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.

Live Life the EcoCash Way!

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|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

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

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

Watch video below. ..

By A Correspondent- The opposition MDC led by advocate Nelson Chamisa has called upon the Southern African Development Community to speak against violation of human rights by the administration of President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

The party posted on Facebook saying:

#NoToHumanRightsAbuses
SADC must speak up on this persistent brutality against innocent Zimbabweans by the so-called new dispensation.
#ZimbabweHumanRights

The call comes when the SADC has stood with Zimbabwe in calling for the removal of the sanctions imposed on the Southern African country by the USA, the UK, the EU and other Western states over alleged human rights abuses.

The opposition party argues that the SADC which is vocal on the removal of sanctions must also raise its voice when the government is harassing its people.

By A Correspondent- The Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe has told the government that teachers were now incapacitated to execute their duties and responsibilities.

Resultantly, they will be reporting for duty only twice a week with effect from the 21st of October 2019.

We present the union’s letter to the Public Service Commission below.

By A Correspondent- Popular actor Lazarus Boora aka Gringo who underwent surgery for a ruptured appendix this week is recovering well in hospital and the family would like to thank all who helped him out.

Gringo was operated on on Tuesday at CitiMed Hospital in Chitungwiza after well-wishers from around the country raised money for him. He had been admitted to hospital last week Thursday.

This was after an appeal by his family for people to help him as Gringo was in dire financial straits and could not raise the reported $18 000 needed to go under the knife.

His daughter Tanaka Boora said she was grateful that people rallied behind him.

“Although he isn’t out of the woods yet as he still hasn’t gained his strength he is recovering well. I want to thank all the people who heeded the call to raise funds for him to undergo the surgery,” said Tanaka.

She said they were not sure when Gringo would be discharged from hospital.

When news spread that Gringo had fallen ill and was in need of the money for surgery, socialites such as Jackie Ngarande and Lorraine Guyo went on a plea to their followers and Zimbabweans at large to raise the $18 000.

It is reported that fashionista Pokello Nare pledged to raise the $18 000 and people thanked her.

However, despite the media reports no one could neither confirm whether or not Pokello paid for Gringo’s surgery.

“I don’t talk to the media and I don’t want to confirm anything,” Pokello said before hanging up.

Tanaka said she had no knowledge of any contribution by Pokello.

“Hapana chandinoziva (I don’t know anything about that donation personally).”’

Ngarande posted a picture on her Facebook page with Pokello with the caption: My friend has a heart made of gold, The most generous person I know, She made a huge difference for someone in need.

God bless you Pokello’s Addicted 2 Shoes.”

She did not say what exactly Pokello did to change someone’s life and it seems some people assumed that she donated to Gringo.

The award-winning actor hogged the limelight in 1997 when he featured on Enock Chihombori’s drama series “Gringo” that rocked the local television station ZBCTV.

The success of the series led to similar projects “Gringo Ndiani”, “Gringo Mari Iripi” and subsequently a movie “Gringo the Troublemaker”. He also acted as Gibbo in the film “Village Secrets”, which was being screened on ZBCTV. He made cameo appearances in local movies such as Yellow Card.

-StateMedia

That there's always a symbiotic relationship between sanctions & corruption is beyond debate. Sanctions actually cause & fuel corruption. Many sanctions busting activities are, of necessity, mired in corruption.#SayNoToSanctions

— Obert Gutu (@GutuObert) October 18, 2019

By A Correspondent- Having served for more than two years in prison for stealing, Kelvin Mbuyiswa (24) seems to have learnt nothing inside. 

He appears to have tried to perfect his thieving skills hoping never to get caught but the long arm of the law caught up with him.

Mbuyiswa, an informal trader at a stall along 6th Avenue, was arrested and shipped back to prison after stealing a cellphone from a shopper at the corner of Lobengula Street and Third Avenue last month.

Narrating his ordeal, the complainant said at around 2pm he was waiting to cross the road when Mbuyiswa approached him from the front and pushed him. 

“He accused me of pushing him and started demanding an apology from me. I didn’t want any misunderstanding so I just apologised.

“But he kept on walking all around me still demanding an apology before he finally walked away,” said the victim.

As he tried to recompose himself, another trader who had been watching the whole scene told him that Mbuyiswa had searched him and stolen his phone. 

“I hadn’t felt him search me at that moment so I searched my pockets and found nothing,” said the victim.

A security guard at the Kurai Coaches advised him to report the case to police officers who were patrolling nearby because he knew Mbuyiswa as a serial thief. 

After reporting the case to the officers, they tracked Mbuyiswa to his stall where they recovered the phone whose Econet simcard he had already removed.

Meanwhile, State files showed that Mbuyiswa had served 24 months and another eight months on different occasions for stealing cellphones.

However, pleading guilty before Bulawayo magistrate Lesigo Ngwenya, Mbuyiswa appealed to the prosecution to be lenient with him as he claimed his eight-month-old sick son was the one that pushed him to look for fast money.

“I am a very lenient person, but how do I let you go when you have served two times before for the same offence. 

“It means this is your job. If I let you go then you will go back to your job and prey on your next victim. Go inside and reflect on your actions and think about your son,” said the magistrate. 

He sentenced Mbuyiswa to six months imprisonment.

-BMetro

By A Correspondent- A man from Gundani Village under Chief Nembudziya in Gokwe was ordered to pay three cows for having an illicit relationship with his stepdaughter which resulted in pregnancy.

Jacob Manyengavana had a relationship with his 20-year-old stepdaughter Farisai Bhasikiti.

The matter came into light when Bhasikiti told her mother about the pregnancy. This was after Manyengavana tried to force her to abort the three months pregnancy.

A source who spoke on condition of anonymity said the two had a relationship for close to three years without anyone noticing until Bhasikiti got pregnant. They had a fallout after Manyengavana tried to convince Bhasikiti to terminate the pregnancy.

“Manyengavana and Bhasikiti started their relationship about three years ago. Their relationship went sour when Bhasikiti fell pregnant and her stepfather wanted her to abort.

“She refused to terminate the pregnancy and Manyengavana then threatened to chase her away from their home. He told her to go and look for her biological father if she wanted to keep the baby,” said the source.

Left with no option, Bhasikiti opened up to her mother about the whole incident.

“Due to pressure put on her by her stepfather, Bhasikiti told her mother about the pregnancy and that her stepfather was responsible. She also revealed that he wanted her to abort the pregnancy but she refused,” said the source.

Bhasikiti’s mother reported the matter to Chief Nembudziya.

Chief Nembudziya confirmed presiding over the incident saying he fined Manyengavana three cows for sleeping with his stepdaughter.

“I presided over the case and l ordered Manyengavana to pay three cows for the embarrassing incident. Two cows were given to the girl’s mother while the other cow goes to the community,” said Chief Nembudziya.

-BMetro

By A Correspondent- In a bizarre incident that has left villagers in Mkuze Village under Chief Mkoka in Gokwe South shell-shocked, women at a funeral wake mysteriously woke up without their panties last week.

The undergarments were later found hanging on a tree near the homestead.

Chief Mkoka confirmed the incident saying the strange incident had sent tongues wagging in the village.

“There was a funeral in the village at Twoboy Ncube’s homestead. As usual villagers went to the funeral wake to comfort the Ncube family and to help with all the other necessary chores.

“It is said that when they woke up in the morning, most women discovered that they had been stripped of their undergarments while they were asleep,” said Chief Mkoka.

He said the women were later asked to identify their panties from the tree.

“Most of them were able to positively identify their panties though they were scared to take them as they suspected witchcraft,” said Chief Mkoka.

Chief Mkoka said he received the report on the incident from Headman Mkuze on the same day seeking permission to invite traditional healers and tsikamutandas and seek answers.

“I received a report about the strange incident last week and we are trying to seek answers from spirit mediums and local prophets in our area. They are telling us that the ancestral spirits are the ones behind the whole issue.

“The spirit mediums were summoned and they performed their rituals. They didn’t say anything though after completing rituals,” he said.

This incident is not the first of its kind in Gokwe.

In September 2014, a similar incident happened in Chibarirwa and Demawatema villages in Gokwe South. In the same year Saviors Nyenyezwa of Gokwe was found in possession of 13 women’s panties and a black mamba during a cleansing ceremony.

In July 2012, a 62-year-old man from Charisekera, under Chief Njelele came out and claimed ownership of a goblin which had been terrorising women in his village by taking off their panties at night while they were asleep.

The man, Lumeck Ncube, made the startling revelations at a cleansing ceremony in the village.

-BMetro

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.

-BMetro

MINISTRY of Energy secretary Gloria Magombo was yesterday grilled by Parliament over issues of rebundling of Zesa with MPs questioning why an institution that was recently unbundled was now being rebundled.

Magombo had appeared before the Joel Gabbuza-led Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Energy to speak on her ministry’s 2020 budget proposals.

Gabbuza also asked her to explain the $8,6 billion loss by Zesa which was attributed to exchange rate losses and low electricity tariffs.

“After the $8,6 million loss which was attributed to exchange rate losses you were now given a new tariff and calculations show that this will enhance your revenue by $800 million per month, and it shows that you should be able to offset this loss within three months,” Gabbuza said.

Magombo admitted that the sharp increase in Zesa tariffs will boost the company’s balance sheet.

“We were operating in a situation where our tariffs were low, as well as issues of inflation – and because of this background Zesa has been operating in an almost impossible situation with revenues amounting to $98 million against expenditure of $1,2 billion,” Magombo said.

“The major issue that was causing the net loss were the sub-economic tariffs that were previously charged,” she said.

Bikita West MP Elias Musakwa then asked Magombo to explain the rationale of unbundling and then rebundling Zesa, and why she would need to get outside consultants to rebundle Zesa.

“You said you will engage consultants to re-bundle Zesa, but is this country suffering from lack of consultants? Do we not have technocrats in this country who can do that exercise without us paying all that money to foreign consultants?” asked Musakwa.

Magombo then responded: “The issue sounds simple, but rebundling means there are people who are going to lose jobs. There is a vested interest and the role of a consultant is to do an independent structure which is not based on individuals and personalities.”

Uzumba MP Simbaneuta Mudarikwa said unbundling of Zesa was done by consultants, and now they wanted to hire other consultants to rebundle. He said Zesa was concentrating on wrong issues instead of focussing on ensuring that the country had enough power.

“The unbundling exercise was the work of a consultant and we need to know if they were competent enough. The only things we see is the expansion of the Zesa car park. You are generating 1 300 megawatts with three boards. While the sizes of your vehicles are improving, there is no generation of power. Our focus must be on generation of power,” Mudarikwa said.

MPs suggested that Magombo should look at the issue of hiring local consultants — even at universities to look at the issue of the Zesa rebundling.

NOIC acting chief executive officer Godfrey Ncube said the major challenge affecting non-availability of fuel was foreign currency.

“We had 104 million litres up to August, but we only sold 76 million litres. On capital projects, we developed four projects in Mabvuku, Bindura, Warren Park and Masvingo. The major challenges that we are facing which are causing shortages of fuel is foreign currency, but in the short term I think it will be better because of pricing, and we also hope that in the long term there will be proper functioning of public transport,” Ncube said.

The Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation former chairman who is facing criminal abuse charges absconded court once again yesterday as he is reportedly critically ill.

David Murangari, who is already on an outstanding warrant of arrest, was in a no show in court yesterday with his lawyer presenting his latest medical report to regional magistrate Hosea Mujaya which revealed that he has developed a heart condition.

“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,” said Mushoriwa.

In response to the application to have the matter remanded to end of November, senior prosecutor Micheal Reza said he didn’t understand whether by saying if he continues coming to court he will damage his heart, do the doctors mean that the trial should be stopped completely.

The matter was subsequently remanded to November 25.

Murngari is appearing with his alleged accomplice Luke Akino and the duo is facing criminal abuse charges in which it is alleged that they corruptly awarded a $168 000 consultancy services contract to their acquaintance Thomas Mashungupa.

The Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe has told the government that teachers were now incapacitated to execute their duties and responsibilities. Resultantly, they will be reporting for duty only twice a week with effect from the 21st of October 2019. We present the union’s letter to the Public Service Commission below.

THE battle for control of the MDC yesterday took a new twist at the Supreme Court with former deputy president of the party, Thokozani Khupe challenging party leader, Nelson Chamisa in his appeal against a High Court judgment which nullified his presidency in May this year.

The move by Khupe came after Chamisa’s lawyer advocate Thabani Mpofu, who was assisted by advocate Sylvester Hashiti, told Justices Paddington Garwe, Antoinette Guvava and Bharat Patel that Chamisa had decided to withdraw his appeal against Khupe, Elias Mudzuri and Douglas Mwonzora and also tendered to pay the wasted costs.

While Mudzuri and Mwonzora consented to the withdrawal of the appeal against them, and Elias Mashavira — who successfully challenged Chamisa’s appointment — also had no issues with the withdrawal, Khupe, through her lawyer Lovemore Madhuku declined the withdrawal.

Mashavira’s lawyer Ashell Mutungura, who was assisted by Sarudzai Chatsanga, told the court that his client had no issues with the withdrawal of the appeal against Mwonzora, Khupe and Mudzuri.

Khupe has, however, insisted that she intends to be part to the proceedings and defend the High Court judgment which was delivered in favour of MDC’s Gokwe Sesame district secretary, Mashavira.

In his submissions, Mpofu said it was baffling to note that Khupe had not been a part to the proceedings in the High Court and further that no judgment was passed in her favour, yet she was now insisting to be part of the proceedings in the Supreme Court.

“The third respondent (Khupe) takes nothing out of these proceedings and she cannot obtain a judgment in her favour. She did not obtain a judgment in the High Court and she can ask no judgment from this court,” Mpofu said.

He added that although Khupe did not appear in the High Court she was now the one leading the charge in opposing Chamisa’s request for access to the late party leader, Morgan Tsvangirai’s affidavit and the MDC’s original constitution.

In his address to the bench, Madhuku said Khupe had an interest in the current court proceedings arguing that the law says once the matter has been set down for hearing the applicant no longer enjoys the liberty to simply withdraw the same.

“Third respondent has an interest in these proceedings and she is prepared to defend the judgment of the High Court,” Madhuku said insisting that his client does not accept the withdrawal of the appeal against her.

As the matter continued Mpofu also indicated that his client was not happy with the copy of the party constitution which the Registrar of the High Court had obtained from another court record allegedly filed by Tsvangirai when he was defending his party’s constitution.

The challenge by Mpofu then prompted the Supreme Court to roll the matter over to today in order to allow all the parties to have access to the original court record and verify if the copy of the Constitution availed to the parties was the same with the one allegedly filed by Tsvangirai.

Chamisa’s appeal to the Supreme Court followed Justice Edith Mushore’s ruling in favour of Mashavira after he sought a declaration that Chamisa and Mudzuri’s appointments as MDC deputy presidents by Tsvangirai was unconstitutional.

— NewsDay

HIGH SCHOOL PUPIL COMMITS SUICIDE pic.twitter.com/1L6hJTo9mW

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) October 18, 2019

Paul Nyathi|Majority of Zimbabweans have declared that Zimbabwe is under no felt sanctions at all declaring the mantra on sanctions as a “stupid ZANU PF excuse” on its failures to govern.

In an online poll run by ZimEye.com on Thursday, 76% of the respondents said that ZANU PF was lying that the so called sanctions were crippling the nation.

The Zimbabweans instead blamed ZANU PF for all the suffering that they are going through.

A paltry 14% of the respondents voted in favour of ZANU PF claims that the country is failing to move ahead because of the sanctions imposed on its leaders by the USA and the European Union.

The online voting trend leaves many doubting who then will join the ZANU PF Anti Sanctions March set for next week.

Below is how Zimbabweans voted on the matter.

Whats Your Take
"We, the citizens of Zimbabwe, are tired of putting up with the never ending assurances from the United States that sanctions are exclusively targeting certain individuals and companies, and do not affect ordinary residents.

Would you sign this ZANU PF petition?

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) October 17, 2019

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.

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

By A Correspondent- Lesley Qiniso Mlala is an insensitive and aggressive son. 

This came out at the Bulawayo magistrates court when his mother broke down narrating how he beats her grandchildren for no reason and insults her every time he gets drunk.

Leanor Mlala from Entumbane suburb said in most instances her son comes home drunk at midnight and then starts insulting her for no apparent reason.

As if that is not enough he goes on to assault her three grandchildren. Now her grandchildren fear living in the house because of his abusive nature.

During her first days of being insulted, Leanor sought assistance from family members but efforts to tame Lesley’s rowdy behaviour were fruitless.

As months went by Lesley turned to be extremely violent and fearing for her life and her grandchildren’s Leanor decided to seek help from the courts. 

“I wish to apply for a protection order against Lesley who is my son. The respondent usually comes home drunk during midnight, and he starts insulting me for no apparent reason. He just lacks respect for me. He also assaults my grandchildren even if they have done nothing wrong,” said Leanor.

She added: “The respondent usually damages the door to gain entry when he comes home late at night. He switches off the television anytime when he finds me and my grandchildren watching, and if I try to reprimand him he becomes violent and starts damaging my property. He also raises the volume of the radio full blast at midnight, making noise for us and the neighbours. May the court assist me by reprimanding him not to make noise, assault my grandchildren so that I can live peacefully.

Western Commonage magistrate Urgent Vundla granted an interim order pending a final decision.

By A Correspondent- A man from Gundani Village under Chief Nembudziya in Gokwe was ordered to pay three cows for having an illicit relationship with his stepdaughter which resulted in pregnancy.

Jacob Manyengavana had a relationship with his 20-year-old stepdaughter Farisai Bhasikiti.

The matter came into light when Bhasikiti told her mother about the pregnancy. This was after Manyengavana tried to force her to abort the three months pregnancy.

A source who spoke on condition of anonymity said the two had a relationship for close to three years without anyone noticing until Bhasikiti got pregnant. They had a fallout after Manyengavana tried to convince Bhasikiti to terminate the pregnancy.

“Manyengavana and Bhasikiti started their relationship about three years ago. Their relationship went sour when Bhasikiti fell pregnant and her stepfather wanted her to abort.

“She refused to terminate the pregnancy and Manyengavana then threatened to chase her away from their home. He told her to go and look for her biological father if she wanted to keep the baby,” said the source.

Left with no option, Bhasikiti opened up to her mother about the whole incident.

“Due to pressure put on her by her stepfather, Bhasikiti told her mother about the pregnancy and that her stepfather was responsible. She also revealed that he wanted her to abort the pregnancy but she refused,” said the source.

Bhasikiti’s mother reported the matter to Chief Nembudziya.

Chief Nembudziya confirmed presiding over the incident saying he fined Manyengavana three cows for sleeping with his stepdaughter.

“I presided over the case and l ordered Manyengavana to pay three cows for the embarrassing incident. Two cows were given to the girl’s mother while the other cow goes to the community,” said Chief Nembudziya.

-BMetro

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.

By A Correspondent- In a bizarre incident that has left villagers in Mkuze Village under Chief Mkoka in Gokwe South shell-shocked, women at a funeral wake mysteriously woke up without their panties last week.

The undergarments were later found hanging on a tree near the homestead.

Chief Mkoka confirmed the incident saying the strange incident had sent tongues wagging in the village.

“There was a funeral in the village at Twoboy Ncube’s homestead. As usual villagers went to the funeral wake to comfort the Ncube family and to help with all the other necessary chores.

“It is said that when they woke up in the morning, most women discovered that they had been stripped of their undergarments while they were asleep,” said Chief Mkoka.

He said the women were later asked to identify their panties from the tree.

“Most of them were able to positively identify their panties though they were scared to take them as they suspected witchcraft,” said Chief Mkoka.

Chief Mkoka said he received the report on the incident from Headman Mkuze on the same day seeking permission to invite traditional healers and tsikamutandas and seek answers.

“I received a report about the strange incident last week and we are trying to seek answers from spirit mediums and local prophets in our area. They are telling us that the ancestral spirits are the ones behind the whole issue.

“The spirit mediums were summoned and they performed their rituals. They didn’t say anything though after completing rituals,” he said.

This incident is not the first of its kind in Gokwe.

In September 2014, a similar incident happened in Chibarirwa and Demawatema villages in Gokwe South. In the same year Saviors Nyenyezwa of Gokwe was found in possession of 13 women’s panties and a black mamba during a cleansing ceremony.

In July 2012, a 62-year-old man from Charisekera, under Chief Njelele came out and claimed ownership of a goblin which had been terrorising women in his village by taking off their panties at night while they were asleep.

The man, Lumeck Ncube, made the startling revelations at a cleansing ceremony in the village.

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.

BMetro

Watch video below. ..

Farai Dziva|MDC Youth Assembly leader Obey Sithole has said Zimbabwe is under ruthless and clueless leaders.

Sithole also blasted Zanu PF leader Emmerson Mnangagwa for tormenting hapless citizens.

Read full statement below :

In a country where unemployment and inflation are consistently competing to remain shooting high, it is only expected that a responsible government would seek to address such an anomaly.

Regrettably, in our motherland, the expected is seemingly never accepted by the thieving club which currently claims to be a government.

In the wake of high unemployment orchestrated by the religious failures of ZANU-PF, multitudes have located their survival in the informal economy. When a government fails to uphold it’s responsibility, citizens will always find their way to respond to the failures. This is why we see young men and women in the streets of Harare selling small to huge wares for the sole reason of survival. Surely, that cannot and must not be criminalized.

Under these difficult circumstances, the arrest of vendors therefore becomes a very disturbing act and equally an act which seriously threatens the right to life. It is even disturbing when these very same vendors are subjected to persecution for allegations decorated with extreme falsehoods. The recent arrest of eleven vendors is a testimony that we have irresponsible and clueless people in positions of authority. Instead of creating baseless falsehoods just to find a reason of arresting vendors, the government must be making spirited efforts to create jobs for them.

It is not by their design that they’re in the streets, they are in the streets because of the ZANU-PF made joblessness. Thus, arresting vendors and fabricating lies, accusing them of being violent must be condemned in utmost terms. Stop criminalizing vending, free our vendors and allow them to fend for their families. Several people are looking up to these vendors to have food on their small tables, the same manner in which Mnangagwa expects ‘zondo’ on his table in a private jet.

Once again, this is a clear testimony that we have ruthless and clueless people in power, these people rejoice when the ordinary citizens are languishing in poverty. This, we shall bring to an end, a new story attributed to our collective actions shall be written.

FreeZimbabweCampaign

Obey “Luther” Sithole
MDC Youth Chairperson

Farai Dziva|Concerns have been raised over the high incidence of sexual harassment of women in crowded ZUPCO buses.

It has emerged men are taking advantage of the pressure in the long and winding queues to pleasure themselves on unsuspecting women.

Bulawayo Provincial Affairs Minister Judith Ncube told Chronicle that she has received numerous complaints of women and girls being s_xually abused in crowded public vehicles.

“It is very worrying. I have received these reports, especially from junior parliamentarians that some men in our society are now taking advantage of transport problems and using crowded buses to explore dirty agendas such as caressing and s_xually assaulting women and girls.”

Yes Mudiwa Hood is now OFFICIALLY my Government legal name, and was never just a Stage name ( do not insult me like that). As an intellectual i cannot jus wake up and call my self Mudiwa Hood because it feels good ?‍♂️, NO that is who i am. And i have the Blessing of my dad, who said, Well done for being bold son, you did this whilst i am alive… My own dad is happy i am now called by my real Surname, who else should go against who i am.

It is indeed a sad story to later find out the surname “Mtandwa” i have been using on all my legal documents all my life ? was jus my grandpa’s name, and i am no relative at all who use Mtandwa except my siblings… How it came to be so too… is very sad?…

Mr Hood who resided in Chivhu, married a black woman (my great grand ma), got her pregnant and because of racism and family pressure, he chased away the black woman who is in this case my great grand ma. My great grand ma, who was pregnant then, went on to give birth to a mixed race baby and named him “Mtandwa”( we were chased away, meaning Mudzingwa). Instead of giving him surname Hood, as a bitter woman she adopted a surname from where she got re-married.
So my grand dad, used his step father’s surname and his name was Mtandwa ……,(Couldn’t mention the surname for privacy sake).
When my dad was born, he automatically inherited a surname that wasn’t his?.
However As a bold man, when he got married and had kids, he gave us his dad’s name “Mtandwa” as a surname. So literally i have no relative called Mtandwa except my siblings and my uncles’ kids who my dad demanded they also use grand pa’s name as surname too.
So i was Born Mudiwa Ian Mtandwa. Now that i am a dad too, my dad said “do your son a favor son… like i did for you…Who is He? You now grown up and know your true history and who you are.”
As a proud dad, i want my children to be who they really are!!

I am grateful that my dad is proud and happy for me, this was the most important thing… Hood was never a stage name but my real Surname from the beginning!!!

Mudiwa Hood Snr.

Popular actor Lazarus Boora aka Gringo who underwent surgery for a ruptured appendix this week is recovering well in hospital and the family would like to thank all who helped him out.

Gringo was operated on on Tuesday at CitiMed Hospital in Chitungwiza after well-wishers from around the country raised money for him. He had been admitted to hospital last week Thursday.

This was after an appeal by his family for people to help him as Gringo was in dire financial straits and could not raise the reported $18 000 needed to go under the knife.

His daughter Tanaka Boora said she was grateful that people rallied behind him.

“Although he isn’t out of the woods yet as he still hasn’t gained his strength he is recovering well. I want to thank all the people who heeded the call to raise funds for him to undergo the surgery,” said Tanaka.

She said they were not sure when Gringo would be discharged from hospital.

When news spread that Gringo had fallen ill and was in need of the money for surgery, socialites such as Jackie Ngarande and Lorraine Guyo went on a plea to their followers and Zimbabweans at large to raise the $18 000.

It is reported that fashionista Pokello Nare pledged to raise the $18 000 and people thanked her.

However, despite the media reports no one could neither confirm whether or not Pokello paid for Gringo’s surgery.

“I don’t talk to the media and I don’t want to confirm anything,” Pokello said before hanging up.

Tanaka said she had no knowledge of any contribution by Pokello.

“Hapana chandinoziva (I don’t know anything about that donation personally).”’

Ngarande posted a picture on her Facebook page with Pokello with the caption: My friend has a heart made of gold, The most generous person I know, She made a huge difference for someone in need.

God bless you Pokello’s Addicted 2 Shoes.”

She did not say what exactly Pokello did to change someone’s life and it seems some people assumed that she donated to Gringo.

The award-winning actor hogged the limelight in 1997 when he featured on Enock Chihombori’s drama series “Gringo” that rocked the local television station ZBCTV.

The success of the series led to similar projects “Gringo Ndiani”, “Gringo Mari Iripi” and subsequently a movie “Gringo the Troublemaker”. He also acted as Gibbo in the film “Village Secrets”, which was being screened on ZBCTV. He made cameo appearances in local movies such as Yellow Card.

-State Media

By A Correspondent- The deputy governor of the Reserve of Zimbabwe (RBZ) Jesimen Chipika has underplayed prospects of the return of the multicurrency system which was outlawed on 24 June this year.

Chipika said that the Zimbabwe dollar which was reintroduced through Statutory Instrument 142 of 2019 was stabilising the economy and was part of the structural adjustment measures the country is embracing to address the financial crisis.

Speaking to captains of industry and commerce during her presentation at the 2019 bankers and banking survey launch in Harare this Thursday, Chipika said:

The Zimbabwe dollar may not be perfect but we are getting there.

We have seen the reduced trading of foreign currency on the black market and we are seeing stronger demand for the local currency.

Chipika speaks when calls for the re-dollarisation of the economy are also growing with some saying that it is the only way to address inflation and to assure growth.

The government, on the other hand, is reportedly in the process of printing the new currency which can be expected on the market anytime this year.

-TheIndependent

By A Correspondent- Popular actor Lazarus Boora aka Gringo who underwent surgery for a ruptured appendix this week is recovering well in hospital and the family would like to thank all who helped him out.

Gringo was operated on on Tuesday at CitiMed Hospital in Chitungwiza after well-wishers from around the country raised money for him. He had been admitted to hospital last week Thursday.

This was after an appeal by his family for people to help him as Gringo was in dire financial straits and could not raise the reported $18 000 needed to go under the knife.

His daughter Tanaka Boora said she was grateful that people rallied behind him.

“Although he isn’t out of the woods yet as he still hasn’t gained his strength he is recovering well. I want to thank all the people who heeded the call to raise funds for him to undergo the surgery,” said Tanaka.

She said they were not sure when Gringo would be discharged from hospital.

When news spread that Gringo had fallen ill and was in need of the money for surgery, socialites such as Jackie Ngarande and Lorraine Guyo went on a plea to their followers and Zimbabweans at large to raise the $18 000.

It is reported that fashionista Pokello Nare pledged to raise the $18 000 and people thanked her.

However, despite the media reports no one could neither confirm whether or not Pokello paid for Gringo’s surgery.

“I don’t talk to the media and I don’t want to confirm anything,” Pokello said before hanging up.

Tanaka said she had no knowledge of any contribution by Pokello.

“Hapana chandinoziva (I don’t know anything about that donation personally).”’

Ngarande posted a picture on her Facebook page with Pokello with the caption: My friend has a heart made of gold, The most generous person I know, She made a huge difference for someone in need.

God bless you Pokello’s Addicted 2 Shoes.”

She did not say what exactly Pokello did to change someone’s life and it seems some people assumed that she donated to Gringo.

The award-winning actor hogged the limelight in 1997 when he featured on Enock Chihombori’s drama series “Gringo” that rocked the local television station ZBCTV.

The success of the series led to similar projects “Gringo Ndiani”, “Gringo Mari Iripi” and subsequently a movie “Gringo the Troublemaker”.

He also acted as Gibbo in the film “Village Secrets”, which was being screened on ZBCTV. He made cameo appearances in local movies such as Yellow Card. 

-StateMedia

MDC Legislator for Magwegwe Constituency in Bulawayo, Anele Ndebele has refuted se_xual harassment allegations raised against him.

The Chronicle reported earlier that Ndebele had been arrested for rap_ing and impreg_nating a form six pupil. Ndebele said responded by posting on Facebook that the State-run paper was peddling lies about him. He said:

“Morning family. l wish to bring it to your attention that l am accused of rap_ing a minor and impreg_nating her. While this is dishonourable. I would like to assure you once more that l am a victim of fake news.l did not do what l am alleged to have done.

“l have called on the police for the last 24 hours to provide me with details on the issue. The charge sheet has not been coming. Yet l am vilified by the State Media who for reasons unknown to me have had access to the charge sheet. l am traumatised.

“There are indications that l am under arrest but l am not. l shall leave the story here for our spokespersons to interface with the media and shall not comment on the matter again. You have my deepest assurance that this is fake news again!”

By A Correspondent- A 34 year old Buhera woman claims that she was grabbed by mermaids and held underwater for 2 weeks.

Claris Chuma disappeared at Sebakwe River some three weeks backs and only came back last week.

Chuma says she disappeared mysteriously while she was fishing with her sister Melody Chuma.

“A whirlwind engulfed the place and when I turned back to look for my sister, she was nowhere to be found,” said Melody.

Claris’s aunt Angeline Nyamanda confirmed her niece’s claim.

“Claris went missing and but I could not believe she was taken by a mermaids. I told myself she had run away somewhere. We went to churches to seek for help, some churches claimed two beasts for us to find our daughter and we were willing to pay,” said Nyamanda.

Her sister Melody was told that Claris was underwater with mermaids after consulting with Johanne Masowe echishanu prophet Madzibaba Edborn.

It was after an intense prayer vigil was held that she came out of the water miraculously, holding a basket full of traditional medicines, snails and her body was white in colour.

Said Claris about her ordeal

“The whirlwind engulfed me and I fell into the small river, I was taken by three girls with long hair which stretches to its bottom half. I was taken to a place under the water for two weeks and was forced to eat fish, snails and was threatened that if l refuse to eat I could die.

President Mnangagwa has kept his word by transferring the title deeds of the Blue Roof Mansion and the Mount Pleasant home to the Mugabe Family according to reports.

Last month the Mugabe family embarrassed ZANU PF after snubbing a heroes acre burial opting instead to bury the Late Robert Mugabe in his rural home of Kutama.

The Former President was laid to rest in a private ceremony, comprising of only close family members.

Many speculated that Mnangagwa would revenge but recent events have proved otherwise. Speaking to The Daily News Publication, ZANU PF Secretary For Administration Obert Mpofu confirmed the development.

-Online

By A Correspondent- The state media reported that the Member of Parliament for Magwegwe Constituency in Bulawayo, Anele Ndebele (MDC Alliance), was arrested for allegedly raping and impregnating a high school pupil.

Ndebele is accused of raping an Upper Six pupil who learns at a school in Kezi, Matabeleland South Province.

National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the MP’s arrest yesterday.

“I can confirm that we received a rape report against a 47-year-old male who is a politician. He is a member of the House of Assembly for Magwegwe Constituency.

“The victim in this case is a minor therefore I cannot divulge further details. The matter is under investigation and the accused is assisting us with investigations,” said Asst Commissioner Nyathi.

Sources told The Chronicle that the matter came to light when the pupil, whose name has been withheld for ethical reasons, fell pregnant.

Ndebele is alleged to have first met the girl in March this year when he proposed love to her but was turned down.

He then allegedly started raping her in April and May after offering to pay for her school holiday lessons.

The girl reported the matter to the police after discovering that she was pregnant.

“Ndebele met the school girl at Kezi Business Centre in March and she told him she was a Form Six pupil. He allegedly met the pupil again the following month in Kezi during the school holidays and asked her why she was not attending holiday lessons like other pupils.

“The complainant is alleged to have informed him that she had no money to pay for the holiday school programme. He is alleged to have offered to pay for her holiday school lessons and gave her 100 rand and some local currency,” said a source.

Ndebele allegedly proposed love to the pupil and was shot down.

“After he was rejected by the school girl, he then forced himself on her. After the rape he gave her money and left,” said the source.

Ndebele is alleged to have seen the girl again in May this year after calling her from school to meet him by his car.

He reportedly drove to a house under construction in the area where he dismissed all construction workers.

“He told all workers to leave and then went into the house with the school girl. He raped her four times before he let her go. He gave her ZWL$60 and took her back to school where he dropped her off at the gate,” said the source.

The matter allegedly only came to light when the complainant discovered that she was pregnant and filed a police report. The Chronicle

Meanwhile the MP has issued the following statement on his Facebook page:

“Morning family. l wish to bring it to your attention that l am accused of raping a minor and impregnating her. While this is dishonourable. I would like to assure you once more that l am a victim of fake news.l did not do what l am alleged to have done.

“l have called on the police for the last 24 hours to provide me with details on the issue. The charge sheet has not been coming. Yet l am vilified by the State Media who for reasons unknown to me have had access to the charge sheet. l am traumatised.

“There are indications that l am under arrest but l am not. l shall leave the story here for our spokespersons to interface with the media and shall not comment on the matter again. You have my deepest assurance that this is fake news again!

Senator Tambudzani Muleya Mohadi, the former wife of Vice President Kembo Mohadi has been imprisoned for 90 days for breaching a court order that barred her from visiting the Vice President’s businesses and properties.

An application for civil imprisonment was brought against Tambudzani by her former husband through his lawyer Norman Mugiya of Mugiya and Macharaga Law Chambers.

The matter was heard on Wednesday afternoon at Beitbridge Magistrate Court by Langton Mukwengi.

Magistrate Mukwengi granted the application for civil imprisonment but suspended the whole term for 24 months. Tambudzani will go to jail if she breaches the contract within that period.

The couple’s divorce application was granted by the High Court in March this year.

Tambudzani who is feared by many in Beitbridge sat in the gallery unmoved as Mukwengi made his ruling. She however, would quietly exclaim as allegations of violence including that she broke keys to buildings were made against her.

She was represented by Julius Maposa of Masawi and Partners Law Firm.

Maposa remained holed in the court room after the ruling in fear of Tambudzani who he claimed could do anything on him if he left the court while she was still outside.

The lawyer told the court that Tambudzani has been harassing the VP and his workers since the divorce.

“She harassed him from head to toe”, said the lawyer.

-Mirror

Editorial|Mthwakazi Republic Party have issued a statement, and several others for that matter, claiming that Ndebele speaking people in Zimbabwe are discriminated on tribal grounds leading to their calls for the cessation of Matabeleland from mainstream Zimbabwe.

In the latest statement published on ZimEye.com, the Mthwakazi Republic Party claims that Ndebele student nurses are deliberately failed at Mpilo Hospital nursing school in Bulawayo and accuse a named hospital official for the vice.

Is this perception real or just imaginary?

Have your say in our morning Twitter poll on the link below:

https://twitter.com/ZimEye/status/1185110349672001536?s=19

By A Correspondent- A 26-year-old man  Bulawayo man left his neighbors in shock after  he slaughtered and braaied his dog in their full view and he also threatened other dogs 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 fond_ling it as well. He also told his neighbours that one day he would slaughter his dog commonly known as My Lady.

On the day in question 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.

Mwanza told B-Metro that he slaughtered his dog after being inspired by a television show, Ultimate Braai Master.

He denied that he ate dog meat.

“I can’t remember what really happened because I was drunk. I love braai and was inspired by Braai Master show to slaughter my dog but it is a lie that I ate dog meat,” said Mwanza, looking a bit dazed.

“People want to tarnish my image and I know that members of the community have a grudge on me,” said Mwanza.

State Media|People from all walks of life, including Government officials, yesterday reacted with outrage to a proposal by the Zimbabwe Gender Commission (ZGC) for tertiary institutions to introduce uniforms for female students, ostensibly to avoid sexual abuse.

Women’s Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Minister Sithembiso Nyoni equated the proposal to the abuse of women.

“We shouldn’t respect the uniform, but the person,” she said. “It means we are saying our men have no respect for women, but uniforms. The issue is not about uniforms, but respect for each other as human beings. There is no reason why we should abuse other people.”

Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development Minister Professor Amon Murwira said the idea was not a law.

“Universities Acts have no statutes that regulate wearing of uniforms,” he said.

“However, it is a very free country and everyone is entitled to his or her opinion as this is not a directive.”

University of Zimbabwe’s Zimbabwe Congress of Students Union secretary-general Wilbert Muzaruwetu said the issue was not about what one wore, but perceptions.

Instead, he said, ZGC should do a survey of at least 50 000 people and see if it would come up with such recommendations.

SAYWHAT, a non-governmental organisation, said a dress code for the  students would be an act to further reinforce the dictates of patriarchy in which society was always policing the dressing of women.

“Having a dress code cannot be sustainable way of addressing the issue, what needs to be changed are the attitudes of the perpetrators, transformation of gender norm is needed in which men can respect women and their rights irrespective of what they are wearing,” said the organisation in a statement.

“The proposed solutions must not be skewed towards putting the blame on women. Having a dress code is tantamount to direct indictment that women are being sexually harassed because of the clothes they wear.

“There is limited correlation on the two as societies have witnessed that even women who dress in the so-called modesty and decent ways are sexually harassed, while others become victims of rape while dressed in long skirts and dresses.”

The uproar arose after ZGC legal and investigations manager Ms Delis Mazambani is alleged to have said: “During the weekend, the students can then wear whatever they want, but when attending lectures, they need to be guided on how to dress and this makes it easier for lecturers to pinpoint that according to the university’s policy you are not dressed appropriately.”

Following media backlash, ZGC through its chairperson Margret Mukahanana said the message was blown out of proportion, as one of their officials only made reference to the uniform issue as an example during a public lecture with a local university.

“The commission’s series of sexual harassment at tertiary institutions continues this morning (yesterday) at ZOU,” she said in a statement. “Our previous engagements with such institutions have been very successful.

“We look forward to get another progressive meeting with students and staff at ZOU.”

Paul Nyathi|The Speaker Of Parliament Jacob Mudenda is set to check out of his hotel in Belgrade at 10am Friday morning.

On Thursday, criminal charges were filed against him under the war crimes category in Serbia.

If Mudenda escapes Serbia, these charges are under international law meaning he can be arrested in any corner of the world.

We have perhaps the best opportunity in national history since 1980 to effect justice and stop crimes against humanity.

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