political grandstanding.
“Hospitals have stipulated visiting hours and limits the number of visitors to two at a time for the reason of controlling possible cross infections as well as compromising care and security of patients,” read the statement.
“Hospitals need to get authorisation from each and every patient before allowing strangers to have access to patients and their medical information.
“This is an international norm which Zimbabwe upholds.
Hospitals are not and should not be used as a venue for rallies.”State media
ZIMBABWE Under 23 assistant coach Nesbert “Yabo’’ Saruchera is basking in the glory of becoming the first Division One coach to guide his team into the Premiership this year after steering army side Cranborne Bullets into the elite league yesterday.
While they needed a victory of any margin to secure the sole ticket from the Zifa Northern Region Division One, Saruchera saw his soldiers make the most of home ground advantage to overcome the battling Grain Tigers at 2 Brigade Barracks.
Malvern Hwata found the goal that made the difference three minutes before the break and the result torched the soldiers’ wild celebrations.
They will join their Black Rhinos colleagues in the top-flight next year.
Easily the best of the four Division One leagues in the country, the Northern Region naturally led by example by becoming the first to secure their slot in the Premiership.
The Central, Eastern and Southern Regions are yet to decide.
After yesterday’s match, Northern Region chairman Martin Kweza said Saruchera’s men will be handed the trophy and their prize money in a fortnight when they host Cam and Motor at their favourite hunting ground.
This is Saruchera’s second time in his coaching career to help a Division One team win promotion. ln 2014, he guided prisons outfit Flame Lily.State media
JOEY ANTIPAS says Zimbabwe is not desperate to score against Lesotho and his Warriors will not attack the Crocodiles “like Red Indians’’ when the two nations clash in a decisive African Nations Championships qualifier at Setsoto Stadium in Maseru this afternoon.
Kickoff is 3pm. The Warriors carry a 3-1 lead from the first leg and will qualify for a fifth CHAN finals appearance if they win, draw or lose by a one-goal margin. Antipas, who is yet to lose a game in this campaign, has been telling his boys to keep it cool as he smells another milestone in his otherwise respectable coaching career.
“We are not desperate to go out there and score. We only need to contain them, manage the game and keep them at bay.
“The main thing is to qualify because you can win the game and qualify, you could lose the game and qualify, you could also draw the game and still qualify,” said Antipas.
“When you are playing away from home, you cannot go and attack like Red Indians willy-nilly. lf you do that you are exposing yourselves.” The Warriors arrived safely in Maseru and had a feel of the artificial surface at the match venue yesterday afternoon.
For Antipas, game management will be key. “One thing we want to do is contain them, try and manage the game. But it is not a defensive approach, it is more of a counter-attacking approach. “If we can contain them and hit them on the break, it will be good because we have got a couple of speedy guys who are more effective on the break,” said Antipas, who has once again given Dynamos’ inform keeper Simba Chinani the nod ahead of the seasoned Ariel Sibanda of Highlanders.
“Lesotho are a very dangerous team at home so, we have to be on our toes, we cannot afford to be complacent, because complacency kills. “We need to be 100 percent focused and 100 percent fit. Once we have all those then we are good to go.”
The Chicken Inn gaffer has been travelling a lot between his base in Bulawayo and Harare as he tries to balance both club and national duty.State media
MARVELOUS NAKAMBA put on another master class performance for Aston Villa, who scored in stoppage time at the end of both halves, en-route to a 2-1 victory over a 10-men Brighton at Villa Park yesterday.
Thrust into the central midfield role for the fifth consecutive league game, the Zimbabwean international did not disappoint as he completed the most passes for Villa, with renowned football statisticians Whoscored.com giving the Hwange born player a 97 per cent pass success rate.
Aston Villa captain Grealish, who was a thorn in the Brighton backline throughout, deserved his goal on the stroke of half-time, bundling home Frederic Guilbert’s low cross.
Adam Webster had headed the visitors into the lead midway through the first half, but Aaron Mooy’s two yellow cards in quick succession handed the initiative to the home team.
Conor Hourihane had a strike chalked off by VAR just nine minutes later, only for Jack Grealish to level matters in first-half stoppage time.
Villa pressed in the second half, but Brighton seemed to have held on, only for Matt Targett’s late goal to break their hearts.
It was the third win of the season for Aston Villa who moved up to 11th on the log, with 11 points and two ahead of giants Manchester United who sit on position 14 ahead of today’s big clash against Liverpool at Old Trafford.State media
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has rejected proposals by the Zimbabwe Heads of Christian Denominations (ZHOCD) to have a seven-year moratorium on elections saying secular systems are run on laws which are bound by constitutions and statutes.
In a 19-page response to ZHOCD delivered yesterday, the President expressed gratitude to the church leaders’ willingness to search for solutions that can take the nation forward, but emphasised that all ideas, proposals and practices should be in compliance with the laws of the land.
“Expectedly, my Government’s response to the ZHOCD document is shaped by, and has to be understood in the context of legal imperatives arising from Zimbabwe’s own laws, principally the Constitution which is the supreme law of the Land.
“Let me emphatically state, at the outset, that my office is a creature of the Constitution and laws of Zimbabwe, both which I am sworn to uphold, defend, obey and respect to their letter and spirit,” the President said.
The President’s response follows a letter written to him by Dr Kenneth Mtata of ZHCOD, which requested that the nation “takes a sabbath period of seven years from all forms of political contestation.”
Dr Mtata’s letter, which was accompanied by a document titled “Call for national Sabbath for trust and confidence building,” proposed the suspension of the constitutional provisions on elections and the holding of a referendum on the structure of a new government.State media
AN 18-year-old Churchill Boys High School student (name withheld) on Friday committed suicide at the Julius Nyerere Parkade.
The boy jumped from third floor and died on the spot.
The tragedy occurred barely a month after Upper Room Ministries leader Reverend Berry Dambaza took his life in the same manner at the same parkade.
H-Metro was at the scene shortly after the tragedy occurred.
Some Churchill High School pupils were seen milling around the scene where different versions of what prompted the boy to commit suicide had already started circulating.H-Metro
Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane insists his meeting with fellow Frenchman and Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba was purely coincidental.
The two were pictured chatting in the United Arab Emirates during the international break, fuelling speculation surrounding Pogba’s future at Old Traford since it is in the public domain that Zidane wants him at Real Madrid, but the coach insisits they met by chance.
“Pure coincidence,” said Zidane ahead of Madrid’s trip to Real Mallorca in LaLiga.
“He was there and I was there at the event and, since we know each other, we talked. That’s all. And it was personal,
“I’m not going to tell you what we talked about, that’s between him and I. But we’ve known each other for a long time, so if we meet, we say hi and we talk.” he added.Soccer24
MDC Youth Assembly Calls For Public Response To Human Butchering
The MDC Youth Assembly is highly disturbed by sad news of the passing on of Hilton Tafadzwa Tamangani at Harare Remand Prison due to injuries sustained from horrendous assault at the hands of police.
It is not a secret that Tamangani’s gruesome murder is a result of another act of premeditated and well orchestrated torture by the very same people who are supposed to protect citizens.
Tamangani’s gruesome murder at the regime’s concentration camp for opposition voices disguised as a Remand Prison is also a clear pointer that Emmerson Mnangagwa fascist regime is unrepentant and even worse than his predecessor.
Ironically the same regime that already has a track record of human rights abuses that is worse than Idi Amin is busy bombarding SADC and anyone who cares to listen with an anti sanctions campaign nonsense.
They want to invite everyone to help them fight against sanctions yet they selfishly invite the sanctions by their deeds such as this one and many other heinous crimes.
This is the same regime that even want us to believe there is a third hand to violence and abductions yet they kill in broad daylight without shame.
As the MDC Youth Assembly we call upon Zimbabweans from all walks of life and across the political divide to listen to the voice of reason and challenge this act of cowardice and human butcher.
Life is sacrosanct and such it MUST be respected, but when the regime act like hyenas in devouring its own citizens, certainly it calls for response in best suitable fashion!
Stephen Sarkozy Chuma_ MDC Youth Assembly National Spokesperson_
By A Correspondent- Fudu primary and secondary schools in Nkayi, Matabeleland North Province, have been closed for three weeks after teachers fled in terror when female teachers woke up wearing their male counterparts’ trousers.
Goblins are said to be behind the bizarre incident which has disrupted public examinations at the institutions.
As if that was not enough, one of the male teachers claimed that whenever he was at the school grounds he would fall into a trance and see the shoes of a teacher who they suspected to have been killed by another teacher at the school.
He said since the last week of September they had faced a hellish time at the hands of the alleged spirit of the late teacher.
Now word doing the rounds is that the spirit of the late is hovering at the school and tormenting teachers.
“ There are two teachers who fought for the position of deputy head and subsequently one died mysteriously and we firmly believe that her spirit is the one that is hovering at the school and disrupting lessons,” he said.
Speaking on condition of anonymity a female teacher confirmed that she and her female counterparts woke up wearing trousers.
“I have not seen anything like that! It’s strange. Just imagine about six of us strangely woke up wearing trousers of our male colleagues,” said the female teacher.
As a result teachers fled the school and pupils at both schools have been left stranded.
A teacher said pupils who were sitting for examinations were affected.
“This thing has left pupils who are sitting for final public O-level examinations greatly affected because they have to walk more than 18 kilometres to Mpumelelo High School where it has been arranged they sit for their examinations.
“This has put the pupils’ preparations for end of year examinations into disarray as it has disturbed their preparations and it’s not known whether they will write examinations or not,” said the teacher.
Parents have been left worried and with the aid of the local leadership have sought the services of a witch-hunters.
A villager from Ward 22, Robert Moyo, said each community member contributed $5 to pay the witch-hunters.
“The pupils who have been disturbed are from Ward 22 and Ward 23 and those wards have more than 200 homesteads respectively. We divided ourselves into two groups.
“Some slept at the primary school while some slept at the secondary school.
“We were asked to sing for the whole night and at around 3am they (witch-hunters) conducted cleansing but they failed to get rid of the beings which they claimed are goblins,” he said.
Village head Victor Mloyi said witch-hunters had failed to exorcise the school of the goblins.
“They have tried to root out the beings for a week but they have failed. We are worried. After paying they tell us they cannot root it out.
“Now we are want to engage Chief Sikhobokhobo to plan the way forward,” said Mloyi.
Provincial education director Matabeleland North province Jabulani Mpofu confirmed the incident: “I can confirm that Fudu Primary School and Fudu Secondary have been affected by beings suspected to be goblins. The local leadership has engaged witch-hunters to exorcise the schools.”
He could not be drawn to explain how they would help pupils sitting for end of year examinations.
By A Correspondent- The proposed Zimbabwe Media Commission (ZMC) Bill has received huge criticism for certain clauses which seem to impinge upon the rights of journalists when it is supposed to be promoting such.
Speaking during a public hearing at the Parliament of Zimbabwe on the ZMC Bill conducted by the Prince Dubeko Sibanda-led Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Information and Media on this Friday, media practitioners called for the amendment of “repressive” clauses of the bill. Media lawyer,
Chris Mhike said:
Bills are supposed to ensure media reforms and higher standards in reforming media policy. Calling for stiffer penalties on journalists is wrong and we cannot have such laws in a democracy as they are draconian.
This is the 21st Century and not the 16th Century and if we criminalise journalism, people will be thrown into prison for minor crimes. The ZMC is not a law enforcement agency; it ought to be there to promote media freedom.
Practitioners also called for the amendment of clauses which give the Minister of Infomation and the ZMC excess powers thereby threatening corporate governance.
They also expressed dissent in the involvement of the police in commissions of inquiry saying this would be tantamount to criminalising journalism.
By A Correspondent- Zimbabwe senior netball team coach, Lloyd Makunde has said that the Zimbabwe Netball Association (Zina) did not sack him.
He told the Chronicle that he did not travel with the Gems to South Africa for the African Women’s Netball Championship on Thursday because he is attending a workshop in Harare.
He said:
I am still the head coach of our netball national team. The only reason why I am not part of the delegation that went to South Africa for the African Women’s Netball Championship is that I am attending a Zimbabwe Olympic Committee run workshop for elite coaches.
There were reports suggesting that Makunde had not travelled with the team because he had been suspended for unclear reasons with some saying that the move was taken following his media remarks about the money he is owed.
The Gems who are currently under the leadership of assistant coach, Ropafadzo Mutsauki were last night walked over by Uganda after they had failed to arrive in Cape Town in time for the 8 pm match. They also lost today’s match to hosts, South Africa.
By A Correspondent| Advisor to President Emmerson Mnangagwa, Trevor Ncube has strongly condemned police brutality on News Day reporter, Ruvimbo Muchenje who was reportedly assaulted by six Zimbabwe Republic Police during the course of her duty in Harare this Saturday.
Reports suggest that she was later hospitalised as a result. Trevor Ncube who was clearly unhappy with the development posted on Twitter saying:
This is totally unacceptable. Are we back to the days of Robert Mugabe where the police and military treated journalists as the enemy of the state? I sincerely hope not. Independent and vibrant journalism is part of a noisy democracy.
I am totally appalled by this despicable conduct by the police against a journalist exercising her constitutional rights. Is the New Dispensation frightened by a young female journalist carrying a camera? I hope not.
Ncube is the chairman of Alpha Media Holdings, the publisher of several publications including News Day and The Independent.
The incident took place when only yesterday (Friday), media practitioners were debating on the Zimbabwe Media Commission Bill which they criticised for taking away reporters’ rights at the same time giving excess powers to the Minister of Information and the Zimbabwe Media Commission.
Lawyers representing eleven men accused of having assaulted a police officer in Harare last week tried to have one of their clients, Hilton Tafadzwa Tamangani moved from Harare Remand Prison to a private hospital. Their efforts were fruitless and Tamangani has since died. See the lawyers’ request in full below.
Poverty along the Kenyan Coast is now forcing residents to rent out their spouses to rich tourists for some income, it has emerged.
To beat the rising levels of poverty, some Kenyans have been handing over their wives or husbands to the tourists who want a good time before reuniting with them after the job.
Among the persons already in the job is James Kimani, a tour guide, who says that he has been renting his wife out for such since August 2018, in pursuit for that extra coin.
He says that it began when a tourist asked for his help to get a Kenyan woman with whom he was to spend his time with in Kenya, and due to the poverty, he handed over his wife.
However, he says, he had to pass her out as his sister to make her acceptable to the man.
“Yes, I have a nice, bubbly woman. She is dark-skinned, well endowed and naughty. She is my younger sister, very single and well behaved. I can bring her tomorrow,” he reportedly told the white man.
He says that they are still married and love each other, though the woman has been away from home for the last two months after he hooked her up with another tourist, adding that she brings home as much as Sh40,000 a month.
“We still love each other, we are still married and she supports this family. She is the breadwinner,” he added.
Kilifi County Police boss Patrick Okeri confirmed having knowledge of the same, adding that it has grown to an extent that some women even have two husbands, a European and their original Kenyan husbands.
“Recently there was a case of a woman with two husbands, a foreigner and a Kenyan. She shares her house with the foreign husband when he comes to Kenya and when he leaves the country her Kenyan husband comes back home,” he said.
Paul Adhuoch who heads Trace Kenya, a child rights organization, says that the same also affects children who are also targeted by the tourists for sex tourism.
He says that over 13,000 minors engage in sexual activities along the coastal counties annually, the majority of them being girls.
This, he says, has resulted in an increase in unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections.
Zimbabwe’s energy regulator today said fuel prices will remain unchanged for next week, much to the relief of motorists used to weekly price increases.
This is the third week in a row that the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) has kept fuel prices unchanged.
From August, ZERA was increasing fuel prices weekly in tandem with the floating exchange rate, much to the chagrin of motorists.
The interbank rate has almost been static at 15:1 since the beginning of this month.
Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube said the aim was to increase the price of fuel until it reaches US$1.
The price is now about US$1 using the interbank rate but is US$1.10 for petrol and US$1.16 for diesel using the black market rate for bond notes against the US dollar.
But in spite of the price increase, the commodity has remained scarce, with long winding queues a common feature at all fuel stations.
In a statement today, ZERA said fuel prices for the week starting 21 October remain unchanged at $14.97 per litre of petrol and $15.64 for diesel.
“Please be advised that the fuel prices effective Monday 21 October 2019 are as follows: $15.64 per litre for diesel and $14.97 for petrol.
“Accordingly, prices have therefore not changed for both diesel and blend. Operators may however sell at prices below the cap depending on their trading advantages,” said ZERA.
While the regulator encourages fuel companies to sell at below the set prices depending on their trading advantages, the operators hardly do that. Instead, many actually charge above the set thresholds.-New Ziana/Own
Botswana’s main opposition candidate on Saturday said his party would win more than 50% in next week’s parliamentary elections, as the ruling party struggled with the fallout from a damaging split.
Duma Boko, leader of the opposition Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), could be the country’s next president if his party wins next week’s parliamentary election
Duma Boko, leader of the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), told AFP he expected his coalition to secure at least 51% of the vote.
“I think we will win this election and we should,” said Boko.
“We believe we will get a minimum of 33 constituencies,” he added. The parliament in Botswana has 65 seats.
The 49-year-old Harvard law graduate, was speaking to AFP in Botswana’s capital Gaborone, sporting a white-and-blue tailored suit — the colours of the coalition.
If his prediction is right, he could be the country’s next president, as the party that wins the most parliamentary seats decides who gets that post.
Hailed as a beacon of democracy in Africa, Botswana is gearing up for a hotly contested poll that could see the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) lose seats in parliament.
BDP suffered a drop in popularity during the last election in 2014, when it secured 47% of votes.
President Mokgoweetsi E.K Masisi has had to contend with a damaging split with former ally Ian Khama
It was the first time the party, which has governed Botswana interrupted since 1966, dropped below the 50% mark.
That year, Botswana’s two main opposition parties — which had united under the UDC banner — won 30% of votes.
And since those elections, the ruling BDP been hit by divisions at the top.
Botswana’s current president Mokgweetsi Masisi was appointed by Ian Khama — the BDP’s former leader and son of its founding father — when his term ended last year.
But Khama walked out of the BDP in May this year, accusing Masisi of autocracy.
He went on to back a small splinter party of BDP dissenters, and is even urging voters in some constituencies to back the UDC.
‘Fragmented’ party
“(The BDP) is a pale shadow of what it once was,” said Boko. The “fragmented” ruling party offered “no hope to the people of Botswana”, he added.
The UDC has promised to create 100,000 new jobs within a year and to triple minimum wage to around 3,000 pula ($275).
“Decent Jobs, Decent Lives: it’s possible”, says the coalition’s election slogan, which critics have described as populist.
Boko said he held no hard feelings against his rival Masisi.
“We appreciate and love him,” said Boko. “But we will criticise him fiercely when we feel that he’s veered off course.”
Election coverage however had been unfair, as the state media had overwhelmingly focused on the ruling party, he argued.
“Anybody who says these elections can even be remotely fair doesn’t know what fairness looks like,” said Boko.
Just under a million voters are expected to cast their vote on October 23.
That Zimbabwe is able to punch above its weight across a wide range of sporting disciplines is one of the few remaining sources of national pride for this country.
African’s greatest Olympian, a world number one golfer, an Olympic gold medal-winning hockey team, a Test cricket number one-ranked batsman, a Paralympics champion, a three-time-in-a-row Comrades Marathon winner, a 10-time tennis Grand Slam doubles title winner, two global rugby Hall of Famers, a diving World Championships gold-medalist.
These are just some of the prime examples of world-class feats achieved in modern times by athletes representing Zimbabwe, or attached to the country, not to mention those that continue to do admirably well under the flags of other nations.
It is rather strange, though, that for a country whose number one sport is indisputably football, the common narrative in some parts of the world — when it comes to sport in Zimbabwe — is not about this shared global heartbeat dubbed the beautiful game.
On the face of it, it would appear that the universal low opinion of Zimbabwean football is not totally misplaced.
Zimbabwe only qualified for its first Africa Cup of Nations in 2004, exactly a decade after neighbouring rivals Zambia were losing finalists at the continent’s premier football event.
Our other cross-border foes, South Africa, needed just four years following the end of international isolation and arrival of democracy in the Rainbow Nation to be crowned African champions.
As for us, after following up on our maiden 2004 Nations Cup appearance with a second successive trip two years later, the Warriors would only be seen again at the tournament more than a decade later in 2017.
Meanwhile, Zambia just next door – after being denied by Nigeria 16 years earlier – were claiming their first Nations Cup title in 2012 during Zimbabwe’s time in familiar oblivion.
It is thus reasonable to conclude that in terms of footballing pedigree, Zimbabwe is a weaker nation that the aforementioned two neighbours, because inevitably the trophy cabinet does not lie.
While sport is often expressed in number terms, like trophies and medals won, if the definition of success was to go undergo deeper scrutiny, we could — for all we know — find out that a lot of records are deceptive statistics.
This point can be in part buttressed by a question: if Zimbabwe was desperately poor in football, was it going to produce a quality player like Peter Ndlovu, the first black African to feature in the English Premier League, so good he lasted all those years around the upper echelons of the British game?
What of Bruce Grobbelaar, an absolute legend of English football with Liverpool and a European title winner?
And, of course, not to forget Benjani Mwaruwari, who also left his own unique impression in English football at the peak of his career.
So while Marvelous Nakamba’s remarkable start to his Aston Villa career in England will surprise many across the world, it should not bring out the same kind of reaction among football fans in this country.
Truthfully speaking, with the great array of footballing talent we have seen in this country – past and present – Nakamba’s arrival on the EPL scene, while obviously exciting, does not surprise a lot of us in Zimbabwe a little bit.
While the new Villa man has given his country a rare reason to cheer in troubles times, our previous three Premiership players also gave Zimbabwe a good reputation in the world’s best domestic competition whereas a lot of other African countries — some with much-hyped football profiles and higher rankings — struggle to produce a single EPL player.
It is thus hard to assess whether this or that country, in the actual sense, does better than the next in a certain sport — football, in particular, for the purpose of this argument. Quite evidently, so many factors come into play when it comes to measuring footballing success. Population, economic dynamics, political and sociological circumstances are some of those.
Yet for Zimbabwe, while possessing individual footballers of decent quality here and there is something people in the footballing world really ought to notice — do not forget Marshall Munetsi in the French top-flight – it would mean nothing ultimately if it does not lead to some kind of national success.
But it what it means is that for now Zimbabwe – at most – deserves a voice where football matters are discussed.
Over and above the other sporting codes we excel at time after time, this all-round ability is something to beat our chests about.
African’s greatest Olympian, a world number one golfer, an Olympic gold medal-winning hockey team, a Test cricket number one-ranked batsman, a Paralympics champion, a three-time-in-a-row Comrades Marathon winner, a 10-time tennis Grand Slam doubles title winner, two global rugby Hall of Famers, a diving World Championships gold-medalist.
These are just some of the prime examples of world-class feats achieved in modern times by athletes representing Zimbabwe, or attached to the country, not to mention those that continue to do admirably well under the flags of other nations.
It is rather strange, though, that for a country whose number one sport is indisputably football, the common narrative in some parts of the world — when it comes to sport in Zimbabwe — is not about this shared global heartbeat dubbed the beautiful game.
On the face of it, it would appear that the universal low opinion of Zimbabwean football is not totally misplaced.Zimbabwe only qualified for its first Africa Cup of Nations in 2004, exactly a decade after neighbouring rivals Zambia were losing finalists at the continent’s premier football event.
Our other cross-border foes, South Africa, needed just four years following the end of international isolation and arrival of democracy in the Rainbow Nation to be crowned African champions.
As for us, after following up on our maiden 2004 Nations Cup appearance with a second successive trip two years later, the Warriors would only be seen again at the tournament more than a decade later in 2017.
Meanwhile, Zambia just next door – after being denied by Nigeria 16 years earlier – were claiming their first Nations Cup title in 2012 during Zimbabwe’s time in familiar oblivion.
It is thus reasonable to conclude that in terms of footballing pedigree, Zimbabwe is a weaker nation that the aforementioned two neighbours, because inevitably the trophy cabinet does not lie.
While sport is often expressed in number terms, like trophies and medals won, if the definition of success was to go undergo deeper scrutiny, we could – for all we know – find out that a lot of records are deceptive statistics.
This point can be in part buttressed by a question: if Zimbabwe was desperately poor in football, was it going to produce a quality player like Peter Ndlovu, the first black African to feature in the English Premier League, so good he lasted all those years around the upper echelons of the British game?
What of Bruce Grobbelaar, an absolute legend of English football with Liverpool and a European title winner?
And, of course, not to forget Benjani Mwaruwari, who also left his own unique impression in English football at the peak of his career.
So while Marvelous Nakamba’s remarkable start to his Aston Villa career in England will surprise many across the world, it should not bring out the same kind of reaction among football fans in this country.
Truthfully speaking, with the great array of footballing talent we have seen in this country – past and present – Nakamba’s arrival on the EPL scene, while obviously exciting, does not surprise a lot of us in Zimbabwe a little bit.
While the new Villa man has given his country a rare reason to cheer in troubles times, our previous three Premiership players also gave Zimbabwe a good reputation in the world’s best domestic competition whereas a lot of other African countries — some with much-hyped football profiles and higher rankings – struggle to produce a single EPL player.
It is thus hard to assess whether this or that country, in the actual sense, does better than the next in a certain sport – football, in particular, for the purpose of this argument. Quite evidently, so many factors come into play when it comes to measuring footballing success.
Population, economic dynamics, political and sociological circumstances are some of those.Yet for Zimbabwe, while possessing individual footballers of decent quality here and there is something people in the footballing world really ought to notice — do not forget Marshall Munetsi in the French top-flight – it would mean nothing ultimately if it does not lead to some kind of national success.
But it what it means is that for now Zimbabwe – at most – deserves a voice where football matters are discussed.Over and above the other sporting codes we excel at time after time, this all-round ability is something to beat our chests about.
MDC Alliance vice president Tendai Biti has given Zimbabwe six months to collapse owing to the run away inflation in the country that has seen prices of goods sky-rocketing.
Biti, a former finance minister in the Government of National Unity, said President Mnangagwa and his government have no clue on how to avert the situation.
“The wheels have literally come off and the fan has hit the roof . There has basically been no power for the last 24 hours in many hoods including Harare s CBD.There has hardly been any drop of fuel in gas stations.Prices are at war in shops.This situation can’t last for 6 months,” said Biti.
Biti said at the rate at which things were going, inflation is expected to shoot up to 1000 percent by December.
“That the price of bread is now $16 a loaf and unavailable when a year ago it was a mere $1 is reflective of total failure . The illegitimate regime is clueless. With fuel and the exchange rate shooting cup every week , Zimstat figures are from Mars . Inflation will hit 1000% in December,” said Biti.
He said while Mnangagwa was blaming sanctions for the country’s economic misfortunes, it was actually Zanu-PF that is bringing Zimbabwe down.
” The power situation has gone completely out of hand.The so called level two load shedding is an absolute disaster.The little that remained of industry is suffocating. ZANU is the sanction in this country and any other position is diversionary politicking and grandstanding,” Biti said.
A CHIBUKU Super Cup humdinger is in the offing after resurgent Highlanders FC were drawn against league champions FC Platinum in the quarter-finals in Harare yesterday.
Another interesting fixture will see 2018 finalists Harare City and Triangle United locking horns, while ZPC Kariba clash with Manica Diamonds and Black Rhinos come up against Ngezi Platinum Stars.
All quarter-final matches will be played next weekend at venues to be announced.
Announcing the format and key points to note, Premier Soccer League marketing manager Rodwell Thabe said the first four teams will not be facing each other.
Pure Platinum Play were the first to come out of the hat when Chibuku general manager Tichafa Rinomota and PSL competitions manager Elisha Mandireva conducted the draw. Second to come out of the hat were ZPC Kariba followed by Harare City and Black Rhinos respectively.
“The team that comes out fifth from the hat will square up against the first team to be drawn out of the hat, which in this case is FC Platinum,” said Thabe and coming out fifth were Bosso, who lost 0-2 to Harare City in last year’s quarter-final encounter at Rufaro Stadium.
FC Platinum were themselves eliminated in the first round by Chapungu and the two sides will be eager to do well this time around.
Irrespective of the venue between FC Platinum and Tshilamoya, the Zvishavane side will go into the encounter with a psychological advantage, having last lost 1-0 to Bosso at Mandava Stadium in 2014.
In fact, Bosso have only managed three victories over FC Platinum in the 17 league matches they have contested.
Chibuku commercial services executive Hector Muchuchu said the first round results were testimony that the competition was a tight contest.
“The tournament started with a preliminary round featuring the League’s bottom 4 teams where Mushowani and TelOne FC emerged victorious against Bulawayo Chiefs FC and Yadah FC respectively. The 16 teams then played in the first round matches. I am sure you will all agree with me that judging from the first round results, it is clear that competition is very tight and the cup race is still wide open,” Muchuchu said.
Winners of the Chibuku Super Cup, sponsored to the tune of $1,5 million by Delta Beverages, will represent the country in the Caf Confederation Cup.
Chibuku Super Cup quarter-final draw
Harare City vs Triangle United, FC Platinum vs Highlanders, ZPC Kariba vs Manica Diamonds, Black Rhinos vs Ngezi Platinum Stars
By A Correspondent | Information Ministry Permanent Secretary Ndabaningi (Nick) Mangwana on Saturday afternoon deleted his tweet over the helmetgate scandal which has seen the police being exposed and furthermore killing an innocent vendor Tafadzwa Tamangani.
Following the deletion, Mangwana was handed the below question by another victim Tatenda Mombeyarara who said, “we heard that Tafadzwa Tamangani was murdered: he literally died while in police custody, did you hear about that?
Somewhat responding to the question, Mangwana ‘s tweet was deleted within the hour.
The tweet in question could neither be retrieved at the time of writing.
HWANGE coach Nation Dube’s miserable 12-match winless streak, and Lloyd Chitembwe’s relegation woes with Harare City take the centre stage this weekend. Harare City and Hwange are scheduled to clash in a Castle Lager Premiership match at the Colliery tomorrow.
The two teams, which were both relegated in 2017, find themselves fighting for their lives again with eight games remaining this season.
They both have 28 points, and are jostling for the last place of safety.
Hwange last won a league match three months ago when they beat Chicken Inn 2-0 at the Colliery.
They were hammered 3-1 by title contenders CAPS United in their last outing.
The coal miners are reported to be going through a difficult phase because of the financial challenges.
Hwange returned to the Premiership this year after one-year in the wilderness, and Dube remains optimistic they will survive the chop.
“Let’s not talk about relegation now. If we are to talk about the championship, we are all saying it is going to the wire,’’ he said.
“It’s the same thing with relegation since we still have about eight games to play.
“If we win two games, you will see where we get to. I cannot talk about relegation issues now. We can only talk about it, maybe, with two games left.’’
Harare City have placed their hopes on Chitembwe to pull them to safety.
The Sunshine Boys have won three and lost four of their assignments under the former CAPS United gaffer.
They boosted their confidence last week with a 3-2 win over fellow relegation candidates Mushowani Stars.
“We will continue fighting, I think it is tenable. We just have to try and make it easier for ourselves, this is the way to go.
“Sometimes, it is not about playing pretty football, it is about making sure the job is done,” said Chitembwe.
The relegation puzzle is still unclear, with the bottom seven teams only separated by four points at this stage.
They get the full spotlight as the teams involved in the title race are out of action this weekend because of the CHAN qualifier between Zimbabwe and Lesotho in Maseru tomorrow.
Yadah, Herentals, Mushowani and Bulawayo Chiefs occupy the bottom four places, while Harare City, Hwange and TelOne sit just above.
Paul Nyathi|Mozambique’s main opposition party, Renamo on Saturday accused the government of violating a recent peace agreement by using “violence” during the general elections this week and called for the election to be cancelled.
“The ruling Mozambique Liberation Front (Frelimo) (…) has violated the cessation of hostilities agreement, which states that violence and intimidation must not be used in pursuit of political objectives,” writes the Mozambique National Resistance (Renamo) in a statement, calling for the 15 October election to be cancelled and “new elections” to be held.
Mozambicans voted on Tuesday in a climate of high tension, following a violent campaign fuelled by accusations of fraud on behalf of the regime by the opposition and civil society.
The ruling Mozambique Liberation Front (Frelimo) (…) has violated the cessation of hostilities agreement, which states that violence and intimidation must not be used in pursuit of political objectives.
Renamo also claims that some of its delegates were arrested after surprising election organizers who were distributing more than one Frelimo ballot to voters.
“There have been arbitrary arrests of agents (…) and voters who tried to complain about everything, about the stuffing of ballot boxes, were unable to exercise their right to vote,” Renamo continued in its statement.
The Mozambican Electoral Commission (CNE) began on Friday to publish very partial results of Tuesday’s presidential and legislative elections, which not surprisingly give a large lead to the incumbent president and the ruling party.
These elections were also a test case after the fragile peace agreement reached in August between the ruling party and Renamo, the former civil war rebellion (1975-1992). This agreement was supposed to put an end to their clashes, which have been recurring for more than forty years. But the election campaign rekindled tensions between the two sides.
Interim Warriors coach Joey Antipas has warned his troops not to underestimate their opponents Lesotho when the two sides battle for a ticket to the CHAN 2020 finals in the return leg qualfier in Maseru tomorrow.
Antipas’ charges carry a seemingly healthy 3-1 advantage going into tomorrow’s return leg and only need at least a draw to progress to Cameroon next year but the coach insists The Crocodiles can be a tricky customer in their own backyard.
“It’s an opportunity for them to be seen by a larger audience,” Antipas told The Herald.
“The boys are putting their all and we have to fight hard on Sunday knowing that Lesotho are quite a formidable opponent in their backyard.
“So, there is no room for complacency,” said the Chicken Inn coach.Soccer 24
A 25-year-old woman from Entumbane suburb in Bulawayo was stabbed to death allegedly by her Zimbabwean husband in Cape Town, in South Africa, before he reportedly fled to Harare.
The incident happened on 23 September when Passmore Mugari (36), is alleged to have stabbed Nomakhosi Ntabeni after a domestic dispute in Dunoon, Cape Town, before the suspect fled to Zimbabwe with their four-year-old son. The couple reportedly met in Entumbane years ago when the husband’s family used to stay in Entumbane before they relocated to Harare.
According to the late Ntabeni’s mother, Sinikiwe Ncube (43), messages and pictures started circulating on social media on 24 September about Ntabeni’s death.
“I received a phone call from Nomakhosi’s friends that messages were circulating on WhatsApp and Facebook about Nomakhosi’s death. I contacted Passmore about the incident and he told me that Nomakhosi was well and messages on social media were all a hoax,” said Ms Ncube.
It is understood that Ntabeni was stabbed on the neck following a dispute with her husband.
“Nomakhosi was stabbed on the neck. I went to Cape Town immediately after her death and was told by their neighbours that Passmore was known for physically abusing my daughter in Dunoon,” said a weeping Ms Ncube.
Family sources said Nomakhosi’s passport, cellphone and her household property could not be accounted for amid suspicions that the suspect and his sister, who also stayed in Cape Town, disposed of the personal belongings.
The suspect is reported to have fled South Africa immediately after the death of his wife and was allegedly spotted in Harare on 26 September.
“Passmore arrived in Harare on 26 September and spoke to the family about Ntabeni’s death. We took him for counselling,” said a Mugari family member on condition of anonymity.
Back in South Africa a murder case was opened at Milnerton Police Station in Cape Town with the case number CR14/ 09 /19 and police said the suspect was still on the run.
“We are investigating a murder case which occurred in Dunoon on 23 September and the deceased was stabbed with a knife on the neck. The suspect is still at large,” said a police officer from the station.
The death of Nomakhosi resulted in a flurry of activity between the Ntabeni and Mugari families, with the dispute over the death of the woman delaying her burial as her family sought answers. It is understood that the two families finally came to an agreement over a penalty that the Mugari family had to pay before they could proceed with the burial. Nomakhosi’s body was finally buried on Saturday last week at Athlone Cemetery, after an undertaking was made to pay several head of cattle to the deceased woman’s family.
THREE Zanu PF youths were arraigned before Bindura Magistrates Courts yesterday facing charges of beating a suspected thief to death.
Zivanai Nyazvigodi (38), Alexio Kurai Gondo (26) and Naison Tandaude(31), all from Simoona Farm, were ordered by the High Court to answer to an assault charge after they were initially charged with murder.
The trio pleaded not guilty to the charge before magistrate Moreblessing Makati, who remanded them out of custody to Tuesday for trial.
Prosecutor Vincent Marunya alleged that on May 8 in 2008, and at Simoona Farm, police released the now deceased Nicholas Muringanidze after he had been arrested for stealing an electric motor.
On the same day, when the Zanu PF youths heard that the deceased had been released they teamed up with another suspect, who is still at large and went to Muringanidze’s homestead where they introduced themselves as Zanu PF youths before taking him to a disused house which they used as their headquarters.
The quartet ordered him to lie down and took turns to assault him on his buttocks until he admitted to the offence, leading to the recovery of the missing electric motor.
After assaulting him they took him back to the police station, but Maringanidze eventually died on October 7 of that year from injuries he had sustained.
A FIERCE war of words which almost degenerated into an exchange of blows erupted between an angry city married woman and her husband’s side chick at the Mutare Magistrates’ Civil court on Wednesday this week following the granting of a protection order in favour of the small house.
Memory Muringi teamed up with friends and cornered her husband’s lover, who was only identified as P Mudzimwa, soon after coming out of court where the latter had been granted a protection order against Muringi.
“We will teach you a lesson today, so that you will know when not to mess up with other people’s husbands,” shouted one of the women that surrounded Mudzimwa as they left the court premises.
Mudzimwa had dragged Muringi to court claiming that she was in the habit of calling her and insulting her over the phone, accusing her of having an affair with her husband, whom she claimed, had stopped dating a long time ago.
“Indeed Your Worship, I was in love with her husband but that was before I knew that he was married. I dumped him when I found out but now Muringi just won’t stop. She calls me daily, threatening to deal with me. She accuses me of destroying her marriage and calls non-stop, I have had enough of her calling me a wh0re,” said Mudzimwa.
Muringi however, had no kind words for Mudzimwa whom she called a husband snatcher and marriage wrecker. She justified her actions by claiming that she was only protecting her marriage by calling Mudzimwa and telling her to back off.
“She is a blatant liar, she is still in a relationship with my husband even though he no longer wants her. She pesters him over the phone day and night and he has had enough of her too. Just recently, she texted him at 11pm. The message read ‘You are taking too long to reply, I’m sleeping now, let’s chat tomorrow.’ “She should stop communicating with my husband,” said Muringi.
Upon the granting of the protection order, the furious and angry Muringi had asked the presiding magistrate, Miss Prisca Tendai Manhibi, “Your Worship, so the law protects her even if she is having extra marital relations with my husband only because we do not have a civil marriage? It seems so unfair!”
Miss Manhibi ordered Muringi to confront her husband and stop breaching Mudzimwa’s peace by calling her.
“The text message you read to us clearly shows that your husband and this woman were communicating earlier but you fail to see that, and want to shift all the blame to her. Confront your husband, he is the enemy in this matter,” said Miss Manhibi.
The magistrate also explained to Muringi that since she and her husband did not have a civil marriage, she could not do anything to stop her husband from communicating with other women or take a second wife.
Manchester United are unbeaten in their last six home games against Liverpool, including five league matches (W3, D2).
It is the Merseysiders’ longest winless run at Old Trafford in the top flight since a 10-match streak between 1991 and 2000.
United’s only defeat in their last 10 league games against Liverpool was last season’s 3-1 loss at Anfield, a result which prompted manager Jose Mourinho’s dismissal two days later.
Four of the six most recent Premier League meetings have ended in draws (three of them 0-0) – only four of the previous 36 encounters finished level.
Manchester United
United are two short of becoming the first team to score 2,000 Premier League goals.
They have not scored more than once in any of their past 10 league and cup games – their worst such run since 2007.
The Reds have won just two of their last 13 league matches (D5, L6).
United have earned just 17 points from 16 top-flight matches since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was appointed on a permanent basis.
If United fail to win they will have made their worst start to a league campaign since 1986-87, the season in which manager Ron Atkinson was eventually replaced by Sir Alex Ferguson.
Marcus Rashford averages a Premier League goal every 208 minutes against teams from the established top six, compared to one every 266 minutes versus other clubs.
Liverpool
An 18th consecutive league win would equal the top-flight record, set by Manchester City between August and December 2017.
The Reds could become just the fourth team to win their opening nine top-flight games, matching the Premier League record set by Chelsea in 2005.
The only team who failed to win the title after winning their first nine matches are Manchester United, who ended fourth in 1985-86 despite beginning with 10 straight wins.
Liverpool have won just two of their last 13 league matches away to the other sides in the established top six, though that includes their most recent such game against Chelsea last month.BBC
INTERVIEW OF ZIMBABWE’S SPEAKER OF PARLIAMENT WITH SIMBA CHIKANZA AT THE IN-HOTEL IN SERBIA ON SUNDAY 13TH OCTOBER 2019.
The interview by Simba Chikanza (SC) with Adv Jacob Mudenda was recorded partly on audio and the rest on video. The interview began with Simba Chikanza showing Adv Mudenda his official name badge presenting himself as a journalist doing research over the Interparliamentary Union ( The Union of all parliaments around the world).
Adv Mudenda was happy doing the brief interview which later became heated.
Watch video below. ..
FULL VIDEO OF INTERVIEW (PLUS AUDIO) LOADING BELOW…
SC: Many of the things that are coming on Zimbabwe; right now, I have just met some Tanzanians who were criticising us, heavily, just here.
Well, we are being told that we are now 7 times worse, more, than when we were during Robert Mugabe times. I think that is one matter that I am going to need a short engagement with you Sir.
Mudenda: There are exigencies (sic)
SC: Excuse me?
Mudenda: There are exigencies (sic)
SC: Let me just, while we are, let me just get a picture with you if you don’t mind Sir.
SC: Right, where are we here? Right so, here. Meeting Advocate Mudenda.
Mudenda: Thank you.
SC: You seem to have forgotten me, I don’t know why.
Mudenda: Yeah, I am trying to recollect.
SC: Splendid. Looking forward, I will be with you shortly.
Mudenda: Yeah
SC: Thank you Sir.
Mudenda: Someone will be joining me soon.
SC: Oh, someone will be joining you?
Mudenda: Yes.
SC: Okay, so someone will be joining you. Okay. So what I will do maybe, once they come maybe, I will go away. I am just having a very light one.
Mudenda: Okay.
SC: Oh, thank you Sir. Yeah, the criticism against us is very scathing, it is very heavy, this gentleman from Tanzania who was saying he runs an NGO, and works between Uganda and Tanzania, and he says your country is now 7 times worse than when Robert Mugabe.
Mudenda: What reasons does he give?
SC: Err, we didn’t go into deep, we didn’t get deeper than that, other than him saying the conduct of both government and institutions. He alleges the judiciary as well, and parliament and he mentioned specifically the withdrawal of allowances. Sir.
Ndokutorerai (shall I get you a ) chair?
SC: Sir, the withdrawal of allowances Advocate Mudenda, that has extremely, extremely criticised yourself. On what basis. You have here a topic, local and international policy analysts here, they say you have caused the deterioration of parliament, and.
Mudenda: I have what?
SC: You have made parliament to deteriorate. The value of parliamentarianism is, should be.
Mudenda: Into what?
SC: You are now a spokesman of a military cartel rather than parliament. And in this case Advocate Mudenda, you have a discussion, a topic, that you yourself, you allowed into parliament, you brought this discussion, and that is the 1 August brutality. It is clear even ZBC broadcast this.
Mudenda: (nod and sound in affirmation).
SC: They broadcast this, announcement that the military would be used to change 2018 election results.
Mudenda: (nod and sound in affirmation).
Mudenda: Yes
SC: The same MPs who are meant to be part of your own parliament Advocate Mudenda, they are part of your parliament. And you are the one who allowed this discussion to get into. You allowed it to be discussed.
Mudenda: No, you see the members of parliament have threatened to go to court, so that matter is subjudice.
SC: Sorry?
Mudenda: The matter is subjudice and I am not discussing that.
SC: Because they have threatened to go to court?
Mudenda: Yeah I’m not discussing that.
SC: But then, Sir, aren’t you concerned?
Mudenda: I am not discussing that.
SC: Aren’t you concerned?
Mudenda: I am not discussing that. I am not discussing that.
SC: That we have a clear matter.
Mudenda: I am not discussing that.
SC: You talked about a threat Sir, you talked about a threat advocate.
Mudenda: I am not discussing that.
SC: You talked about a threat.
Mudenda: Can you stop it. Alright?
SC: Advocate, Advocate, a crime is being committed right now. People are dying.
Mudenda: Go to court. Go to court.
SC: Go to court where? People are dying right now in Zimbabwe advocate.
Mudenda: I am not.
SC: I have got; I have got victims of 1 August.
Mudenda: Can you also respect my point of view. Alright?
SC: Do you also respect the people who are suffering, Sir? Do you respect the victims who still have bullets in their bodies, Sir…the victims who still have bullets in their bodies right now?
Mudenda: Can you stop it. Alright. Can you stop it.
SC: Advocate, Advocate, you are the highest you are the most respected person in Zimbabwe you are here to represent parliamentarianism. What parliamentarianism is. You are the person we refer to; we respect you sir. We respect you. And I’ve come to you to ask you about this thing which we are being criticised for; our nation is being criticised right here, Sir.
Mudenda: Can you still stop it. This is not the forum.
SC: Why is it not the forum Sir?
Mudenda: Can you stop it.
SC: But you are the Speaker of Parliament.
Mudenda: Can you stop it. Haaah.
SC: I have got people who are crying I have got victims. Are you concerned that you are no longer the Speaker of Parliament you are now the Speaker of a military cartel?
Mudenda: Can you stop it.
SC: Stop what advocate, stop what?
Mudenda: Can you stop it.
SC: Stop what?
Mudenda: Can you stop it.
SC: But you are destroying our country. You are destroying a whole community. You are right now, even the perception of our nation (sic) Advocate Mudenda.
Are you happy that parliamentarianism has been violated advocate Mudenda? Tell me.
Mudenda: [NO RESPONSE]
So you are not willing to address concerns about parliamentarianism, you are here to represent parliamentarianism and you are mentally torturing MDC MPs adding to the physical torture to victims of violence on 1 August which was done to change election results and this was broadcast on the ZBC. Advocate Mudenda, you are a respected man. You are the highest, the most respected person Sir.
Mudenda: Can you slow down so I can eat.
SC: I shall slow down, but I hope you realise here, that I have got people who are dying, there is a crime that is being committed.
Mudenda: Can I have my breakfast?
SC: You can sir, you can sir, I shall wait.
A crime is being committed Advocate.
Mudenda: Can you move off can you move off.
SC: I am not Sir.
I have got a legitimate criminal concern here, a legal concern sir;
I have got a legitimate legal concern.
UNKNOWN/ UNNAMED MAN – MUDENDA’S AIDE TRAVELED WITH HIM FROM ZIMBABWE:
Sorry sorry I thought I had given you enough time.
SC: No you can’t do this.
SC: Advocate Mudenda people are dying right now people are dying right now and you are mentally torturing MDC MPs. On what basis do you withdraw their allowances for 5-months merely because they are expressing what you brought before Parliament?
Mudenda: Can you move out.
SC: I am here I am not going to move out I am a guest here and I am also; I am very much here; I am very much here; but I will wait on you because this is important, because you are an employee; you are a civil servant Sir; you are a civil servant. This is your job. This is your job, to be accountable to members of the public; to the international community; to prove that you’re doing the job of a speaker of Parliament not a speaker of a military cartel advocate Mudenda.
UNKNOWN/ UNNAMED MAN:
No you cannot shut me I’m going to slow down I will allow him to eat but I’m not going to leave here. I am here I am a guest here; I am an invitee to this conference where you are as well; Thank you.
Tine vanhu varikufa right now hamadzedu dzirikufa kuZimbabwe, akomana, varume, mauya kunoku imimi, saka ndanyarara ikozvino. Ndakumirirai. Ndakumirirai.
This is a legal matter, it is also a criminal matter; I am waiting here.
UNKNOWN/ UNNAMED MAN:
I think the honorable speaker has come here to have something to eat.
SC: Yes I will wait for him. I will wait for him Sir
As you can see I have withdrawn, I have withdrawn, I was sitting there when you are sitting so now I have moved away now so we will wait sir. I have got Zimbabweans who are waiting across inside Zimbabwe and around the world. They’re waiting; this is the most respected person; The highest person in the country in Zimbabwe next to Emmerson Mnangagwa.
UNKNOWN/ UNNAMED MAN:
So why are you shouting?
SC: I am not shouting I am waiting sir.
UNKNOWN/ UNNAMED MAN:
I think it is more about threatening than anything.
SC: What threat did you hear? What threat did you hear there?
UNKNOWN/ UNNAMED MAN:
I haven’t heard.
SC: No no no. Please don’t be unreasonable what threat did you hear here? What threat did you hear tell me, can you justify what you said.
UNKNOWN/ UNNAMED MAN:
Know what I am simply saying you know when you are talking on top of your voice if you really want to interview you the Speaker you should interview in a manner that is (sic).
SC: According to your allegations I am quiet. Thank you.
UNKNOWN/ UNNAMED MAN:
Thank you.
POLICE ARE THEN SUMMONED IN AND DISRUPT THE INTERVIEW THEN THE BELOW HAPPENS….
BREAKING – JACOB MUDENDA HUMILIATED AFTER SENDING SERBIAN POLICE TO CHASE AWAY JOURNALIST AFTER BEING CONTRONTED OVER MENTALLY TORTURING MDC MPs AND 1 AUG VICTIMS, WHICH WAS DONE TO CHANGE 2018 ELECTION RESULTS | FULL STORY TO FOLLOW pic.twitter.com/RQwnMVX86m
RT – Hilton Tamangani Death at Harare Remand Prison after he was arrested last week & tortured by ZRP. "We did all we could to have Hilton treated by private doctors but ZPCS could not entertain our request. MHDSRIP" https://t.co/dsMgdk8SDD
Tamangani Gruesome Murder Exposes Mnangagwa Lies MDC Youth Assembly Calls For Public Response To Human Butchering
The MDC Youth Assembly is highly disturbed by sad news of the passing on of Hilton Tafadzwa Tamangani at Harare Remand Prison due to injuries sustained from horrendous assault at the hands of police.
It is not a secret that Tamangani’s gruesome murder is a result of another act of premeditated and well orchestrated torture by the very same people who are supposed to protect citizens.
Tamangani’s gruesome murder at the regime’s concentration camp for opposition voices disguised as a Remand Prison is also a clear pointer that Emmerson Mnangagwa fascist regime is unrepentant and even worse than his predecessor.
Ironically the same regime that already has a track record of human rights abuses that is worse than Idi Amin is busy bombarding SADC and anyone who cares to listen with an anti sanctions campaign nonsense.
They want to invite everyone to help them fight against sanctions yet they selfishly invite the sanctions by their deeds such as this one and many other heinous crimes.
This is the same regime that even want us to believe there is a third hand to violence and abductions yet they kill in broad daylight without shame.
As the MDC Youth Assembly we call upon Zimbabweans from all walks of life and across the political divide to listen to the voice of reason and challenge this act of cowardice and human butcher.
Life is sacrosanct and such it MUST be respected, but when the regime act like hyenas in devouring its own citizens, certainly it calls for response in best suitable fashion!
Stephen Sarkozy Chuma_ MDC Youth Assembly National Spokesperson_
THE OPPOSITION has thrown the cat among the pigeons after notifying police of their intention to take to the streets against the rising cost of living on October 24 – a day before a Zanu PF-initiated demonstration against alleged sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe by Western countries.
MDC secretary-general Charlton Hwende told Zim Morning Post Friday afternoon they were confident the police will not stand in the way of their October 24 march.
“We are calling on Zimbabweans to come out and demonstrate against worsening human rights violations – the abduction of doctors and the beating up of vendors alleged to have stolen police helmets,” Hwende said.
“We are calling on Zimbabweans to come out and exercise their constitutional rights against the economic collapse, the erosion of workers’ salaries and the increase in cost of living.”
Hwende said the planned demonstration was not an attempt to stifle the anti-sanctions march planned for the next day.
“When we went to the police we, gathered that there was no organisation that had applied to demonstrate on October 24 or October 25. We are not aware of anything, save for Press stories indicating that there is what is being called an anti-sanctions demonstration,” Hwende said.
“But anyway, the kind of democratic space we are fight for should permit any organisation or party to express their views without interference on any given day. We expect police to offer us protection as they would do with any other party.”
Reached for comment, police spokesperson Paul Nyathi said he could not comment on the matter as he was yet to see the MDC application.
This comes as an anti-sanctions demonstration has since been given the green light, with the ruling party secretary for administration Obert Mpofu saying “the solidarity march would include government functionaries, civil society, students, the business community and all political parties, among others”.
In the recent past, Zanu PF has vowed to override any police decision that supports the opposition.
Zanu PF national political commissar Victor Matemadanda in August promised to thwart an August 16 opposition demonstrations, saying the opposition party was prone to violent protests.
“There are some people who think that democracy meant altruism. It won’t happen. These people, whenever they demonstrate, they cause mayhem. We defend national interests against looters,” he told journalists on the sidelines of the Zimbabwe National Heroes Day commemorations.
Matemadanda castigated MDC for allegedly fronting drunk people during demonstrations to cause violence.
“If they are going to be peaceful, then we do not have a problem with them. They always make people drunk so that they put them in front of their demonstrations,” he said.
Deputy Zanu PF youth league secretary Lewis Matutu is also on record saying the MDC had no capacity to make peaceful demonstrations, regardless them applying to courts.
The apparent confrontational approach appears to have jolted the opposition into spontaneous demonstrations, with the party’s youths recently using the cover of former President Robert Mugabe’s demise to stage an unannounced demonstration.
Hwende insisted that the MDC is a non violent movement which had become a victim in Zimbabwe’s divided political landscape.
Government has reviewed health sector-specific allowances by a further 40 percent with effect from October 1, 2019, which will see junior doctors pocketing $2 400 for on-call allowances, up from $1 200 initially offered.
Nurses will get $720 for either night duty, standby or call allowances, up from the previous $360 while nurse managers will get $1 000, up from $500.
Further, the Government has resolved to pay civil servants full bonuses for 2019, pegged on gross income, a departure from last year when the 13th cheque was based on pensionable salaries only.
The development will increase civil servants’ disposable incomes ahead of the festive season.
The allowances offered to health workers by Government are in addition to other health sector-specific allowances that include locum rates, initial uniform grant, initial uniform allowance, out-of-residence allowance and psychiatric allowances, which were reviewed last Friday by at least 100 percent each.
Health Services Board (HSB) chairperson Dr Paulinus Sikosana yesterday said the latest review brings adjustments on health-specific allowances to 100 percent.
“Parties to the Health Services Bipartite Negotiating Panel (HSBNP) met on 18 October 2019 to continue the unfinished negotiations on the review of the Health Sector Specific Allowances following the signing of collective bargaining agreement (CBA) Number 3 of 2019 on 4 October 2019.
“CBA 3 of 2019, provided for a 60 percent adjustment on the HSCA with effect from 01 October 2019. On 18 October 2019, parties to the HSBNP agreed that the said CBA 3 of 2019 be amended to provide for a review of the health sector specific allowances by a further 40 percent from 60 percent.
“This review is with effect from 1 October 2019,” said Dr Sikosana.
However, defiant striking junior doctors snubbed the negotiating table, arguing they were no longer part of the Health Apex Council.
In an interview following the announcement of the latest agreement, acting Zimbabwe Hospital Doctors Association leader Dr Tawanda Zvakada said; “We did not participate in the negotiations and we still hope the employer will find ways of engaging us meaningfully with a credible inter-mediator since we are still open for dialogue.
“However, not through the Health Apex Council.”
Dr Zvakada said doctors will continue withdrawing their labour until their grievances are addressed.
Last month, the Government awarded civil servants including health workers, a cost of living adjustment of between 55 percent and 76 percent, which was awarded on a sliding scale.
In terms of this year’s bonus payments, Apex Council president Mrs Cecilia Alexander said; “We applaud Government for reverting to the old system.
“During our last meeting which was held on the 14th of October, Government made a commitment to pay civil servants full bonuses calculated on their total income inclusive of allowances such as housing and transport allowances.
“This is a great step that shows that engagement has been fruitful.”
A MAN from Bulawayo who rap_ed a pr0stitute after dragging her to a bushy area, only to fall asleep at the crime scene, has been sentenced to 16 years in prison.
The 25-year-old pr0stitute was rap_ed by Bruce Mlotshwa (28) of Emganwini suburb after they met at a motel in Matobo while the man was in the company of his friend who was only identified as Vandali.
Mlotshwa pleaded not guilty to rap_e when he appeared before Bulawayo magistrate, Mr Tinashe Utahwashe, but was convicted due to overwhelming evidence.
In his defence, Mlotshwa alleged that the woman had consented to se_x but he failed to pay her and she reported the matter to the police. “I did not rap_e the complainant, we had a mutual agreement but afterwards I realised I did not have the money to pay her. She decided to report the matter to the police,” Mlotshwa said.
Prosecuting, Mr Jethro Mada said on April 4 at around 8PM, the complainant and Mlotshwa were at Rock Motel in Matobo drinking beer when they started arguing.
Mr Mada said the hooker went to her friend’s room at the back of the bar and Mlotshwa in the company of Vandali followed her.
The duo threw a bottle into the room and it struck the complainant on the left thigh.
Mr Mada said the woman went to the bar as she was afraid since the door did not have a lock.
He said Mlotshwa pulled the complainant outside the bar. Vandali then hit her with the back of an axe and a bottle on her right eye before dragging her to a bushy area.
The prosecutor said Vandali left and Mlotshwa rap_ed her.
The court heard that Mlotshwa fell asleep after rap_ing the complainant and the woman escaped.
She went and told some people about the rap_e and they went to the crime scene where they apprehended Mlotshwa as he was still asleep.
By A Correspondent| A vendor arrested and assaulted by police last week, Hilton Tafadzwa Tamangani, has died in police custody.
Tamangani was one of the 11 vendors arrested last week and the court was yet to rule on his bail application after the matter was this week postponed for a second time.
He was arrested with 10 others for allegedly assaulting a police officer at the Chicken Inn at Kwame Mall located at Kwame Nkrumah and Julius Nyerere.
He allegedly fled towards Robinson House where they were later found.
The lawyers representing the accused said that they were innocent people who were just found in the wrong place and time.
Jane Mlambo| The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) has maintained the old fuel price for the third week running and has changed style by beating speculators and fake news peddlers by announcing the price on Friday morning instead of the usual Sunday evening.
In the past weeks, unscrupulous people have created their own fake ZERA alerts with high prices causing panic on the market, a move that could have forced ZERA to act quickly to kill the panic.
Below is the ZERA fuel price for week starting 21 October 2019.
Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine has responded to President Yoweri Museveni who branded him an enemy of progress saying the long serving leader has ran down the country and destroyed institutions through the barrel of the gun.
Responding to a BBC tweet, Bobi Wine said Museveni’s first name was corruption with his second being a liar and a despot.
Below is Bobi Wine’s
Shamelessly Mr. Museveni brands me enemy of Uganda's progress! Mr. President, your first name is corruption, second liar, third despot. You've ran down our country, killed our people, destroyed institutions and rule us through the barrel of the gun! You are the enemy of Uganda! https://t.co/l5QOudAji5
By Own Correspondent| The Harare vendor who was brutally assaulted by police a few days ago over the police’s own helmetgate scam has reportedly died while in police custody.
ZimEye is getting reports that Hilton Tafadzwa Tamangani died in police custody yesterday following the police beating.
Just been informed that one of the 11 vendors arrested and beaten by police at Robinson House has passed on last night at remand Prison due to the injuries sustained after they were denied medical access. @daddyhope@nelsonchamisa@zimlive@ZimEye @usembassyharare
— Chalton Hwende MP Chairperson Public Accounts (@hwendec) October 19, 2019
South Africa’s human rights organization Afriforum today said a warrant of arrest has been issued against former First Lady Grace Mugabe.
Grace is accused of assaulting the South African model Gabriella Engels at a Sandton hotel in Johannesburg in August 2017 but could not be arrested or prosecuted after obtaining diplomatic immunity.
The Afrikaaner organization said if the South African government refused to prosecute Grace, it would go for private prosecution.
The South Gauteng High Court today ruled that the decision by Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, former Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, to grant Grace Mugabe diplomatic immunity should be set aside.
Judge Bashier Vally said the former minister’s decision to grant Grace Mugabe immunity was unconstitutional and that she is responsible for the legal costs of AfriForum and Engels.
Afriforum legal representative Willie said: “We welcome the judgement. This decision paves the way for the institution of criminal prosecution steps against Ms. Mugabe after she last year assaulted and seriously injured Engels, a Johannesburg model, with an extension cord.”
Kallie Kriel, CEO of AfriForum, welcomed the news saying: “This is the result of a very long process. AfriForum first had to approach the court to have Mugabe’s diplomatic immunity set aside which paved the way for the police to investigate and it has now reached a point where an arrest can be made.
“We hope this sends a very clear message that no one is above the law, even if your name is Mugabe.”
Afriforum Private Prosecution Unit said it had been informed that the National Prosecuting Authority has applied to have Grace Mugabe extradited to South Africa.
“We hope that the prosecution of Grace Mugabe will commence shortly and we will monitor the case. AfriForum gets involved in issues like this to ensure that people with political power do not get away with committing crimes. Grace Mugabe must be brought to book for her deeds and this is the first step in ensuring that miss Engels will get justice soon,” said Gerrie Nel head of Afriforum’s Private Prosecution Unit.
By A Correspondent| The former chairman of the Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation (ZMDC), David Murangari this Friday skipped a court hearing with his lawyers arguing that he was “critically ill” after spinal surgery.
Murangari’s lawyer said:
As the court is aware that Murangari is on an outstanding warrant of arrest, we would want to tender the latest medical reports from South Africa in which the doctors are indicating that he developed a heart complication after a spinal surgery.
As such, he is having temporary blackouts and the doctors have advised that he shouldn’t participate in stressful activities like attending court hearings as it may strain his heart, he may be able to travel back to Zimbabwe next month but not strong enough to stand trial.
The former ZMDC boss is together with his alleged accomplice Luke Akino facing criminal abuse of office charges after they allegedly awarded a $168 000 consultancy services contract to their acquaintance Thomas Mashungupa without.
Murangari is already on an outstanding warrant of arrest after absconding court repeatedly.
SOUTH AFRICA- President Cyril Ramaphosa on Thursday opened South Africa’s first smartphone production plant at the Dube TradePort in Durban.
Ramaphosa described the Mara Phones plant President Ramaphosa as a great moment in South Africa’s drive to be a producer of goods.
“The highlight of my visit is the Mara smartphone plant. At the investment conference, the chief executive of Mara Phones Ashish Thakkar was willing to set up the factory at the Dube TradePort. The smartphone plant is an outstanding world-class facility. The facility is equal or even better than smartphone factories. With the launch of the smartphone factory we have made history.
The launch of the plant shows that South Africa is indeed a place where people should invest,” said Ramaphosa.
Ashish J. Thakkar, Founder of the Mara Group, initially announced the company’s intentions to build affordable smartphones in South Africa during the inaugural South Africa Investment Conference convened by South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa in 2018.
He is the founder of Mara Group and Mara Foundation, and he is a co-founder of Atlas Mara. Thakkar was born in the United Kingdom, but he moved to East Africa as a teenager before founding Mara Group, a Pan-African conglomerate, at the age of 15. Ashish J. Thakkar is a Rwandan-based entrepreneur.
MaraGroup’s operations and investments span 22 African countries.
The smartphone company, which was established in 1996, opened its first smartphone factory in Kigali, Rwanda last week.
Mara Phones will have an initial workforce of 313 in year one but plans to increase its staff complement to 1 369 in the next five years.
At the moment, the plant has 200 formerly unemployed engineering graduates, 66 percent of whom are women and 92 percent youth.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sihle Zikalala said the Mara smartphone plant was one of the successes of the Ramaphosa’s investment conference drive last year.
“We will continue to support foreign and local investors to ensure that they succeed. Make eThekwini more vibrant. Investment conference has yielded the result of SA’s first smartphone production plant,” said Zikalala.
Ramaphosa launched his drive last October to attract $100 billion foreign direct investment into South Africa by 2024.
In March, the SA Reserve Bank said that investments direct investment inflows in South Africa had increased to R70.7 billion from R26.8 billion in 2017.
Mara Phones chief executive Ashish Thakkar said the company had delivered on its promise to open a smartphone plant in South Africa.
“It is Africa, South Africa and Mara’s dream that has been fulfilled. We have finally launched smartphone factor that will create jobs for South Africans. It is high tech manufacturing in South Africa by South Africans,” Thakkar said.
“This our first investment in South Africa and it has been phenomenal. We are proud to contribute to South Africa’s fourth industrial revolution. The project has happened in record time due to support form the government. Let’s celebrate Africa and South Africa.”
The company will roll out 200 Mara stores across the country. Part of the revenue from sales will be used to support youth empowerment, women empowerment and job empowerment.
Proudly SA chief executive Eustace Mashimbye said the opening of the plant represented an opportunity for the replacement of nearly 4 million smartphones that the country imported in 2017 alone.
“The establishment of Mara’s smartphone production plant here in South Africa sends a very strong message of confidence for local manufacturing in our country,” Mashimbye said.
“This operation has an extensive and diverse supply chain for which Mara has committed to sourcing from other local enterprises, creating many much-needed jobs in the process. We need many more Maras to see the advantages of setting up bases in South Africa, and of being part of the Buy Local movement.”
By A Correspondent| A bid to own a home in the city has landed some home seekers in the hands of greedy fraudsters who are now selling them abandoned and undeveloped properties claiming they won the properties.
This was revealed by Bulawayo City Council senior public relations officer Mrs Nesisa Mpofu who corresponded with a publication and said:
Some conmen are pouncing on unsuspecting members of the public as they fall victim to sales of properties belonging to absent landlords.
In the end transfer of the same hits snags. The aim is to also collect outstanding rates while they still have value.
Bulawayo City Council has also been having problems with these abandoned properties and has already issued a 30 Day notice to their owners to come forward or risk losing their properties.
THREE Zanu PF youths were arraigned before Bindura Magistrates Courts yesterday facing charges of beating a suspected thief to death.
Zivanai Nyazvigodi (38), Alexio Kurai Gondo (26) and Naison Tandaude(31), all from Simoona Farm, were ordered by the High Court to answer to an assault charge after they were initially charged with murder.
The trio pleaded not guilty to the charge before magistrate Moreblessing Makati, who remanded them out of custody to Tuesday for trial.
Prosecutor Vincent Marunya alleged that on May 8 in 2008, and at Simoona Farm, police released the now deceased Nicholas Muringanidze after he had been arrested for stealing an electric motor.
On the same day, when the Zanu PF youths heard that the deceased had been released they teamed up with another suspect, who is still at large and went to Muringanidze’s homestead where they introduced themselves as Zanu PF youths before taking him to a disused house which they used as their headquarters.
The quartet ordered him to lie down and took turns to assault him on his buttocks until he admitted to the offence, leading to the recovery of the missing electric motor.
After assaulting him they took him back to the police station, but Maringanidze eventually died on October 7 of that year from injuries he had sustained.
Shoppers at Mbare Musika have voiced concern at the surge in harassment by conmen who demand money from them despite initially pretending to help find goods or run errands.
The conmen start off by showing unsuspecting shoppers around the market or showing them where their desired goods are found — often at a commission by sellers — then demand cash after doing the job. Usually they charge a dollar or more if they take one to several places.
Ms Joyce Dare said she once fell victim to a conman. “Some time ago, I came here to buy vegetables. As I was doing my errands, one guy approached me and asked what I was looking for. He showed a place where I could buy the remainder of my vegetables. I was surprised when he later demanded payment,” she said.
Mr Takudzwa Alfas, a trader at the market, said they witness people especially girls and women falling prey to these conmen. “Every day, we see women and girls being trapped into this kind of scam.”
HARARE – The government will pull a few tricks up its sleeves soon to stabilise the exchange rate as part of a broader task of creating a viable environment for business, Business Times reported.
A team of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s close advisers in the central bank and in government, particularly the Ministry of Finance, see the stabilisation of the exchange rate as a step in the right direction that has to be made to stop economic haemorrhage characterised by deindustrialisation.
The stabilisation of the exchange rate is also seen as critical ahead of the introduction of a local currency. Informed sources said authorities are currently making frantic efforts to work on improving confidence in the financial services sector, enhance productivity, manage the supply of money and increase the supply of foreign exchange.
In terms of exchange rate stabilisation, there are two choices for a government, normally through its central bank. It either takes an adaptive or active approach. In the adaptive approach, there is no active participation, but instead adapting to the market tendencies. In the active approach, the central bank actively influences the exchange rate.
Sources actively involved in the critical task of exchange rate stabilisation say the current exchange rate volatility makes it difficult for business to plan and is a huge threat in the case of restocking.
This creates problems for the formal and informal sectors and makes it difficult to run bureaux de change. The sources said a stable exchange rate is good for foreign currency dealers and makes foreign currency more available.
“When the rate is volatile, people make losses when they need to restock. This is the same for bureuax de change where the cash is the stock and when they need to replenish the stock they are at a huge loss,” said a close source.”This is why they don’t sell the US dollars but they are just buying from the public.
This is a problem because if you want to travel you just go to a bureau de change like in most countries. You buy your money and or sell as you please. We can’t have people going to Zambia for a night failing to get US$300, it’s unacceptable.”
Efforts to stabilise the exchange rate include the ongoing anti-corruption fight which has in recent weeks seen the central bank freezing accounts belonging to individuals and corporates believed to be driving the black market.
The central bank also temporarily banned the cash-in, cash-out, and cash-back transactions on EcoCash as part of the measures to control the volatile exchange rate. EcoCash agent lines were being used by illegal foreign currency dealers and who were driving the rates up.
The parallel market rates crashed significantly when EcoCash agent lines were closed. “There is information on everyone and indeed there are no sacred cows,” one source told Business Times. “You will be surprised when the appropriate action is taken. It’s not about making noise, but getting things done to stop malpractices and stabilise our rates. It is known who is doing what on the parallel market because people are sending monies where they are not supposed to go, where there is no production. Instead, money is a commodity.”
As foreign currency shortages persist despite the creation of an inter-bank market, which is meant to be a free market place for foreign currency trade, the parallel market is thriving. Bank officials, according to information at hand, have now started charging premiums on the inter-bank rate to give their clients foreign currency.
Economist Prosper Chitambara said a stable exchange rate helps to stabilise prices because developments in the forex market are a key determinant of inflation. “This will generally result in a stable macro economy,” Chitambara said. He said the best way for the government to stabilise the exchange rate was to push production up by attracting new investment and enabling existing businesses to grow and export their products.
“When there is a greater supply of forex, there tends to be stability, but right now the demand for forex remains high while supply declines,” Chitambara said.
Economist Brains Muchemwa blamed the exchange rate depreciation and the subsequent pricing instability on the government printing huge amounts of unproductive money.
“The government is the biggest culprit in terms of destabilising the exchange rate,” Muchemwa claimed. “The only way to stabilise the exchange rate is for the government to limit broad money supply growth.”
A 25-year-old woman from Entumbane suburb in Bulawayo was stabbed to death allegedly by her Zimbabwean husband in Cape Town, in South Africa, before he reportedly fled to Harare.
The incident happened on 23 September when Passmore Mugari (36), is alleged to have stabbed Nomakhosi Ntabeni after a domestic dispute Dunoon, Cape Town, before the suspect fled to Zimbabwe with their four-year-old son. The couple reportedly met in Entumbane years ago when the husband’s family used to stay in Entumbane before they relocated to Harare.
According to the late Ntabeni’s mother, Sinikiwe Ncube (43), messages and pictures started circulating on social media on 24 September about Ntabeni’s death.
“I received a phone call from Nomakhosi’s friends that messages were circulating on WhatsApp and Facebook about Nomakhosi’s death. I contacted Passmore about the incident and he told me that Nomakhosi was well and messages on social media were all a hoax,” said Ms Ncube.
It is understood that Ntabeni was stabbed on the neck following a dispute with her husband.
“Nomakhosi was stabbed on the neck. I went to Cape Town immediately after her death and was told by their neighbours that Passmore was known for physically abusing my daughter in Dunoon,” said a weeping Ms Ncube.
Family sources said Nomakhosi’s passport, cellphone and her household property could not be accounted for amid suspicions that the suspect and his sister, who also stayed in Cape Town, disposed of the personal belongings.
The suspect is reported to have fled South Africa immediately after the death of his wife and was allegedly spotted in Harare on 26 September.
“Passmore arrived in Harare on 26 September and spoke to the family about Ntabeni’s death. We took him for counselling,” said a Mugari family member on condition of anonymity.
Back in South Africa a murder case was opened at Milnerton Police Station in Cape Town with the case number CR14/ 09 /19 and police said the suspect was still on the run.
“We are investigating a murder case which occurred in Dunoon on 23 September and the deceased was stabbed with a knife on the neck. The suspect is still at large,” said a police officer from the station.
The death of Nomakhosi resulted in a flurry of activity between the Ntabeni and Mugari families, with the dispute over the death of the woman delaying her burial as her family sought answers. It is understood that the two families finally came to an agreement over a penalty that the Mugari family had to pay before they could proceed with the burial. Nomakhosi’s body was finally buried on Saturday last week at Athlone Cemetery, after an undertaking was made to pay several head of cattle to the deceased woman’s family.
The interview by Simba Chikanza (SC) with Adv Jacob Mudenda was recorded partly on audio and the rest on video.
INTERVIEW OF ZIMBABWE’S SPEAKER OF PARLIAMENT WITH SIMBA CHIKANZA AT THE IN-HOTEL IN SERBIA ON SUNDAY 13TH OCTOBER 2019.
The interview by Simba Chikanza (SC) with Adv Jacob Mudenda was recorded partly on audio and the rest on video. The interview began with Simba Chikanza showing Adv Mudenda his official name badge presenting himself as a journalist doing research over the Interparliamentary Union ( The Union of all parliaments around the world).
Adv Mudenda was happy doing the brief interview which later became heated.
Watch video below. ..
FULL VIDEO OF INTERVIEW (PLUS AUDIO) LOADING BELOW…
SC: Many of the things that are coming on Zimbabwe; right now, I have just met some Tanzanians who were criticising us, heavily, just here.
Well, we are being told that we are now 7 times worse, more, than when we were during Robert Mugabe times. I think that is one matter that I am going to need a short engagement with you Sir.
Mudenda: There are exigencies (sic)
SC: Excuse me?
Mudenda: There are exigencies (sic)
SC: Let me just, while we are, let me just get a picture with you if you don’t mind Sir.
SC: Right, where are we here? Right so, here. Meeting Advocate Mudenda.
Mudenda: Thank you.
SC: You seem to have forgotten me, I don’t know why.
Mudenda: Yeah, I am trying to recollect.
SC: Splendid. Looking forward, I will be with you shortly.
Mudenda: Yeah
SC: Thank you Sir.
Mudenda: Someone will be joining me soon.
SC: Oh, someone will be joining you?
Mudenda: Yes.
SC: Okay, so someone will be joining you. Okay. So what I will do maybe, once they come maybe, I will go away. I am just having a very light one.
Mudenda: Okay.
SC: Oh, thank you Sir. Yeah, the criticism against us is very scathing, it is very heavy, this gentleman from Tanzania who was saying he runs an NGO, and works between Uganda and Tanzania, and he says your country is now 7 times worse than when Robert Mugabe.
Mudenda: What reasons does he give?
SC: Err, we didn’t go into deep, we didn’t get deeper than that, other than him saying the conduct of both government and institutions. He alleges the judiciary as well, and parliament and he mentioned specifically the withdrawal of allowances. Sir.
Ndokutorerai (shall I get you a ) chair?
SC: Sir, the withdrawal of allowances Advocate Mudenda, that has extremely, extremely criticised yourself. On what basis. You have here a topic, local and international policy analysts here, they say you have caused the deterioration of parliament, and.
Mudenda: I have what?
SC: You have made parliament to deteriorate. The value of parliamentarianism is, should be.
Mudenda: Into what?
SC: You are now a spokesman of a military cartel rather than parliament. And in this case Advocate Mudenda, you have a discussion, a topic, that you yourself, you allowed into parliament, you brought this discussion, and that is the 1 August brutality. It is clear even ZBC broadcast this.
Mudenda: (nod and sound in affirmation).
SC: They broadcast this, announcement that the military would be used to change 2018 election results.
Mudenda: (nod and sound in affirmation).
Mudenda: Yes
SC: The same MPs who are meant to be part of your own parliament Advocate Mudenda, they are part of your parliament. And you are the one who allowed this discussion to get into. You allowed it to be discussed.
Mudenda: No, you see the members of parliament have threatened to go to court, so that matter is subjudice.
SC: Sorry?
Mudenda: The matter is subjudice and I am not discussing that.
SC: Because they have threatened to go to court?
Mudenda: Yeah I’m not discussing that.
SC: But then, Sir, aren’t you concerned?
Mudenda: I am not discussing that.
SC: Aren’t you concerned?
Mudenda: I am not discussing that. I am not discussing that.
SC: That we have a clear matter.
Mudenda: I am not discussing that.
SC: You talked about a threat Sir, you talked about a threat advocate.
Mudenda: I am not discussing that.
SC: You talked about a threat.
Mudenda: Can you stop it. Alright?
SC: Advocate, Advocate, a crime is being committed right now. People are dying.
Mudenda: Go to court. Go to court.
SC: Go to court where? People are dying right now in Zimbabwe advocate.
Mudenda: I am not.
SC: I have got; I have got victims of 1 August.
Mudenda: Can you also respect my point of view. Alright?
SC: Do you also respect the people who are suffering, Sir? Do you respect the victims who still have bullets in their bodies, Sir…the victims who still have bullets in their bodies right now?
Mudenda: Can you stop it. Alright. Can you stop it.
SC: Advocate, Advocate, you are the highest you are the most respected person in Zimbabwe you are here to represent parliamentarianism. What parliamentarianism is. You are the person we refer to; we respect you sir. We respect you. And I’ve come to you to ask you about this thing which we are being criticised for; our nation is being criticised right here, Sir.
Mudenda: Can you still stop it. This is not the forum.
SC: Why is it not the forum Sir?
Mudenda: Can you stop it.
SC: But you are the Speaker of Parliament.
Mudenda: Can you stop it. Haaah.
SC: I have got people who are crying I have got victims. Are you concerned that you are no longer the Speaker of Parliament you are now the Speaker of a military cartel?
Mudenda: Can you stop it.
SC: Stop what advocate, stop what?
Mudenda: Can you stop it.
SC: Stop what?
Mudenda: Can you stop it.
SC: But you are destroying our country. You are destroying a whole community. You are right now, even the perception of our nation (sic) Advocate Mudenda.
Are you happy that parliamentarianism has been violated advocate Mudenda? Tell me.
Mudenda: [NO RESPONSE]
So you are not willing to address concerns about parliamentarianism, you are here to represent parliamentarianism and you are mentally torturing MDC MPs adding to the physical torture to victims of violence on 1 August which was done to change election results and this was broadcast on the ZBC. Advocate Mudenda, you are a respected man. You are the highest, the most respected person Sir.
Mudenda: Can you slow down so I can eat.
SC: I shall slow down, but I hope you realise here, that I have got people who are dying, there is a crime that is being committed.
Mudenda: Can I have my breakfast?
SC: You can sir, you can sir, I shall wait.
A crime is being committed Advocate.
Mudenda: Can you move off can you move off.
SC: I am not Sir.
I have got a legitimate criminal concern here, a legal concern sir;
I have got a legitimate legal concern.
UNKNOWN/ UNNAMED MAN – MUDENDA’S AIDE TRAVELED WITH HIM FROM ZIMBABWE:
Sorry sorry I thought I had given you enough time.
SC: No you can’t do this.
SC: Advocate Mudenda people are dying right now people are dying right now and you are mentally torturing MDC MPs. On what basis do you withdraw their allowances for 5-months merely because they are expressing what you brought before Parliament?
Mudenda: Can you move out.
SC: I am here I am not going to move out I am a guest here and I am also; I am very much here; I am very much here; but I will wait on you because this is important, because you are an employee; you are a civil servant Sir; you are a civil servant. This is your job. This is your job, to be accountable to members of the public; to the international community; to prove that you’re doing the job of a speaker of Parliament not a speaker of a military cartel advocate Mudenda.
UNKNOWN/ UNNAMED MAN:
No you cannot shut me I’m going to slow down I will allow him to eat but I’m not going to leave here. I am here I am a guest here; I am an invitee to this conference where you are as well; Thank you.
Tine vanhu varikufa right now hamadzedu dzirikufa kuZimbabwe, akomana, varume, mauya kunoku imimi, saka ndanyarara ikozvino. Ndakumirirai. Ndakumirirai.
This is a legal matter, it is also a criminal matter; I am waiting here.
UNKNOWN/ UNNAMED MAN:
I think the honorable speaker has come here to have something to eat.
SC: Yes I will wait for him. I will wait for him Sir
As you can see I have withdrawn, I have withdrawn, I was sitting there when you are sitting so now I have moved away now so we will wait sir. I have got Zimbabweans who are waiting across inside Zimbabwe and around the world. They’re waiting; this is the most respected person; The highest person in the country in Zimbabwe next to Emmerson Mnangagwa.
UNKNOWN/ UNNAMED MAN:
So why are you shouting?
SC: I am not shouting I am waiting sir.
UNKNOWN/ UNNAMED MAN:
I think it is more about threatening than anything.
SC: What threat did you hear? What threat did you hear there?
UNKNOWN/ UNNAMED MAN:
I haven’t heard.
SC: No no no. Please don’t be unreasonable what threat did you hear here? What threat did you hear tell me, can you justify what you said.
UNKNOWN/ UNNAMED MAN:
Know what I am simply saying you know when you are talking on top of your voice if you really want to interview you the Speaker you should interview in a manner that is (sic).
SC: According to your allegations I am quiet. Thank you.
UNKNOWN/ UNNAMED MAN:
Thank you.
POLICE ARE THEN SUMMONED IN AND DISRUPT THE INTERVIEW….
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THE World Bank (WB) has warned that Zimbabwe’s economy faces massive turmoil unless the country gets much-needed international assistance urgently, the Daily News reported.
This comes as the country is currently going through its worst economic crisis in a decade, as it battles acute shortages of foreign currency, fuel, electricity, medicines and water which has triggered unrest among long-suffering citizens.
In its latest report on Zimbabwe, the WB warned that inflation was likely to spiral out of control going forward evoking horrendous memories from 2008 when both businesses and the lives of ordinary people were destroyed by hyper-inflation.
“In the absence of international support, Zimbabwe’s macroeconomic challenges may persist. With dwindling reserves, there is a high-risk of the exchange rate overshooting, contributing to inflationary pressures,” it said.
The bank also warned that the worsening economic situation in the country was likely to lead to tensions which could derail President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s re-engagement efforts with the international community.
“One tenth of rural households currently indicate they are going without food for a whole day, about double the proportion of urban households.
“Climate related risks may constrain the recovery of the agriculture sector in the medium-term, exacerbating food insecurity.
“Social and political pressures could lead to policy slippage, delaying macro-economic stabilisation and political reforms.
“This might jeopardise the reform agenda under the IMF’s Staff Monitored Programme and delay the government’s re-engagement aspirations,” the WB added.
This report comes as tensions are rising in the country over the deteriorating political and economic situation, which is blamed on Mnangagwa and his under-pressure government.
As a result, many Zimbabweans including the church and the international community are ratcheting up pressure on Mnangagwa and opposition leader Nelson Chamisa to hold much-needed dialogue to save the country from descending into total chaos.
To illustrate the depth of suffering by ordinary Zimbabweans, the WB projected poverty levels in the country to widen this year, on the back of soaring inflation and skyrocketing prices of basic consumer goods and services.
It predicted that extreme poverty would rise from 29 percent to 34 percent in 2019, meaning that there would be a further one million people living in dire conditions.
Last year the WB said about 4,7 million Zimbabweans were living in extreme poverty. This year, the number has jumped to 5,7 million.
“Continued cash shortages as well as weak targeting of public spending on social safety nets will continue to constrain social pro- grammes and the impact on poverty,” it added.
Mnangagwa, who was initially feted like a king when he replaced the late former president Robert Mugabe in November 2017 following a popular military coup is now facing severe criticism over his government’s stewardship of the country.
At the beginning of this month, he openly admitted that Zimbabwe’s economy was dead.
“I am aware of the pain being experienced by the poor and the marginalised. Fellow compatriots, getting the economy working again from being dead will require time, patience, unity of purpose and perseverance,” Mnangagwa said while opening Parliament. – dailynews
By A Correspondent- Government has seized an Isuzu Double cab vehicle, which it allocated to Chief Mupungu of Chipinge after it emerged that he sold it to a Chipinge man hardly two years after receiving it.
The law stipulates that a chief is not allowed to sell the vehicle five years before the time they received it. President Emmerson Mnangagwa handed over 90 new cars to traditional leaders in August last year.
Manicaland provincial administrator, Edgars Seenza, yesterday confirmed the development and said a reversal of the deal was underway.
Sources close to the development reveal that, as part of the deal, Chief Mupungu (Happyson Nxumalo) received a Toyota ToyoAce and $US4 000. The Isuzu Double cab has a market value of over US$50 000.
An affidavit dated October 9, which The Manica Post is in possession of, states that Chief Mupungu entered into an agreement with one Dzidzai Butau in exchange with a Toyota ToyoAce 1 tonne vehicle and US$4 000.
“Ini Happyson Nxumalo Mpungu wekwa Makoho Primary school boc 185 checheche ndakatengesa mota yangu Isuzu KB 250 reg number AFC 3164 kuna Dzidzai Butau achindipawo Toyota Toyoace nemari USD$4 000 akaibadara yese yakakwana…,” reads part of the affidavit.
(I, Happyson Nxumalo Mpungu of Makoho Primary School Box 185 Checheche, sold my car Isuzu KB 250 registration number, AFC 3164 to Dzidzai Butau, who in return gave me a Toyota ToyoAce and an amount of US$4 000 which he paid in full.)
Said Mr Seenza: “It is the position of the Government that the car should not be sold before a stipulated time. The vehicle is still Government’s property and that deal is a nullity.
“I cannot get into finer details but I can confirm that the reversal of the process is underway.”
Mr Seenza reportedly instructed police in Chipinge to seize the vehicle from the local dealer who bought the vehicle from the chief.
ZANU-PF and MDC are engaged in a battle of wits over next week’s anti-sanctions day after the parties lined up events to support and denounce the Southern African Development Community (Sadc). This comes after Sadc set October 25 to campaign against targeted sanctions on some Zimbabwe leaders.
The decision was taken during the 39th Sadc summit in Tanzania recently and the bloc’s executive secretary, Stergomena Lawrence Tax, said the sanctions were destroying the country’s economy.
MDC provincial chairperson for North America, Tawanda Dzvokora, said the party has lined-up protests against Sadc.
“We are planning big demonstrations. We want to send a clear message that Sadc is misleading the world by supporting a government which is killing people and abducting labour leaders and activists,” he said.
MDC activist Betty Makoni, who is in London, wrote on Twitter that they are going to demonstrate at the Tanzania High Commission on October 25.
“It is us the people of Zimbabwe who called for demo against Sadc chair who wants to support abductions, murder and rapes in Zimbabwe. How can a people watch as a whole president shoot (sic) people in broad daylight? How can women get raped and no arrest is made. You can’t let dictators from Sadc further oppress us and our future generations”
This comes as Zanu-PF is planning to petition America over the sanctions.
“We do not see any reason why the sanctions should last and do not understand how deteriorating the welfare of the people of Zimbabwe and undermining our economic growth reflects the interests of US national security,” the petition reads.
“We see economic pressure in the form of sanctions as an act of political blackmail designed to keep the residual US influence in Africa, as opposed to China and Russia.
“Moreover, many American companies would like to come to Zimbabwe, but they cannot because of their own authorities. If the United States is not interested in the African market nor in investing in Zimbabwe, and restricting its own companies in doing so, then let them not stop others from cooperating with us.” – dailynews
Ecocash has revealed that ZETDC has set a minimum purchase amount for electricity tokens using Ecocash. The new directive is with effect from the 18th of October 2019. In a statement, Ecocash said:
Dear Valued Customers.
Please note that ZETDC has set the minimum purchase amount for electricity tokens at ZW$20 for all service providers effective 18 October 2019.
The minimum electricity token purchase on EcoCash has therefore been set at ZW$20.
State Media|Government has reviewed health sector-specific allowances by a further 40 percent with effect from October 1, 2019, which will see junior doctors pocketing $2 400 for on-call allowances, up from $1 200 initially offered.
Nurses will get $720 for either night duty, standby or call allowances, up from the previous $360 while nurse managers will get $1 000, up from $500.
Further, the Government has resolved to pay civil servants full bonuses for 2019, pegged on gross income, a departure from last year when the 13th cheque was based on pensionable salaries only.
The development will increase civil servants’ disposable incomes ahead of the festive season.
The allowances offered to health workers by Government are in addition to other health sector-specific allowances that include locum rates, initial uniform grant, initial uniform allowance, out-of-residence allowance and psychiatric allowances, which were reviewed last Friday by at least 100 percenteach.
Health Services Board (HSB) chairperson Dr Paulinus Sikosana yesterday said the latest review brings adjustments on health-specific allowances to 100 percent.
“Parties to the Health Services Bipartite Negotiating Panel (HSBNP) met on 18 October 2019 to continue the unfinished negotiations on the review of the Health Sector Specific Allowances following the signing of collective bargaining agreement (CBA) Number 3 of 2019 on 4 October 2019.
“CBA 3 of 2019, provided for a 60 percent adjustment on the HSCA with effect from 01 October 2019. On 18 October 2019, parties to the HSBNP agreed that the said CBA 3 of 2019 be amended to provide for a review of the health sector specific allowances by a further 40 percent from 60 percent.
“This review is with effect from 1 October 2019,” said Dr Sikosana.
However, defiant striking junior doctors snubbed the negotiating table, arguing they were no longer part of the Health Apex Council.
In an interview following the announcement of the latest agreement, acting Zimbabwe Hospital Doctors Association leader Dr Tawanda Zvakada said; “We did not participate in the negotiations and we still hope the employer will find ways of engaging us meaningfully with a credible inter-mediator since we are still open for dialogue.
“However, not through the Health Apex Council.”
Dr Zvakada said doctors will continue withdrawing their labour until their grievances are addressed.
Last month, the Government awarded civil servants including health workers, a cost of living adjustment of between 55 percent and 76 percent, which was awarded on a sliding scale.
State Media|THE Harare Institute of Technology yesterday conferred President Mnangagwa with an honorary Doctorate of Technology degree (Honoris Causa) during the institution’s 10th graduation ceremony.
In his citation for the degree, HIT Vice Chancellor Engineer Quinton Kanhukamwe, said the President was honoured for his efforts in the development of the country through technological advancement.
“His Excellency and President, Cde Mnangagwa has demonstrated the tenacity of focus in the economic development of this country that is premised on the conviction that Zimbabwe can be catapulted to be an upper middle income economy by 2030 through heritage-based technological advancement,” Eng Kanhukamwe said.
“The decades of experience in the administration of the affairs of the State in different portfolios under his belt, have helped to shape his clarity of vision and the huge strides he is taking to transform Zimbabwe into a prosperous and modern economy.
“Under the President’s tutelage, universities now play a critical role in the scientific and technological advancement of the nation. He recognised that universities are central to industrialisation and modernisation of the country.”
In his acceptance speech, President Mnangagwa said he was humbled by honour, adding that it was a recognition of the role science, technology and innovation play in the country’s current development agenda.
“As the world rapidly moves into the Fourth Industrial Revolution, my Government has noted how technology is affecting and redefining cultural, economic, social and human endeavours.
“This is the foundation upon which global economic giants are emerging and we should not be left behind. As such I charge universities to champion economic growth through production of relevant and innovative intellectual property which can be commercialised,” President Mnangagwa said.
He urged HIT to use its mandate to develop in various technological fields such as “nanotechnology, Big data, Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence and bioinformatics” among others.
“You, as the premier tech-institution in our country must not shy away from embracing mega trends which will leap forward our modernisation and industrialisation agenda.
“Innovations from this institution must have radical impacts and make our country a front runner in new innovations and technologies in the various aspects of our economy,” the President said.
He challenged HIT to lead the country in its quest for economic transformation through import substitution, reverse engineering as well as the production of software and business applications.
“I further commend and congratulate you for providing solutions such as the ERP software being used by some Rural District Councils in the country. The Tap and Go application developed for Zupco as well as the manufacturing of transformers by this institution, will undoubtedly go a long way towards transforming our transport and energy sectors. You are indeed in sync with your motto, ‘Designing the Future,’” President Mnangagwa said.
He implored HIT to promote national self-reliance in strategic skills development that would enhance beneficiation of the country’s natural resources.
“You must thus, continue working towards the establishment of a fully-fledged science industrial park and the Export Processing Zone, to explore new frontiers of knowledge in the 4th Industrial Revolution.
“I also urge you to also ensure that your technopreneurship thrust is broadened to hatch and incubate hi-tech SMEs as well as move the nation towards the comprehensive adoption of ICTs across all facets,” President Mnangagwa said.
State Media|GOVERNMENT has resolved to pay civil servants full bonuses for 2019 pegged on gross income, a departure from last year when the 13th cheque was based on pensionable salaries only.
In an interview yesterday, Apex Council president Mrs Cecilia Alexander said all civil servants were this year going to receive their bonuses inclusive of allowances.
Last year civil servants expressed anger after they were paid a bonus which only reflected the basic salary without allowances being factored into the payments.
“We applaud Government for reverting to the old system. During our last meeting which was held on the 14th of October, Government made a commitment to pay civil servants full bonuses calculated on their total income inclusive of allowances such as housing and transport allowances. This is a great step that shows that engagement has been fruitful,” said Mrs Alexander.
Government has been negotiating with civil servants through their umbrella body, the Joint Negotiation Council, for a review of conditions of service after their salaries were eroded by inflation.
The Apex Council says the 76 percent cost of living adjustment (Cola) negotiated last month has been wiped off by inflation.
The 100 percent bonus will therefore come in handy.
Mrs Alexander said while they welcomed the bonus, Government had not yet availed pay dates for the 13th cheque adding that talks are still underway to decide on a salary increment as incomes had been eroded.
She said if bonuses are paid on the current salaries, that would not alleviate civil servants’ plight as the cost of living had incapacitated most of them.
“While we applaud Government for reverting to the old system, calculating bonuses on 100 percent of total package will still have not addressed the problem at hand because salaries have been eroded and prices are soaring, especially as we are approaching the festive season. We therefore urge civil servants to keep their ears to the ground as we are awaiting favourable outcomes from engagements with Government. Government has not yet come back to us since our last engagement,” Mrs Alexander said.
Zimbabwe Teachers Association (Zimta) chief executive officer Mr Sifiso Ndlovu yesterday said Government has done well to revert to the old system of paying full bonuses.
He said the issue of salaries must be addressed now to ensure that the bonus will make a difference.
“We need a pay rise on the basis of the obtaining situation in the country. Educators are now incapacitated and are unable to effectively deliver lessons to learners. So whatever pay rise comes must be in the context of the situation that we are in,” said Mr Ndlovu.
State Media|FIRED Environment, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Prisca Mupfumira is set to lose her Senatorial seat and Zanu-PF Central Committee position after Mashonaland West Province, where she comes from, recommended that she be recalled.
Zanu-PF Mashonaland West provincial chairman Ziyambi Ziyambi said the province resolved to recall Mupfumira from being a Central Committee member and Senator.
“We have already met as PCC and written a letter to secretary for Administration Dr Obert Mpofu, Legal Affairs secretary Cde Munyaradzi Paul Mangwana as well as the National chairperson Cde Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri advising them of our decision to recall Mupfumira as a Central Committee member and from being a Senator.”
Ziyambi said this was in line with Section 129 (I) (k) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe.
The section states that: “A seat of a Member of Parliament becomes vacant if the member has ceased to belong to the political party of which he or she was a member when elected to Parliament and the political party concerned, by written notice to the Speaker or the President of the Senate, as the case may be, has declared that the member has ceased to belong to it.”
Mupfumira’s criminal abuse of office charges date back to her tenure as Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister.
The Mashonaland West Provincial Coordinating Committee is expected to meet tomorrow to discuss her fate and the anti-sanctions programme.
Mupfumira was recently granted bail after spending nearly two months in custody. She is facing seven counts of criminal abuse of office involving US$95 million.
President Mnangagwa relieved Mupfumira of her duties in early August on the basis that her conduct was not in line with that expected of a Government minister.
The President has made it clear that he does not tolerate corruption, and those engaging in it risked punishment despite their standing and positions.
Meanwhile, Mashonaland West meets today to deliberate on pertinent issues, including Mupfumira’s fate.
“We are basically discussing, the anti-sanctions programme, preparations for the national conference to be held in Mashonaland East and related funding activities,” he said.
State Media|FORMER Zimbabwe National Roads Administration (Zinara) chief executive Frank Chitukutuku, who is under investigation for fraud, has changed his surname.
He has done so together with his family.
This is contained in yesterday’s Government Gazette.
According to the Gazette, the Chitukutukus changed their surname to Mandlamakhulu before lawyer Jonas Dondo of Dondo and Partners legal practitioners.
The former Zinara boss and his wife, Nyasha, adopted new identities together with their two minor children on September 24 this year.
“Take notice that on the 24th of September 2019, Frank Chitukutuku (born on the 31st of October 1973) and Nyasha Chitukutuku (nee Masungo) born on the 25th of August 1975 both appeared before me (Jonas Dondo) a legal practitioner and notary public and changed their names to Frank Mandlamakhulu and Nyasha Mandlamakhulu and also appeared in their capacities as father and mother respectively of their minor children Anesu Tdiwanashe Chitukutuku (born on the 21st of January 2005) and Anopaishe Taona Chitukutuku(born on the 21st of January 2011) and changed their names to Anesu Tadiwanashe Mandlamakhulu and Anopaishe Taona Mandlamakhulu respectively,” reads the notice.
Two others, Vimbai (24) and Vongai (18), who were also formerly identified by the surname Chitukutuku, also adopted the name Mandlamakhulu on the same date before Mr Dondo.
Their relationship to the former Zinara boss could not be ascertained yesterday.
In June, Mr Mandlamakhulu was given a 30-day ultimatum to explain how he amassed his wealth believed to be about US$20 million, amid suspicion he corruptly acquired it.
The ultimatum was issued under the Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Act (2013).
He was ordered to submit a detailed statement to the head of Asset Forfeiture Unit within 30 days and he has since complied with the order.
The decision was made following an ex-parte application by Prosecutor-General Mr Kumbirai Hodzi for an unexplained wealth and asset freezing order in terms of Section 37B as read with Section 37H of Presidential Powers (Temporary Measures) (Amendment of the Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Act (Chapter 9:24) and Exchange Control Act) Regulations, 2018 (Statutory Instrument 246 of 2018).
Justice Ndewere ruled in favour of the State and barred any interested parties from dealing, in any way, with the property in question.
The former Zinara chief executive is said to have acquired 10 motor vehicles between September 2013 and April last year.
These vehicles include two Mazda T35 trucks, a Hino Dutro truck, Toyota Land Cruiser, Toyota Prado, Nissan NP200, Range Rover, Hino Ranger and a Land Rover Discovery.
Sometime in 2011, he also reportedly acquired residential properties namely: Property measuring 4 048 square metres held under Deed of Transfer 3232/11 situated at Lot 1 of Lot 3 of Lot 56A Borrowdale Estate, Harare and another one measuring 8 853 square metres held under Deed of Transfer 3885/11 situated at Lot 3 of Subdivision C of Subdivision B of Subdivision D of Nthaba of Glen Lorne.
The State also claims Mr Mandlamakhulu built or acquired a multi-million dollar thatched precast-walled house at the top of a mountain at Belmont Farm, Goromonzi, adding he also has six state-of-the-art fowl runs, five tractors, a 10-tonne UD truck, 4 x 200-litre PVC water tanks, as well as several structures at the farm.
Apart from a long list of expensive properties, he is also said to be the owner of two renowned companies, Farm Pride (Private) Limited situated at 49 Kent Road, Chisipite, Harare and an insurance company, Champions Insurance, which boasts of assets estimated at over US$15 million.
State Media|Police in Harare have revealed that ONE of the 210 anti-riot police helmets recovered from the basement of Robinson House in Harare last week belonged to a police sergeant who was killed in political violence that erupted near Harvest House in Harare three years ago.
Police last Saturday raided Robinson House and recovered 210 police helmets and 46 others belonging to Harare City Council.
This followed an attack on a uniformed policeman by thugs closer to the building.
When police officers sought to arrest the suspects, they ran into the basement of Robinson House with police in hot pursuit.
While inside, police recovered the helmets and a fleet of unregistered vehicles suspected to be exhibits in some cases of violence around town, among other items.
Addressing journalists in Harare yesterday, national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said investigations had shown that one of the helmets was the one used by the now late Sergeant Talkmore Phiri when he was slain.
“Police have established that one of the recovered helmets belonged to a police officer who was murdered in Harare in 2016 during the process of politically-motivated violence,” he said.
In an interview after the Press conference, Asst Comm Nyathi said the late Sgt Phiri’s helmet was positively identified by the police and it also bore his name.
Asst Comm Nyathi said the late Sgt Phiri was assaulted by the mob together with a female colleague, who survived with serious injuries.
“The helmet was the one used by the late Sgt Phiri who was stoned to death in town. During the attack, a female officer was also seriously injured and spent time in hospital,” he said.
Asst Comm Nyathi said Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga had since instituted internal investigations to establish how the helmets were sold to civilians through auction.
“Meanwhile, the Commissioner-General of Police has instituted full investigations into the alleged disposal of police riot helmets to members of the public,” he said.
This followed claims by a Harare businessman Mr Mitchel Chibwe that he had bought part of the helmets from ABC Auctions after they had been disposed of by police’s Ordinance Section.
Police claim that Sgt Phiri was attacked and killed by thugs in Harare’s central business district, during a demonstration.
Sgt Phiri was among police officers who had been deployed to the Deeds Office.
Sgt Phiri and his workmate, Constable Concillia Gumbo, were stoned and fell from a police vehicle.
The gang caught up with him and further stoned him, before kicking and punching him.
Asst Comm Nyathi said last Saturday police also observed rocks that were positioned on several spots in the basement of Robinson House, indicating that they were deliberately stored there.
He said Robinson House was now believed to be a hideout for violence perpetrators.
“The police have established that Robison House basement is a hideout for criminals who also have political inclinations.
“Members of the public are advised that the police are treating this case as a serious and grave incident whose full ramifications are yet to be fully established,” he said.
Asst Comm Nyathi said contrary to various reports on social media by individuals and groups about the helmets, they have not been fully accounted for nor has there been any concrete proof on why they were stored at the building.
“An individual, who approached the police after the recovery of the helmets, has only laid official claim to a fraction of the helmets leaving the vast majority of these helmets unaccounted for.
“This individual claims to have stored these helmets in 2016 leaving the vast majority of these helmets unaccounted for,” he said.
Police are yet to verify the claims that Mr Chibwe bought the helmets from ABC Auctions.
“Police are still to verify the ownership of those helmets that the individual referred to above has laid claim to,” said Asst Comm Nyathi.
He said they had noted with concern that certain political commentators and politicians have made inaccurate and reckless statements pertaining to the helmets in question.
He however warned people against making such reckless statements.
“In view of the gravity of the situation outlined above, the police wishes to warn members of the public and politicians to deists from making statements which place the investigations into jeopardy,” he said.
He said there was a possibility that the 11 vehicles recovered from the basement could have been used in perpetration of politically-motivated violence.
A WOMAN from Bulawayo escaped jail for bashing her husband with an iron rod in a fight over five litres of alcohol that she had consumed.
Rosemary Ndlovu (20) from Pumula suburb struck Mr Bukhosi Ndlovu (30), who is employed at Ingwebu Breweries, with a metal rod after he scolded her for drinking his liquor.
Mr Ndlovu sustained injuries on his arm and was admitted to Mpilo Central Hospital.
Rosemary pleaded guilty to physical abuse before Western Commonage magistrate Ms Tancy Dube.
The magistrate ordered her to go to a police station and pay a fine after Mr Ndlovu withdrew the charges.
Rosemary said she attacked her husband because he had accused her of infecting him with Se_xually Transmitted Diseases (STDs).
“I assaulted him because he accused me of infecting him with STIs. I lost my cool and attacked him. I also drank all his beer because I was craving for it,” she said.
Prosecuting, Mr Chief Muteve said the incident occurred on July 7 this year at around 10PM.
“The complainant arrived home and discovered that his beer had been consumed and got angry.
“The complainant insulted the accused person who went outside to get a metal rod and attacked him,” he said.
Mr Muteve said neighbours heard Mr Ndlovu screaming and they rushed to the scene to stop Rosemary from further assaulting him.
The matter was reported to the police leading to Rosemary’s arrest.State media
A CHIMANIMANI man reportedly died mysteriously at his girlfriend’s house after a beer drinking spree, but the woman left the body locked inside for two days as she left for another binge.
Manicaland provincial police spokesperson Inspector Tavhiringwa Kakohwa confirmed the incident.
The now-deceased, Robert Manzou (40), from Ngangu township, met Sibongile Mlambo at around 5pm on October 11 and the two lovers went on a drinking spree until the following day at around 3am before retiring to bed at Mlambo’s place.
While sleeping, Manzou reportedly developed a stomach disorder, but they did not take it seriously.
Around 9am, Mlambo discovered that Manzou had died and left his body locked inside the house and went back to Ngangu business centre to drink beer.
She did not tell anyone and only returned home two days later.
One Kudakwashe picked a strange stench coming out of the house and tried to gain entrance.
At the same time, Mlambo arrived and opened the door and saw Manzou lying dead on the bed with the body in a state of decomposition.
Kudakwashe reported the matter to the police and the body was taken to Chipinge District Hospital mortuary.
Kakohwa said Mlambo is assisting police with investigations.
— NewsDay
AN 18-year-old Churchill Boys High School student (name withheld) on Friday committed suicide at the Julius Nyerere Parkade.
The boy jumped from third floor and died on the spot.
The tragedy occurred barely a month after Upper Room Ministries leader Reverend Berry Dambaza took his life in the same manner at the same parkade.
H-Metro was at the scene shortly after the tragedy occurred.
Some Churchill High School pupils were seen milling around the scene where different versions of what prompted the boy to commit suicide had already started circulating.H-Metro
It’s been a while since a Liverpool trip to Manchester United felt like such a heavy lift for the home team, but that’s precisely the case when Old Trafford is our scene for one of the biggest rivalries in the Premier League.
United sit 15 points behind the unblemished visitors, and will be without
Paul Pogba and David De Gea for the event.
Still, all is not lost; The Red Devils’ poor attack may see the return of Anthony Martial, who had a goal or an assist in all three of his PL matches this season before a hamstring injury cost him six weeks.
And Liverpool will be tasked with breaking down a United defense which has only allowed multiple goals twice this season (Crystal Palace, West Ham).
They’ll be confident of doing that, especially knowing that a win would match two Premier League records:
Most consecutive matches unbeaten in league play (18)
Most wins to start a PL season (9)
Those numbers also mean the Reds have won a remarkable nine-consecutive away matches in the Premier League. Not bad.NBC Sports
A FIERCE war of words which almost degenerated into an exchange of blows erupted between an angry city married woman and her husband’s side chick at the Mutare Magistrates’ Civil court on Wednesday this week following the granting of a protection order in favour of the small house.
Memory Muringi teamed up with friends and cornered her husband’s lover, who was only identified as P Mudzimwa, soon after coming out of court where the latter had been granted a protection order against Muringi.
“We will teach you a lesson today, so that you will know when not to mess up with other people’s husbands,” shouted one of the women that surrounded Mudzimwa as they left the court premises.
Mudzimwa had dragged Muringi to court claiming that she was in the habit of calling her and insulting her over the phone, accusing her of having an affair with her husband, whom she claimed, had stopped dating a long time ago.
“Indeed Your Worship, I was in love with her husband but that was before I knew that he was married. I dumped him when I found out but now Muringi just won’t stop. She calls me daily, threatening to deal with me. She accuses me of destroying her marriage and calls non-stop, I have had enough of her calling me a whore,” said Mudzimwa.
Muringi however, had no kind words for Mudzimwa whom she called a husband snatcher and marriage wrecker. She justified her actions by claiming that she was only protecting her marriage by calling Mudzimwa and telling her to back off.
“She is a blatant liar, she is still in a relationship with my husband even though he no longer wants her. She pesters him over the phone day and night and he has had enough of her too. Just recently, she texted him at 11pm.
The message read ‘You are taking too long to reply, I’m sleeping now, let’s chat tomorrow.’ “She should stop communicating with my husband,” said Muringi.
Upon the granting of the protection order, the furious and angry Muringi had asked the presiding magistrate, Miss Prisca Tendai Manhibi, “Your Worship, so the law protects her even if she is having extra marital relations with my husband only because we do not have a civil marriage? It seems so unfair!”
Miss Manhibi ordered Muringi to confront her husband and stop breaching Mudzimwa’s peace by calling her.Manica Post
A GROUP of Warriors’ fans left Bulawayo yesterday morning for Lesotho to cheer Zimbabwe in the second-leg of the final Chan qualifier in Maseru tomorrow.
The Warriors carry a 3-1 lead going into the encounter. The Zimbabwe National Soccer Supporters Association (ZNSSA) organised discounted fares for fans to travel for the game that will see the Warriors qualifying for the Chan finals in Cameroon next year should they secure an aggregate win.
McCloud Moyo, an avid Chicken Inns supporter, predicted a 3-0 win for the Warriors, with striker Prince Dube shining.
“We’re going for nothing other than victory. We’ll finish off Lesotho 3-0,” said Moyo.
Kudakwashe Masunda of Masvingo tipped Dube to guide the Warriors to victory.
“We’re going to win 2-1 and obviously Prince will get a brace. For the national team, Prince scores for fun,” said Masunda. Bosso fan Mgcini Mafu predicted a 2-0 win.
“Lesotho are a tricky side and our boys should guard against complacency, but we’ll win 2-0.” Trust Jim, a member of the Dynamos Bulawayo Supporters Chapter, predicted a draw.
“Lesotho beat South Africa in the last round and we mustn’t underrate them. Playing on an artificial surface could prove difficult for our boys. We’ll qualify for the finals, but we’ll draw 1-1,” Jim said.
ZNSSA vice-chairman Carlmarx Nkomo thanked fans for travelling to rally behind the Warriors. “It’s always nice to have fans travelling to watch our boys and give them support. Now the challenge is for the boys to deliver. They have to do it for the country and their careers because playing in continental tournaments attracts scouts,” Nkomo said.State media
WARRIORS are in the 2020 African Nations Championship last qualifying round up against Lesotho and Manica Diamonds’ defender Partson Jaure, who is part of the squad, believes the tournament presents the team with a chance to redeem lost pride.
Home-based players travel to Maseru, Lesotho for the reverse tie in the last qualifying round, second leg this Sunday.
The 2020 African Nations Championship finals are set for Cameroon in January.
THE Warriors struggled to play fluently at home last month but they still managed to get the job done when they beat Lesotho in the first leg of the Chan final qualifier first leg.
“Our game against Lesotho is going to be a tough match because they have been together for long and they play in their local clubs. If there is any tournament they use the same players.
“And for us, we must go all the way and we must score and defend to make our job easy. I also hope this is a chance to redeem our lost pride not only by qualifying but making our impact felt at the finals in Cameroon,” he said.
The Warriors began their journey in the second round where they made light weight of Indian Ocean islanders Mauritius by winning 7-1 on aggregate.Manica Post
FIRED Environment, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Prisca Mupfumira is set to lose her Senatorial seat and Zanu-PF Central Committee position after Mashonaland West Province, where she comes from, recommended that she be recalled.
Zanu-PF Mashonaland West provincial chairman Ziyambi Ziyambi said the province resolved to recall Mupfumira from being a Central Committee member and Senator.
“We have already met as PCC and written a letter to secretary for Administration Obert Mpofu, Legal Affairs secretary Munyaradzi Paul Mangwana as well as the National chairperson Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri advising them of our decision to recall Mupfumira as a Central Committee member and from being a Senator.”
Ziyambi said this was in line with Section 129 (I) (k) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe.
The section states that: “A seat of a Member of Parliament becomes vacant if the member has ceased to belong to the political party of which he or she was a member when elected to Parliament and the political party concerned, by written notice to the Speaker or the President of the Senate, as the case may be, has declared that the member has ceased to belong to it.”
Mupfumira’s criminal abuse of office charges date back to her tenure as Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister.State media
Vice President Lynette Karenyi-Kore is attending the IMF/World Bank Annual Meetings which are being held in Washington, D.C. from Monday, October 14, through Sunday, October 20. These are a series of different meetings. This is a great honour for the MDC to be recognised and welcomed to participate in these meetings. There are also participants from Zimbabwe’s financial institutions in attendance.
At the heart of the Annual Meetings are the Annual Meetings plenary session, the joint World Bank Group/IMF Development Committee, and the IMF International Monetary and Financial Committee, where progress on the work of the institutions is discussed.
Other featured events will include regional briefings, press conferences, and fora focused on the global economy, international development, and the world’s financial markets.
The Meetings are attended by approximately 2,800 delegates from IMF/World Bank member countries, 350 observer organization representatives and 800 members of the press. Approximately 550 accredited civil society members also participate in the Meetings.
Observers organisations are the representatives of international, regional and economic organizations that are invited by the World Bank Group and IMF to attend the Meetings and participate in the proceedings.
The Civil Society Policy Forum (CSPF) provides an open opportunity for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to dialogue and exchange views with the Bank and Fund staff, their peers, government delegations, and other stakeholders. The forum is composed of sessions on a wide range of topics, which are open to all Annual Meetings attendees.
The World Bank Group President David Malpass will engage with representatives of Civil Society Organizations from around the world in an interactive townhall event where he will discuss with civil society a wide range of development topics that highlight the Bank’s work to reduce poverty, boost shared prosperity, secure financial stability, and promote sustainable economic growth.
These platforms give an opportunity to the MDC Party to engage with the IMF/World Bank officials to articulate party policies as well as networking opportunities with other participants from around the globe to share and learn best practice.MDC Communications
Manchester United are unbeaten in their last six home games against Liverpool, including five league matches (W3, D2).
It is the Merseysiders’ longest winless run at Old Trafford in the top flight since a 10-match streak between 1991 and 2000.
United’s only defeat in their last 10 league games against Liverpool was last season’s 3-1 loss at Anfield, a result which prompted manager Jose Mourinho’s dismissal two days later.
Four of the six most recent Premier League meetings have ended in draws (three of them 0-0) – only four of the previous 36 encounters finished level.
Manchester United
United are two short of becoming the first team to score 2,000 Premier League goals.
They have not scored more than once in any of their past 10 league and cup games – their worst such run since 2007.
The Reds have won just two of their last 13 league matches (D5, L6).
United have earned just 17 points from 16 top-flight matches since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was appointed on a permanent basis.
If United fail to win they will have made their worst start to a league campaign since 1986-87, the season in which manager Ron Atkinson was eventually replaced by Sir Alex Ferguson.
Marcus Rashford averages a Premier League goal every 208 minutes against teams from the established top six, compared to one every 266 minutes versus other clubs.
Liverpool
An 18th consecutive league win would equal the top-flight record, set by Manchester City between August and December 2017.
The Reds could become just the fourth team to win their opening nine top-flight games, matching the Premier League record set by Chelsea in 2005.
The only team who failed to win the title after winning their first nine matches are Manchester United, who ended fourth in 1985-86 despite beginning with 10 straight wins.
Liverpool have won just two of their last 13 league matches away to the other sides in the established top six, though that includes their most recent such game against Chelsea last month.BBC
A 26-year-old man from Sizinda suburb in Bulawayo sent his neighbours into shock and disbelief after he slaughtered and braaied his dog in full view of his neighbours, that he also threatened with a similar fate.
According to sources a drunk Jacob Mwanza, popularly known as “Nyaguza”, had a tendency of not only patting his dog, but fondling it as well. He also told his neighbours that one day he would slaughter his dog commonly known as My Lady.
“My Lady was always abused by Jacob. Especially when he was drunk because he would be all over My Lady as if he was fondling a woman,” said one of the residents, Nonsikelelo.
Mwanza was known for making noise especially when he was drunk and he had threatened his neighbours that he would eat them one day.
“Jacob always makes noise especially when he is drunk. He threatened that he’ll eat us one day so we are afraid of him,” said one of the neighbours on condition of anonymity.
On D-Day it is reported that Mwanza came home drunk on Wednesday last week and started shouting at his tenants in the family house demanding meat for a braai.
“He shouted and asked for meat for braai when he came home drunk. He then slaughtered My Lady in view of the public,” said MaNcube, one of the residents.
It is understood Mwanza slaughtered My Lady and had a braai until members of the public reprimanded him.
“He slaughtered his dog and had a braai. Residents tried to reprimand him for eating dog meat but Mwanza became radical and ordered the community to respect his rights,”said Brian, one of the residents.B-Metro
Farai Dziva|Controversial musician Desmond Chideme, also known as Stunner, was involved in a public brawl as he allegedly bashed a moneychanger in central Harare.
See below the report that was compiled by Zim Celebs:
Rapper Desmond Chideme better known as Stunner recently caused a scene along Kwame Nkrumah when he bashed one money changer only identified as Ngoni for harassing his daughter Celeste.
Speaking to this publication, the money changer laughed at the issue and said he didn’t know she was Stunner’s daughter.
“Stunner approached me warning me not to harass his daughter ndikamuudza kuti akanyorwa pamhanza here kuti mwana wako vanhu vemuroad ava and iyoyo mhinduro ndo isina kumufadza akabva andirova handina kumbopihwa nguva yekubatanidza” he said.
In an interview with Zim Celebs, Stunner said he doesn’t mess around when it comes to family.
“When it comes to my family i don’t let people mess with my family. I didn’t beat him for proposing to my daughter but after he was rejected he called her names and she came to me saying daddy munhu uyo anga achindinetsa” he said.
— Zim Celebs
FIVE Rusape villagers allegedly ganged up and fatally assaulted a 14-year-old boy accused of stealing a hen from one of their colleague, last week.
Three of them – Jonathan Elias (43), Michael Bhunu (47), of Kasvosve Village and Ambrose Gogo (42), of Mugadza village, under Chief Makoni – have since been arrested in connection with the offence.
The other two – Christopher and Abel Nyatoro – have been declared fugitives from justice.
Police are appealing for information leading to their arrest.
Elias, Bhunu and Gogo on Tuesday appeared before Rusape magistrate Mr Gift Manyika facing murder charges.
The three were not asked to plead.
They were remanded in custody and advised to apply for bail at the High Court.
The lower court does not have jurisdiction over murder cases.
The Nyatoros allegedly fled the village upon realising that they had committed murder.
Prosecutor Miss Theresa Mangwende told the court that the five allegedly caught the victim, who was in Grade 7 at a local school, in possession of Jonathan Elias’s hen in a nearby mountain.
The suspects allegedly took turns to assault the victim with sticks all over the body.
The boy died two days later as a result of the assault.
“On October 11, 2019, at Mupfumi village at about 0500hrs, the deceased, Watson Gogo was alleged to have stolen a hen from Jonathan Elias the previous night. Elias together with Christopher and Abel Nyatoro, who are at large, followed the boy’s footprints from the fowl run into the bush where they allegedly discovered him with the stolen hen.
“They (allegedly) apprehended the boy and took him to Ambrose Gogo’s homestead.
“Michael Bhunu arrived while the boy was at Gogo’s homestead.
“The accused persons, including those on run, assaulted the deceased with sticks all over the body.
“On October 13, 2019 the victim died, before being taken to hospital, as a result of the injuries,” said Miss Mangwende.Manica Post
Farai Dziva|A government official has said school pupils are expected to join the Anti-Sanctions March because the issue affects everyone.
“We expect primary and secondary school pupils to attend the celebration because sanctions affect us all.
Members of POLAD and other organizations are also invited to attend. There will be a football match , musicians and comedians are to perform,” Government spokesperson Nick Mangwana told ZBC.
Two men from Shurugwi under Chief Nhema allegedly murdered a fellow patron after he accidentally spilt their beer.
Godknows Dondiwa and Tafadzwa Jairos Moyo, appeared before Shurugwi magistrate Ms Sithabile Zungula charged with one count of murder, after they fatally stabbed Edward Chikuni of Shurugwi for spilling their beer.
The duo was not asked to plead and were remanded in custody to October 23.
Circumstances surrounding the matter are that, on Septmebr 28, the two accused persons were drinking beer at Dombwe Business Centre in Shurugwi.
While drinking, the victim passed by and he accidentally kicked their beer, spilling it in the process.
The issue did not go down well with the Dondiwa and Moyo who demanded that Chikuni buys them another beer.
The now deceased indicated that he had no money and he apologised but the pair would have none of it.
The two accused persons, the court heard, started assaulting Chikuni with open hands and he managed to break loose and ran away.
They allegedly chased after him, caught him and further assaulted him. Moyo allegedly produced a knife and stabbed Chikuni with it several times while Dondiwa held him down.
After committing the heinous crime, the pair ran away leaving the victim, who was bleeding profusely, lying haplessly on the ground.
Chikuni was ferried to hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
The matter was reported to the police leading to the arrest of Dondiwa and Moyo.
Mr Pride Gomera prosecuted.State media
By A Correspondent- A Bulawayo man, Noel Tshuma, was arrested after he returned to his victim’s house wearing the clothes he stole from the same house.
It is reported that on October 4 this year at around 7 PM, Tshuma smashed the bedroom window of Mr Sandile Ntshali’s house, entered and robbed Nrshali of his 21-inch television set and a suitcase that was full of clothes all valued at R 5000. The victim told the court:
On the 6th of October, when I was home, the accused person came wearing a grey shirt and a grey trouser which were some of the clothes that were stolen and he ordered me to cover my face so that I don’t recognise him. I immediately called the police leading to his arrest.
The accused pleaded not guilty to all charges before Western Commonage magistrate Ms Tancy Dube who sentenced him to four years in prison and suspended one on condition that Tshuma does not commit a similar offence within the next three years.
