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Someone called to say they have just spoken to Peter who says that he is disoriented and trying to get lifts to Harare. Please motorists be on the lookout. I tried his number which rang but was not answered then now switched off @daddyhope @citezw
By Own Correspondent| Chegutu cotton ginning and oil ginning plant Agri Value Chain (AVC) Zimbabwe Pvt Ltd, which started operations last year, was on Monday gutted by fire which destroyed at least 2 635 tonnes of cotton seed.
In an interview, AVC engineer and factory responsible person Mr Phanuel Moyo said the fire had been caused by combustion.
“The cotton seed has a tendency of building up heat inside the stacks and there is smouldering that goes unnoticed,” he said.
“We believe the fire was caused by a spontaneous combustion.
“We managed to contain the fire within 24 hours and, it is now 100 percent contained. We managed to contain it through the process of isolation, where we took the seed to places that had been burnt already.
We are still working on the quantities that have been lost and those that we managed to save, so we will calculate and have the rightful figures soon.”
Chegutu district administrator Mr Tariro Tomu said the 2 635 tonnes of cotton seed had been lost by the time he enquired from the company.
“I had to visit AVC after receiving the news from social media and according to the information I got from the Human Resources Department. About six stacks had been burnt and that is about 2 635 tonnes, but they were still checking and calculating,” he said.
“They got hold of Kadoma, Norton and Chegutu town councils and Zimplats for fire tenders and they got positive response which assisted in the containment of the fire.”
Agri Value Chain (AVC) Zimbabwe Pvt Ltd has employed 400 people in Chegutu and took on board at least 40 former workers of the agro-focused firm, Cargill.-StateMedia
ZWNews|In a bizarre incident involving notorious machete wielding hooligans at a local Rimuka shopping centre left many people dumbfounded an armed gang reportedly seized a bar and ordered everyone to kiss each other.
According to ZwNews this occurred at a bar in Kadoma adjacent to Njiri Street in the ‘Game Park” vicinity wherein “Makorokozas armed with knives and machetes commonly referred to as “mabhemba” pounced on unsuspecting revelers and boozers having a good time in a certain bar crammed with party lovers.
A source who declined to be named for fear of victimisation said the rascals commanded everybody to sit on the floor as they vigilantly manned the exit. The source said everybody heeded to the command without any defiance, fearing for their lives.
One of them ordered those that had money to pay up on their way out.A few people inside complied and walked away safe and unscathed.
The source said dangling a sharp machete one of them insanely ordered everyone to stand up and hug each other and kis_s each other passionately.
“Varume vakatsvodana mubhawa vakabatirwa mabhemba.” When the hooligans felt they had seen enough of the rau_nchy male kis_sing and cuddling they sneaked out and fled. The source said on a more serious note, this has gone too far and the police is letting them down, harmless citizens are terrorised daily and the terrorists walk away without retribution.
Civil society, Tajamuka, Churches and other pressure groups are saying enough is enough.
Tajamuka leader Promise Mkhwananzi has said if government fails to bring back Doctor Magombeyi by Monday the pressure group will organize a Zimbabwe shutdown demo, starting from next week.
At Africa unity square Pastor Evan Mawarire, the leader of #This flag pressure group also joined the Doctors who were demonstrating in Harare.
He (Mawarire ) encouraged everyone including opposition parties to join unite in fighting against impunity-Mvenge Mvenge/ Vhuka Zimbabwe
It’s not often that we get a glimpse into famous footballer’s family lives. So, it was a special moment when Khama Billiat posted an adorable video of him and his daughter.
The Kaizer Chiefs footballer only captioned the video with emojis, but the way he interacted with his little girl spoke a thousand words.
Watch video downloading below:
A Limpopo traditional leader has ordered foreign tuckshop owners to leave his village “for selling fake products”.
Chairperson of the Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa in Limpopo, Kgoshi Letsiri Phaahla, told Sowetan last week he served notices to at least six foreign shopkeepers in his village, giving them seven days to leave, which they have ignored.
Phaahla of GaPhaahla village near Jane Furse said he was approached by concerned residents who raised complaints regarding fake and expired products.
Resident Wolf Machika, 62, who was renting his building to a foreign national, alleged that he was assaulted while fighting off the group which wanted to loot a tuckshop.
He said the group told him they were sent by Phaahla following a written notice.
“The group, most of whom appeared drunk, came and forced their way into my yard on Thursday afternoon.
“At that time I had just arrived from fetching firewood from my farm and I had a panga in my hand. I wielded my panga towards them and they ran away,” he said.
Machika said the group later returned in numbers and overpowered him.
“Some of them held my hands from the back, while others were slapping me. Fortunately, they didn’t break into the shop because it was locked. I’m renting my building out because I want to be able to feed my family. There is nothing wrong with foreign nationals doing businesses,” he said.
He accused Phaahla of using a mob to attack business people in the area.
“Some of them had confessed that they had been sent by Phaahla, hence I went to police to lay criminal charges against them. I want the police to get to the bottom of this.”
Police spokesperson Col Moatshe Ngoepe said a case of common assault was opened and no arrests had been made.
Machika said he now lives in fear because the mob could return at any time.
Phaahla denied Machika’s allegations and said he was approached by the community about fake products sold by foreign nationals in his village.
“We held a meeting two weeks ago in which community women who are doing a food stokvel raised complaints that some of their members are refusing to accept products bought in the tuckshops operating in my village. The community said they sell expired food. I then wrote a letter to these foreign nationals notifying them that they have seven days to leave the place,” he said.
“On Monday, I issued a verbal notice through my council, giving them [foreign nationals] a day to pack and leave but they still refused. I told them that their safety was no longer guaranteed because community members came to me this week showing frustrations.”
Kenny Mathivha, spokesperson for Limpopo premier, condemned Phaahla’s action, saying no one was allowed to chase away people. “We call upon the security cluster to act against people who instigate Afrophobia. As a chief, Phaahla should be playing a unifying role and not divide the community.”
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Deputy Minister of Information, Dr Energy Mutodi has shocked the world when he claimed that the missing president of Zimbabwe Hospital Doctors Association, Peter Magombeyi is not really missing but playing up his abduction.
Posting on microblogging site, Twitter, the former Rhumba musician said:
Farmers’ perennial conflict with miners over the latter superseding the former, headline a cocktail of reforms in a proposed mining bill to repeal provisions which give mining supremacy over other activities.
The conflicts have been a major drawback on artisanal and small-scale mining, despite its lion’s share contribution to mineral production, perpetuating irresponsible business practices.
Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA) deputy director Shamiso Mutisi told delegates at the ongoing Zimbabwe Alternative Mining Indaba (ZAMI) that provisions to solve farmer, miner land use conflict will be key in the amendment of the mines legislation.
Mutisi said laws should respond to needs of local communities to reduce conflict and promote responsible investment, in the largely lucrative but opaque extractive sector.
“We are working very closely with the parliament and the Ministry of Mines to make sure that the laws that we have respond to the needs of local communities.
“Even for investors, who are coming should understand the issue of farmer, miner conflicts, these are the risk related questions which can enhance responsible mining.
“Farmer, miner conflicts are prevalent that’s definitely one of the key issues that will be addressed by the Mines and Minerals amendment bill so it is quite important for us to pay particular attention to those provisions,” said Mutisi.
Ministry of Mines and Mineral Development permanent secretary Onisimo Moyo confirmed that government was at an advanced stage of drafting the new law as well as incorporating stakeholder submissions.
He said government will advance amendments in two months, with a draft of bill scheduled for submission to the Mines and Minerals Development parliamentary portfolio committee for debate by the end of September.
“Our expectation is that the first draft will be finalized by the end of this month, and we have committed to parliament that by the end of next month we will have the final draft for consideration by the committee and other due processes that follow thereafter.
“We are putting our ears on the ground so that whatever we put in the amendment is practical and guided by these submissions,” he said.
Moyo also said the proposed law will compel the Mining Affairs board, the highest administrative board of mining affairs, to incorporate a gender quota.
For the first time, artisanal and small-scale miners will be clearly defined, with a view of setting up a dual fees structure to ensure licenses are responsive, said Moyo.
“The issue of formalization of artisanal miners is also incorporated in the bill before there was no mention in the current Act, but in these amendments, we have incorporated the term artisanal and small-scale miner.
“It is our hope that once this is incorporated, we are also going to trim it down even when it comes to the fees structure in the mining license we should have a section where small scale miners are mentioned so that we can come up with a dual structure,” said Moyo.
Philemon Mukwili a small-scale miner in Gwanda acknowledged existing conflict between miners and farmers and called for the amendment to balance the needs of the two sectors.
He said while farmers have the preserve of tilling the land, miners are now causing rampant deforestation and environmental damage without requisite rehabilitation compromising farming activities.
“There is a serious problem between miners and farmers because farmers are now demanding a share from the miners but the current law clearly states that the mining policy supersedes everything.
“Miners have a right to mine the minerals which are underground and the farmers will be dealing with the top part but now the miners are now deforestrating the farms and they are not even rehabilitating areas which is causing a serious challenge especially for farmers who are into cattle ranching.
“There is a need for a balanced policy which covers both farmers and miners to reduce conflicts which are prevalent,” said Mukwili.
Labour, Economists and African Democrats (LEAD) leader Linda Masarira is unapologetic for making the tough decision to have her 18 year OLD son arrested.
Masarira who has stolen piles of Donna money, sparked controversy when she had her teenage son Kuzivakwashe Mhlanga sent to prison for stealing her cellphone. Masarira said she had to give her son tough love in order for him to see the error of his ways.
Mhlanga was sentenced to six months in jail.
Said Masarira upon her visit:
Zim Morning Post|This comes barely a couple of days after the Nyaradzo Group clashed with the Home affairs ministry over the costs of catering services that clicked ZW$2,5 million for the first five days since Mugabe’s body arrived in the country.
The Home Affairs ministry is mandated to arrange all funerals for declared national heroes.
Sources say the Home affairs ministry has maintained having put in place its own registered funeral service providers capable of supplying it with all funeral requirements such as water and food items without it bleeding financially.
This has, however, seen the lavish Mugabe family locking horns with the State as it all along has been snubbing government service providers and subcontracting their own.
Reports are that most of the service providers subcontracted by the family are closely linked to them, implying an attempt by the family to probably milk the State for one last time.
Sources revealed that traditional government service providers like Rooney’s supplied the tents but the family outsourced other providers for the same service.
One immediate example of this clash made headlines in the media as there was evident tension between Doves Holdings and Nyaradzo Group over who would have the onus of presiding over Mugabe’s funeral.
Doves has the contract with government to bury national heroes while Nyaradzo was subcontracted by the Mugabe family to provide catering services and other equipment like mobile toilets, chairs, and mobile sleepers.
Doves came in for undertaking services.
Since government announced that the State will fund Mugabe’s funeral the bill from Nyaradzo which is running into millions already is expected to be submitted to government for payment.
Sources who spoke to Zim Morning Post revealed that government was not happy with the way the funeral was being handled and that a clash with the family is imminent.
“A meeting was held on Monday, and I can confirm that government is not happy at all,” said the source.
“Obviously, nothing is being said at the moment because the family is still grieving but this will not end well. We are speaking of austerity yet the Mugabe family’s way of handling things is pulling in the opposite direction.
“There is not enough money to finance all this. And also, the funeral is running for too long and it is milking the State which is run on the taxpayers’ money.”
The death of Mugabe on September 6 has become an expensive affair, with Nyaradzo providing five star meals to mourners.
Since the announcement of Mugabe’s demise, the taxpayer has been bearing the costs.
The funeral, by its nature, has attracted a lot of attention from citizens nationwide and internationally as a result of Mugabe’s status and as such, the State has not been spared where expenses are concerned.
After the announcement of Mugabe’s death, the State deployed a team of delegates comprising of government officials and family members led by Vice President Kembo Mohadi to bring his remains home.
Mohadi and other government officials were accompanied by their aides (security detail), with an average government official reportedly pocketing US$1 500 per day while the leader (pocketed presidential allowances) for the three days they were away.
Mugabe’s body was embalmed before it was flown into the country and at world best practice, mummification costs are usually pegged at US$67 000.
The Mohadi-led team, together with members of the Mugabe family, chartered in a Royal Jet back into the country with the remains of Mugabe from Singapore.
The Zim Morning Post understands that the Royal Jet costs at least US$15 000 per hour, with an estimated 15-hour flying distance between Harare and Singapore putting the estimated cost for the jet at US$225 000, excluding other expenses like airport taxes, fuels.
Doves Holdings provided a copper casket for the national hero.
Copper caskets are believed to offer permanent non-rusting materials which have been used for centuries for sculptures and monuments and are considered to be the highest quality available in metal caskets and present a most prestigious statement.
Since the remains of Mugabe jetted into the country, there have been two separate funerals underway where masses were being fed on a daily basis, one at his Blue Roof, Harare, residence funded by government and another at his Kutama rural home, which is being funded by his family.
Nyaradzo Group has so far revealed that as of Monday, it was owed over ZWL$2,5 million for food services provided at the Blue Roof mansion in the past five days.
There are many other expenses that have not yet been accounted for, which leaves the bill continuously growing as it may take long before Mugabe’s body is finally laid to rest.
Food services alone are gobbling a huge ZWL$500 000 a day and the bill is expected to run into tens of millions, all which will be paid for by the government.
Two State functions were also held at Rufaro Stadium, where people from all provinces came to pay their last respects to the man who had been Zimbabwe’s ruler for 37 years before he was ousted from office in November 2017.
After all provinces paid their respects, the last State funeral was held at the National Sports Stadium. Foreign Heads of States from at least 11 countries and other foreign delegates were hosted by the country for a day while attending the function.
All delegates, obviously high-ranking, were given five-star treatment, all on the taxpayers’ card.
Even as Mugabe lies dead in his casket and constantly being transported around, he still remains very expensive.
A mausoleum is being built at the National Heroes Acre and is estimated to cost US$1 million, making this funeral the most expensive affair for Zimbabwe at the moment.
Emergency services in Ruwa made warnings of an out of control fire that was ravaging under construction Ruwa Sports Club as at the time of writing this article on Thursday afternoon.
The extent of damage at the club and possibly on other properties around the club could not be ascertained at the time of writing.
It is suspected that the fire might have been caused by an electrical fault. The fire is reportes to have started in the thatched roof of the Sports Club, claimed sources.
More details to follow:
Civil society, Tajamuka, Churches and other pressure groups are saying enough is enough.
Tajamuka leader Promise Mkhwananzi has said if government fails to bring back Doctor Magombeyi by Monday the pressure group will organize a Zimbabwe shutdown demo, starting from next week.
At Africa unity square Pastor Evan Mawarire, the leader of #This flag pressure group also joined the Doctors who were demonstrating in Harare.
He (Mawarire ) encouraged everyone including opposition parties to join unite in fighting against impunity-Mvenge Mvenge/ Vhuka Zimbabwe
Farai Dziva|Warriors goalkeeper George Chigova is devastated after the death of his father, George Snr.
Chigova posted a message on Social Media on Thursday which confirmed the sad incident.
“I still can’t believe it, thank you so much for everything you did for us and thank you for everything you taught me.
“Will forever love you, my king. Pass our regards to mum in heaven.
Sleep well George Snr,” posted Chigova on social media.
Farai Dziva|In a bizarre and shocking incident, a Zaka man strangled his one-year-old son to death following an argument with his wife over the child’s paternity.
According to Chronicle, Edson Jere (24) of Machele Village under Chief Nhema choked the child, Anesu Mudombi when his wife, Martha Mudombi (24) had gone to fetch water around 11 AM last week on Thursday.
Police in Masvingo also confirmed the incident.
“I can confirm that we have received a report of murder involving a one-year-old boy. The boy was allegedly strangled by his father.
The suspect allegedly claimed that their son had an epileptic attack.
The mother touched Anesu to check if he was still breathing and discovered that he was unconscious.
Reports suggest that a police report was made and the body was then taken to Musiso Mission Hospital mortuary for postmortem and results showed that the child had died as a result of strangulation,” Masvingo provincial police spokesperson Charity Mazhula told Chronicle.
By Own Correspondent| Local power utility, ZESA Holdings have indicated intentions to increase power tariffs as the local currency continues to shed value, particularly against the USD.
Zimbabwe Energy Regulating Authority (ZERA) acting CEO, Mr Eddington Mazambani revealed on Thursday 19th of September 2019 during the Portfolio Committee on Energy and Power Development that maintaining the current tariffs was not sustainable.
Electricity tariffs were reviewed up following the 2019 mid-term budget presentation from an average of ZWL9.86c/kWh to an average of ZWL45c/kWh for non-exporting businesses and an increase from an average of ZWL9.86c/kWh to an average of ZWL27c/kWh for domestic consumers.
Electricity tariff for ferrochrome smelters and other miners remained unchanged at US$0.067/kWh and US$0.0986/kWh respectively.
Meanwhile, the country is still marred by electricity shortages. It has since engaged South Africa and Mozambique power utilities, in that order, ESKOM and Hydro Cahorra Bassa for the importation of electricity.
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Farai Dziva|
The Zimbabwe Warriors slumped to their lowest FIFA Ranking this year.
The Warriors are now on number 118.
The national team was in action in the just ended international break where they featured in the 2022 World Cup Qualifiers.
The Warriors lost 1-0 to Africa’s second lowest-ranked team, Somalia in the first leg of the preliminary round fixture but managed to overcome in the second leg, winning 3-1 to progress to the next round.
The victory made no effect, however, on the World Ranking as the team slumped by a big margin.The new position is also Zimbabwe’s worst ranking since the August 2018 release. In African, meanwhile, they have fallen two places to number 29.
On Somalia’s side, meanwhile, it’s all good news as they have moved three places up in the world to number 199.
Senegal remain the top team on the continent while Belgium maintained their top spot in the world.
Africa Top 10: 1. Senegal, 2. Tunisia, 3. Nigeria, 4. Algeria, 5. Morocco, 6. Egypt, 7. Ghana, 8. Cameroon, 9. DRC, 10. Ivory Coast.
World Top 10: 1. Belgium, 2. France, 3. Brazil, 4. England, 5. Portugal, 6. Uruguay, 7. Spain, 8. Croatia, 9. Colombia, 10. Argentina.
Farai Dziva| Match day 1 of Europe’s premier club competition, the UEFA Champions League, continued across the continent last night.
Argentine winger Angel DiMaria came back to haunt his former paymastaters as his first half brace for PSG as the French champions thrashed a hapless Real Madrid 3-0.
Madrid looked vulnerable in defence without their influential skipper Sergio Ramos and barely threatened their former goalkeeper Keylor Navas, who is now with PSG.
Altletico Madrid scored a dramatic late equalizer in the Spanish capital to deny Juventus, who had raced to a 2-0 lead, a win as Hector Herror’s goal forced a draw for Diego Simeone’s men. Blaise Matuidi and Juan Cuadrado scored for Juve.
Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City thumped Shaktar Donetsk 3-0 courtesy of goals from Ikay Gundogan, Gabriel Jesus and Riyah Mahrez.
Tottenham Hotspur and Olympiakos played out a 2-2 stalemate, with Harry Kane and Lukas Moura on target for Mauricio Pochettino’s side.
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There is no doubt that the abductions and violence currently taking place are State-sanctioned. Below are some of the violent incidents and murders that have been committed, even while high profile meetings were taking place. The facts below put paid to statements by officials in Mnangagwa’s administration that the Zanu PF government’s hands are clean.
In light of the disappearance of the acting President of the Zimbabwe Hospital Doctors Association, Dr. Peter Magombeyi, the State has sought to cast aspersions and blame other organizations, including the MDC. Yet Zimbabweans have suffered massive violence, abductions and murders at the hands of the State and Zanu PF.
The ED regime cannot claim that the following events were choreographed and that a Third Force was responsible.
1.August 1 violence
The Mnangagwa regime murdered six people while 35 were injured. The duplicitous Mothlante Commission, appointed by none other than Emmerson Mnangagwa himself, found the State to be culpable. The report specifically states that Sylvia Maphosa, Ishmael Kumire, Gavin Dean Charles, Jelous Chikandira, Challenge Tauro and Brian Zhuwawo died of gunshot wounds as a result of the actions of the military and the police.
The August 1 violence and murders were the handiwork of the State and not some purported Third Force.
In the aftermath of the January 2019 disturbances, some 9 people died at the hands of the State. The Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission, a chapter 14 independent Constitutional Commission, held the State to be liable for the deaths.
The ZHRC reports reads in part: “The findings reveal that in the aftermath of the 14th of January 2019 disturbances, armed and uniformed members of the Zimbabwe National Army and the Zimbabwe Republic Police instigated systematic torture…….In some instances it was also noted that those aligned to the Movement for Democratic Change were also specifically targeted for example Members of Parliament, Councillors and other active members. Torture was perpetrated through beating the men with baton sticks on their backs while they lay on the ground, including falanga.”
The January 2019 murders and violence therefore were perpetrated not by a Third Force but by the State.
The Mnangagwa regime says it cannot be held liable for the violence currently taking place as the government cannot commit such dastardly acts during or ahead of crucial summits. Yet the facts confirm that Zanu PF has done it before.
In May 2012, while a SADC summit was in session in Luanda, Angola, Cephas Magura, the MDC chairperson for Ward 1 in Mudzi North was murdered by Zanu PF thugs at Chimukoko Business centre. President Tsvangirai, then the Prime Minister of Zimbabwe, had to alert SADC leaders during the summit that one of the party’s supporters had been callously murdered by Zanu PF while the summit was in session.
We flew into the country from a SADC summit for Magura’s funeral and president Tsvangirai delivered a touching eulogy at Magura’s graveside at Botso village in Mudzi North.
Magura was brutally murdered by Zanu PF thugs during a high profile regional summit and this was no Third Force.
Can someone tell us this was Third Force?
5.The brutal assault of President Morgan Tsvangirai and other leaders inside a police station
In May 2007, President Tsvangirai and other senior political and civic leaders were brutally asaulted inside Machipisa police station when they attended a Save Zimbabwe Prayer meeting in Highfield. Mr. Mnangagwa was one of the leaders of this government that perpetrated such heinous crimes inside a police station.
Can he tell us that it was a Third Force that was wearing police uniforms inside Machipisa police station in Highfield on that day?
In March 2007 during the Save Zimbabwe Campaign rally, I happened to be fleeing armed police who were indiscriminately shooting people and dispersing them from the prayer meeting on that ominous day in Highfield . Gift Tandare, an MDC activist was just ahead of me as we tried to escape the train of bullets. Suddenly he fell to the ground, dead. A few days later, on 17 March 2007, armed government agents seized Tandare’s body and coffin from Doves funeral parlour for a secret burial to prevent a public funeral. They took the body to Tandare’s rural village in Mount Darwin district, Mashonaland Central, and forced his parents to quietly bury him. Morticians were still working on Tandare’s body when it was seized.
Could this have been a Third Force?
In May 2008, State security agents pulled up at the Mabvuku home of MDC activist Tonderai Ndira and violently took him away, leaving his wife and children petrified. They identified themselves as State security agents. When Ndira’s body was discovered in Goromonzi, his face had been crushed, his left eye had been popped out, his tongue was missing and he had two holes, one just below his rib cage. His body was black with bruises.
The men who abducted him from his house and identified themselves as State security agents were driving a white Toyota single cab registration number 772-224.
Was this a Third Force? How come this purported Third Force is so powerful that none of its members is ever arrested?
Jestina Mukoko is a renowned former broadcaster and now a human rights defender who runs the Zimbabwe Peace Project, a civic organization. Some 11 years ago, in December 2008, she was abducted from her home, tortured and held incommunicado for several weeks.
This was no Third Force. It was the Zanu PF government that had abducted her, in line with its unstinting behaviour to harass any dissenting voice in the country. Jestina later won her case in court and the government was ordered to compensate her.
It was government which compensated her for abduction and torture, not some amorphous Third Force.
Bakacheza was a driver at the MDC. He was instructed on 25 June 2008 to assist Tonderai’s widow to shift to another residential area as she could not stomach remaining in the house from where her husband had been abducted.
Bakacheza was abducted on the same day in Msasa, Harare, together with another MDC activist, Tendai Chidziwo while assisting Ndira’s widow to shift from Mabvuku. They were stopped by armed gunmen and ordered to get into two unmarked vehicles. Chidziwo was later discovered alive in hospital. The decomposing body of Bakacheza was discovered late on Saturday, 5 July 2008 in a secluded bushy area on a farm in Beatrice, some 30 km out of Harare.
Was this the work of a Third Force?
Conclusion
During the time of the Gukurahundi atrocities in the 1980s, the State abducted and killed many people in Matabeleland and Midlands provinces. Some government sanctioned reports into these atrocities have never been made public. The Entumbane report is one such example.
Could the government be protecting a Third Force by failing to release such reports of heinous atrocities against innocent and defenceless citizens? If the Mnangagwa administration is really a New Dispensation, why is it still keeping the lid on these reports?
In 2000, Patrick Nabanyama, the election agent of the now MDC Treasurer-General, Hon. David Coltart, was abducted and his whereabouts remain unknown. Itai Dzamara remains missing. The so-called New Dispensation has not given the nation an update on how far investigations have gone.
It is trite to state that the State’s hand is conspicuous in all these murders and abductions that have taken place since 1980.The MDC is a legitimate political player in the country and throughout its 20 year-existence, the party has always been a victim and never a perpetrator of violence.
Zanu PF must explain the current murders and enforced disappearances.
Every day, Mr. Mnangagwa’s administration is working hard to prove that this is no Second republic but an even more brutal continuation of the First. It is the government’s responsibility to ensure the safety of citizens and the Mnangagwa administration must own up to its responsibilities.
The State is culpable for the heinous acts against Zimbabweans. The illegitimate, scarfed regime of Mr Mnangagwa must explain the whereabouts of Dr. Peter Magombeyi.
MDC@20: Celebrating 20 years of Courage, Growth and the people’s Victories
Luke Tamborinyoka
MDC Deputy National Spokesperson
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Farai Dziva|Real Madrid coach Zinadine Zidane has admitted that PSG outclassed his side in all departments last night in the two teams’ Champions League meeting in Paris.
Los Blancos were hammered 3-0 by a PSG side without their attacking trio of Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Edinson Cavani, much to the frustration of Zidane.
“They were better than us in every department, in the play, in midfield, and the thing that annoys me most is the intensity”, Zidane told a Spanish publication.
“They’re good at creating chances, that’s not what worries me, it’s seeing my team without the necessary intensity at the high level of this competition. We knew they were going to press us, but we barely made any impact on the game and we created few chances.”
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By A Correspondent| Medical practitioners here have vowed that until the abducted doctor Peter Magombeyi is returned, health professionals will continue with their collective strike which has crippled the country’s health delivery system.
Dr Magombeyi was abducted last Saturday and he has not been seen ever since.
Said the doctors:
” No Peter, No Work. Simple. No to abductions.”
The doctors are currently at Africa Unity square where they intend to hand over their petition to parliament.
Their match follows a high court ruling which granted them the go ahead to protest and petition parliament over their missing colleague who is the current acting leader of the ZHDA.
Yesterday, the doctors’ march was blocked by the ZRP which deployed armed riot police who barricaded Mazowe road, at a time when the doctors were marching to parliament.
The leadership of the ZHDA however went to Harare central police and notified them of their intention to hand over their petition to parliament.
They were however denied the permission to march to parliament with the police boss arguing that only 10 people were supposed to proceed and hand over the petition.
Farai Dziva|Zanu PF youth leader Pupurai Togarepi has claimed the ruling party has nothing to do with the abduction of Dr Peter Magombeyi.
See part of Togarepi’s argument :
The quest for power should never ever replace our humanness and the inherent spirit of Ubuntu that is the hallmark of our people, either in their deeds or spirit.
Such virtues that are found in Zimbabwe should never be supplanted by self-seeking politicians or power-hungry individuals who pander to the whims and caprices of our erstwhile colonisers.
It is sad that today as the country seeks to come to terms with the disappearance of Peter Magombeyi, the opposition is celebrating, so are some embassies in Harare, the morbid celebrations are a result of a mission accomplished, at least in the eyes and hearts of the MDC-Alliance and it’s handlers.
The idea is to damage the reputation of our country, the people of Zimbabwe and also the ruling party Zanu-PF.
As the Zanu-PF Youth League, we hope that Peter is safe and whoever has him, which we dare say is the MDC-A or one of the ever scheming embassies in particular the US embassy, return him to his family, friends , workmates and indeed the nation at large safe and sound with no injuries, and indeed to tell the real story of who took him.
This sad development has no place in a progressive country let alone in the Second Republic, where commitments have been made, and are indeed guaranteed from the highest office that this is a New Dispensation that respects human rights and other liberties enshrined in our Constitution.
Having said that, we find it utterly disgusting that there are some elements who want to use the disappearance of Peter for political mileage, no, we should never sacrifice our conscience as a nation on the alter of expediency, we are better than that and the polarisation resident in our nation should not blind us from seeing the obvious.
The MDC-A, more than anyone else think they stand to benefit from Peter’s disappearance and should tell us where they hid him.
It begs answers, why would Zanu-PF abduct a doctor who serves the people and saves life?
Why would the Zanu-PF Government shoot itself in the foot by carrying out abductions when the message is engagement?
Why would the Zanu-PF Government seek to bring unnecessary negative publicity when the President is due to be at the United Nations in New York, marketing brand Zimbabwe?
And indeed why would we score an own goal by carrying such dastardly acts when a special UN envoy is on our soil assessing our human rights record?
The simple answer to the above is that Zanu-PF, as the governing party, would never under the sun, engage or allow such acts of banditry which tarnishes the image we are working around the clock to spruce and put in good stead after decades of isolation, to take place.
Indeed, common sense shows that there are elements in this country hell bent on derailing the progress that Zanu-PF is making, there is a third and sinister hand trying to rock the boat and cause maximum damage to our re-engagement efforts, these shenanigans, which I am afraid, have the fingerprints of the country’s clumsy opposition party masquerades and their puppeteers all over, are meant to deliver the killer punch and return the country to a pariah State that is unsafe, inhabitable, and perpetually ostracised from the rest of the world.
Farai Dziva|Zanu PF youth leader Pupurai Togarepi has sensationally claimed the Movement for Democratic Change and its “handlers” are behind the abduction of Doctor Peter Magombeyi in a bid to soil the country’s image.
Togarepi argued :
The quest for power should never ever replace our humanness and the inherent spirit of Ubuntu that is the hallmark of our people, either in their deeds or spirit.
Such virtues that are found in Zimbabwe should never be supplanted by self-seeking politicians or power-hungry individuals who pander to the whims and caprices of our erstwhile colonisers.
It is sad that today as the country seeks to come to terms with the disappearance of Peter Magombeyi, the opposition is celebrating, so are some embassies in Harare, the morbid celebrations are a result of a mission accomplished, at least in the eyes and hearts of the MDC-Alliance and it’s handlers.
The idea is to damage the reputation of our country, the people of Zimbabwe and also the ruling party Zanu-PF.
As the Zanu-PF Youth League, we hope that Peter is safe and whoever has him, which we dare say is the MDC-A or one of the ever scheming embassies in particular the US embassy, return him to his family, friends , workmates and indeed the nation at large safe and sound with no injuries, and indeed to tell the real story of who took him.
This sad development has no place in a progressive country let alone in the Second Republic, where commitments have been made, and are indeed guaranteed from the highest office that this is a New Dispensation that respects human rights and other liberties enshrined in our Constitution.
Having said that, we find it utterly disgusting that there are some elements who want to use the disappearance of Peter for political mileage, no, we should never sacrifice our conscience as a nation on the alter of expediency, we are better than that and the polarisation resident in our nation should not blind us from seeing the obvious.
The MDC-A, more than anyone else think they stand to benefit from Peter’s disappearance and should tell us where they hid him.
It begs answers, why would Zanu-PF abduct a doctor who serves the people and saves life?
Why would the Zanu-PF Government shoot itself in the foot by carrying out abductions when the message is engagement?
Why would the Zanu-PF Government seek to bring unnecessary negative publicity when the President is due to be at the United Nations in New York, marketing brand Zimbabwe?
And indeed why would we score an own goal by carrying such dastardly acts when a special UN envoy is on our soil assessing our human rights record?
The simple answer to the above is that Zanu-PF, as the governing party, would never under the sun, engage or allow such acts of banditry which tarnishes the image we are working around the clock to spruce and put in good stead after decades of isolation, to take place.
Indeed, common sense shows that there are elements in this country hell bent on derailing the progress that Zanu-PF is making, there is a third and sinister hand trying to rock the boat and cause maximum damage to our re-engagement efforts, these shenanigans, which I am afraid, have the fingerprints of the country’s clumsy opposition party masquerades and their puppeteers all over, are meant to deliver the killer punch and return the country to a pariah State that is unsafe, inhabitable, and perpetually ostracised from the rest of the world.
There is no doubt that the abductions and violence currently taking place are State-sanctioned.
Below are some of the violent incidents and murders that have been committed, even while high profile meetings were taking place. The facts below put paid to statements by officials in Mnangagwa’s administration that the Zanu PF government’s hands are clean.
In light of the disappearance of the acting president of the Zimbabwe Hospital Doctors Association, Dr. Farai Magombeyi, the State has sought to cast aspersions and blame other organizations, including the MDC. Yet Zimbabweans have suffered massive violence, abductions and murders at the hands of the State and Zanu PF.
The ED regime cannot claim that the following events were choreographed and that a Third Force was responsible.
1.August 1 violence
The Mnangagwa regime murdered six people while 35 were injured. The duplicitous Mothlante Commission, appointed by none other than Emmerson Mnangagwa himself, found the State to be culpable. The report specifically states that Sylvia Maphosa, Ishmael Kumire, Gavin Dean Charles, Jelous Chikandira, Challenge Tauro and Brian Zhuwawo died of gunshot wounds as a result of the actions of the military and the police.
The August 1 violence and murders were the handiwork of the State and not some purported Third Force.
2. January 2019 disturbances
In the aftermath of the January 2019 disturbances, some 9 people died at the hands of the State. The Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission, a chapter 14 independent Constitutional Commission, held the State to be liable for the deaths.
The ZHRC reports reads in part: “The findings reveal that in the aftermath of the 14th of January 2019 disturbances, armed and uniformed members of the Zimbabwe National Army and the Zimbabwe Republic Police instigated systematic torture…….In some instances it was also noted that those aligned to the Movement for Democratic Change were also specifically targeted for example Members of Parliament, Councillors and other active members. Torture was perpetrated through beating the men with baton sticks on their backs while they lay on the ground, including falanga.”
The January 2019 murders and violence therefore were perpetrated not by a Third Force but by the State.
3. Cephas Magura’s murder while a SADC summit was taking place
The Mnangagwa regime says it cannot be held liable for the violence currently taking place as the government cannot commit such dastardly acts during or ahead of crucial summits. Yet the facts confirm that Zanu PF has done it before.
In May 2012, while a SADC summit was in session in Luanda, Angola, Cephas Magura, the MDC chairperson for Ward 1 in Mudzi North was murdered by Zanu PF thugs at Chimukoko Business centre. President Tsvangirai, then the Prime Minister of Zimbabwe, had to alert SADC leaders during the summit that one of the party’s supporters had been callously murdered by Zanu PF while the summit was in session.
We flew into the country from a SADC summit for Magura’s funeral and president Tsvangirai delivered a touching eulogy at Magura’s graveside at Botso village in Mudzi North.
Magura was brutally murdered by Zanu PF thugs during a high profile regional summit and this was no Third Force.
4. The abduction and assault of Hon. Nelson Chamisa at the Harare International airport
Venue and timing of violence have never mattered to Zanu PF. On 18 May, 2007, Hon. Nelson Chamisa, then the MDC spokesperson, was seized and beaten at the Harare International airport in front of frightened travelers as he headed for a European Union parliamentary conference in Brussels, Belgium. Eight men with iron bars beat him to pulp, took his passport, bags and laptop before speeding off in two cars, one without a licence plate. Seven of his assailants wore suits and one was in an army vest.
Can someone tell us this was Third Force?
5.The brutal assault of President Morgan Tsvangirai and other leaders inside a police station
In May 2007, President Tsvangirai and other senior political and civic leaders were brutally asaulted inside Machipisa police station when they attended a Save Zimbabwe Prayer meeting in Highfield. Mr. Mnangagwa was one of the leaders of this government that perpetrated such heinous crimes inside a police station.
Can he tell us that it was a Third Force that was wearing police uniforms inside Machipisa police station in Highfield on that day?
6. The murder of Gift Tandare and the seizure of his body
In March 2007 during the Save Zimbabwe Campaign rally, I happened to be fleeing armed police who were indiscriminately shooting people and dispersing them from the prayer meeting on that ominous day in Highfield . Gift Tandare, an MDC activist was just ahead of me as we tried to escape the train of bullets. Suddenly he fell to the ground, dead. A few days later, on 17 March 2007, armed government agents seized Tandare’s body and coffin from Doves funeral parlour for a secret burial to prevent a public funeral. They took the body to Tandare’s rural village in Mount Darwin district, Mashonaland Central, and forced his parents to quietly bury him. Morticians were still working on Tandare’s body when it was seized.
Could this have been a Third Force?
7. The abduction and murder of Tonderai Ndira
In May 2008, State security agents pulled up at the Mabvuku home of MDC activist Tonderai Ndira and violently took him away, leaving his wife and children petrified. They identified themselves as State security agents. When Ndira’s body was discovered in Goromonzi, his face had been crushed, his left eye had been popped out, his tongue was missing and he had two holes, one just below his rib cage. His body was black with bruises.
The men who abducted him from his house and identified themselves as State security agents were driving a white Toyota single cab registration number 772-224.
Was this a Third Force? How come this purported Third Force is so powerful that none of its members is ever arrested?
8. The abduction of Jestina Mukoko
Jestina Mukoko is a renowned former broadcaster and now a human rights defender who runs the Zimbabwe Peace Project, a civic organization. Some 11 years ago, in December 2008, she was abducted from her home, tortured and held incommunicado for several weeks.
This was no Third Force. It was the Zanu PF government that had abducted her, in line with its unstinting behaviour to harass any dissenting voice in the country. Jestina later won her case in court and the government was ordered to compensate her.
It was government which compensated her for abduction and torture, not some amorphous Third Force.
9. The abduction and murder of Joshua Bakacheza
Bakacheza was a driver at the MDC. He was instructed on 25 June 2008 to assist Tonderai’s widow to shift to another residential area as she could not stomach remaining in the house from where her husband had been abducted.
Bakacheza was abducted on the same day in Msasa, Harare, together with another MDC activist, Tendai Chidziwo while assisting Ndira’s widow to shift from Mabvuku. They were stopped by armed gunmen and ordered to get into two unmarked vehicles. Chidziwo was later discovered alive in hospital. The decomposing body of Bakacheza was discovered late on Saturday, 5 July 2008 in a secluded bushy area on a farm in Beatrice, some 30 km out of Harare.
Was this the work of a Third Force?
Conclusion
During the time of the Gukurahundi atrocities in the 1980s, the State abducted and killed many people in Matabeleland and Midlands provinces. Some government sanctioned reports into these atrocities have never been made public. The Entumbane report is one such example.
Could the government be protecting a Third Force by failing to release such reports of heinous atrocities against innocent and defenceless citizens? If the Mnangagwa administration is really a New Dispensation, why is it still keeping the lid on these reports?
In 2000, Patrick Nabanyama, the election agent of the now MDC Treasurer-General, Hon. David Coltart, was abducted and his whereabouts remain unknown. Itai Dzamara remains missing. The so-called New Dispensation has not given the nation an update on how far investigations have gone.
It is trite to state that the State’s hand is conspicuous in all these murders and abductions that have taken place since 1980.The MDC is a legitimate political player in the country and throughout its 20 year-existence, the party has always been a victim and never a perpetrator of violence.
Zanu PF must explain the current murders and enforced disappearances.
Every day, Mr. Mnangagwa’s administration is working hard to prove that this is no Second republic but an even more brutal continuation of the First. It is the government’s responsibility to ensure the safety of citizens and the Mnangagwa administration must own up to its responsibilities.
The State is culpable for the heinous acts against Zimbabweans. The illegitimate, scarfed regime of Mr Mnangagwa must explain the whereabouts of Dr. Farai Magombeyi.
MDC@20: Celebrating 20 years of Courage, Growth and the people’s Victories
Luke Tamborinyoka
MDC Deputy National Spokesperson
VIDEO LOADING BELOW. ..
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Watch video below. ..
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Farai Dziva| A prayer vigil was held for Dr Peter Magombeyi at Parirenyatwa Hospital last night.
Dr Magombeyi was abducted by suspected government agents.
“At the prayer vigil at Pari hospital, we were joined by Dr. Peter’s family.
His mother has recently lost her husband. Now Dr. Peter has been taken.
It is a tremendously powerful thing to unite in prayer.
We have all lost. We are all continuing to lose. Can I challenge friends and fellow Christians and Pastors and others that care, to come to this vigil?
Let’s grow it. Let’s be unified by it around all things that are good and right – and pray for Peter and his family and for everything else that his abduction means,” said a source at the country’s largest government hospital.
AND WHY IS MNANGAGWA QUIET ABOUT THIS? – On the same day Emmerson Mnangagwa tossed around President Robert Mugabe’s corpse like a football in stadiums (this is not to suggest a cause), the Zimbabwe embassy house in the US was gutted by a fire whose trigger could not be established. This was on the same day Mnangagwa forced the Mugabe family to change the burial arrangements and accept a heroes acre burial for the late ZANU PF legend.
In Shona religious mythology, there is a strong belief that a dead person will fight back if their body is disrespected and before his death, President Mugabe described Emmerson Mnangagwa as a disgrace the nation needs to undo itself of.
The incident happened over 4 days ago and yet the Zimbabwean state media has been zipped about it.
The upmarket New York property valued at over USD 2,7 mln and has housed all Zim government ambassadors for several years, was engulfed in flames that were described by the community as difficult to understand.
The incident happened in the same day the Hospital Doctors Association President Peter Magombeyi went missing.
No one was injured in the fire that ravaged the house in Rye early Saturday, police said.
The blaze broke out on Grandview Avenue shortly after midnight.
Several fire departments responded to the scene, where flames were seen shooting through the roof of the house. Rye police said no one was home when the fire started, and no firefighters were injured.
Lt. Robert Falk, Rye’s interim public safety commissioner, said today that the house was substantially damaged.
The city’s Building Department will assess the damage this week, he said.
The cause of the fire is under investigation, but it does not appear to be suspicious, Falk said.
Firefighters from Harrison, Mamaroneck, New Rochelle, and White Plains were among those who helped Rye firefighters.
A comment from the Foreign Affairs Ministry and the embassy was still awaited at the time of writing.
A record search conducted by ZimEye shows that the building is owned by the Zimbabwean government.
Meanwhile, below are some of the ambassadors who have lived at the property:
READ THE ORIGINAL ARTICLE HERE….
A Harare bound Inter Africa bus was hit by a Green Fuel haulage truck around 0330 hours today.
The accident happened at Chipangayi Bus Stop in Chipinge.
No causalities have been reported so far.
VIEW PICTURES BELOW…
Jane Mlambo| Following a High Court ruling that barred the police from interfering with the doctors demonstration, the medical professionals are set to proceed with their planned march from Parirenyatwa to Parliament where they will handover a petition the the Speaker of the National Assembly.
The doctors have on two ocassions been blocked by police from proceeding to parliament and it took the intervention of the court to grant them permission to carryout their activity.
The doctors have vowed never to return to work until the missing Zimbabwe Hospital Doctors Association (ZHDA) President Dr Peter Magombedze is released.
Magombedze was abducted by suspected state security agents on Saturday last week and has not been found, though the government insists it is a third force.
Just In: High Court Judge Justice Clement Phiri has ordered ZRP not to interfere with Zimbabwe Hospital Doctors Association (ZHDA)’s protest over its missing leader Dr Peter Magombeyi and to allow ZHDA to march to Parliament on Thursday 19 September 2019 at 1:PM vindicating the doctors’ position that they are exempt from notifying ZRP under the provisions of POSA and that the prohibition of their march on Wednesday 18 September 2019 was unlawful.
By A Correspondent- On Monday, the 16th of September, there was a fierce battle between Bindura residents and maShurugwi.
Different organizations and the community held a six hour meeting at Chipadze business centre, in Tendai hall, figuring out how best they can get rid of maShurugwi.
It is said that maShurugwi groups are terrorising people, blocking roads and robbing innocent citizens. If ZRP personnel tries to assist, maShurugwi- korokozas are said to attack them (ZRP) at their homes or whilst alone.
The environment is now unfriendly for ZRP personnel to execute their duties. Last year, in 2018, the maShurugwi-korokozas attacked and killed the Army personnel.
It is said that makorokoza are bathing in broad daylight in full glare of the community at local boreholes. They rob the community members at night. They also raid and rob gold claims taking gold ore, machinery and money. They rape women at night and at knife point. They also raid sex workers taking their money and sleeping with them for no payment.
Buildings and houses that were used as accommodation by maShurugwi were demolished. Bindura residents vowed they will not stop fighting this war until the state has intervened for the better.
A lot is happening which is covered by the darkness of the night. On the 16th of September, the Bindura residents joined hands and chased maShurugwi out of the neighborhood. Some of the mashurugwi ran away, some were captured. Their cars and properties were destroyed.
In fighting back, it has been said that maShurugwi-korokozas have poisoned piped water at the Bindura water treatment plant. The residents are still waiting to hear from the council officials. This might be the beginning of a new civil conflict.
The Bindura-Mashonaland Central residents is appealing from the national community to join hands against MaShurugwi-korokozas. This must be controlled. Mashonaland Central Residents association also kindly appeals to all stakeholders who intend to bring (new) outsiders into the province to stop or delay. Worrying for their security, might end up forced to ward off innocent people out of their territory. The situation is so bad and will be more if left unresolved.
Patrols have been set around Mashonaland Central Districts, much concentration on Mazowe mine area, Shamva and Bindura. Forewarned is being fore-armed.
If you have any information that leads to the maShurugwi-korokozas whereabouts, just report to the nearby police station or contact the Bindura Gold Buyers Association. Your identity will be protected.
By A Correspondent- A Top Zvishavane businessman Kudakwashe Diza (43) and his companion Mark Tiweni (39) were yesterday slapped with a 48-month jail sentence each for stealing 810kg of aluminium cables belonging to Zesa Holdings.
Zvishavane magistrate Archie Wochiunga suspended 18 months of the sentence as the power utility had managed to recover the cables, leaving the duo to serve a 30-month jail term at Zvishavane Prison.
The court heard that on a day unknown to the State, Diza and Tiweni went to a house in Council Park, where the power utility was installing power cables and stole 810kg of aluminium cables.
The duo hired two Pick n Pay staffers, Tafadzwa Chitando (23) and William Banda (26), who were on their way home from work to load their loot into a truck and left for Masvingo.
The vehicle was intercepted by detectives at a roadblock along the Masvingo-Zvishavane Highway.
Police demanded confirmation papers for possession of aluminium cables after Diza claimed they had bought the cables from Kenstra Engineering Company in Harare. The duo failed to produce purchase receipts, which led to their arrest.
Banda and Chitando were also arrested for assisting to load stolen cables, but were later released and appeared in court as State witnesses. The cables, which were later identified by Zesa loss control officers, were valued at US$8 100.
Tinashe Maponde represented the State.
Meanwhile, a headmaster at Chidyamakono Primary School in Chivi, Victor Mugwindiri, escaped jail after he was caught with a four-metre long steel pole belonging to TelOne which he wanted to use for the construction of a school playing centre. He was pardoned.-Newsday
By A Correspondent- Former President Robert Mugabe’s children, Mrs Bona Mugabe-Chikore and Robert Jnr, thanked the Government and everyone who has stood with them in their time of mourning.
The two also described Cde Mugabe as a fatherly figure who was admired across the world.
Mrs Mugabe-Chikore and Robert Jnr said this while addressing mourners at their rural home in Kutama Village, Zvimba.
First to take to the podium was Mrs Mugabe-Chikore, who thanked God for giving her father a long life.
“When I was growing up I knew that my father was an elderly man and was afraid that I would wake up one day to hear that he is sick or that he is no longer with us,” she said.
“So I prayed a lot for God to keep him at least so that I be able to graduate and then after (that) I prayed to God that he keeps him until I wed so that he would walk me down the aisle. Then I also prayed that he be kept alive that he at least sees only one of my children; now he saw two of them.
“So I thank God for his life because it was so blessed even though it was difficult. There are people like that who are placed here on earth and whose lives may seem like they are suffering, but in reality their suffering benefited millions of people so I am grateful to God for his life.
“I want to thank all of you who have come to mourn with us and Government for its assistance, but most of all, I want to thank our mother. She has been on our father’s side throughout, even in sickness.”
Mr Mugabe said the death of his father had made him realise the impact he had across the world.
“The loss of our father has made me realise what type of a man he was. He was not only a father to us as his children or a husband to our mother, but he was a father to the nation and the whole of Africa,” he said.
“The whole world came to a standstill when he died and the coming of many leaders from across the world made me realise what kind of a man our father was. The impact that he had not only in the country, but all over the world, is something that I admire. Despite the criticisms he received from the British and other countries, he was still admired by many.”
Mr Mugabe added that even those who did not like him, also admired him for his values and what he stood for.
The former President’s body was later returned to his Blue Roof residence yesterday.-StateMedia
By A Correspondent- A 24-year-old Zaka man allegedly strangled his son at the height of an argument over paternity with the mother, police said yesterday.
Edison Jere of Machele Village under Chief Nhema took advantage of his wife, Ms Martha Mudombi (24)’s absence and allegedly throttled one-year-old Anesu Mudombi.
Masvingo police spokesperson, Chief Inspector Charity Mazula, said the incident occurred on Thursday last week at around 11 AM.
“I can confirm that we have received a report of murder involving a one-year-old boy. The boy was allegedly strangled by his father,” said Chief Insp Mazula.
She said the suspect disappeared soon after committing the offence and was on the run.
Chief Insp Mazula said Ms Mudombi left Anesu in the custody of her husband while she went to fetch water from a nearby borehole.
She said upon her return, Ms Mudombi found Jere wiping blood from Anesu’s mouth and nose.
“The suspect allegedly claimed that their son had an epileptic attack.
“The mother touched Anesu to check if he was still breathing and discovered that he was unconscious,” said the police spokesperson.
She said the couple waited until 10PM before taking the unconscious boy to his aunt, Ms Shamiso Mudindo of Chenhenga Village in the same area who once lived with the toddler.
Chief Insp Mazula said Jere sneaked from their relative’s homestead at around 1AM on Friday and fled.
She said the matter was reported later that day at around 10AM to Zaka police who attended the scene.
The body was then taken to Musiso Mission Hospital mortuary for postmortem.
Postmortem results revealed that the boy died as a result of strangulation.
Sources close to the couple said the two had previously had a misunderstanding over the boy’s paternity.
— Chronicle
By A Correspondent- Poor voter registration turnout is haunting Bulawayo, with less than five residents taking part in the ongoing exercise each month, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) has said.
If there is no voter buy-in, the province will lose three constituencies during the delimitation exercise.
Zec is conducting a voter registration exercise at its Bulawayo offices, and according to the provincial elections officer Innocent Ncube, the turnout in the city is disappointing.
“People are not coming. On average, we are registering zero a month and this is of serious concern to us. The same also applies when we do outreach sometimes to register residents as voters,” he said yesterday.
“We have outreach programmes to register people in their wards, but sadly, very few people come. They do not come forward to register and when they do come, at most, it will be less than five people during the whole outreach.”
Ncube warned Bulawayo would lose constituencies as a result during the next delimitation exercise as the voter registered population for the city falls far short of the minimum threshold.
Bulawayo, with 257 924 registered voters, has 12 constituencies.
Independent election watchdog, the Zimbabwe Election Support Network (Zesn) has also warned of the same, saying the same fate is likely to befall Matabeleland North (338 593) and South (263 690) in the next demarcation exercise.
“What happens is that we take the total registered voter population and divide that by 210 constituencies that we have. After that, we get the average registered voter population per constituency; the figures must be the same, but with a plus or minus 20% difference as provided by the law,” Ncube said.
“In Bulawayo, with the numbers that we have, the city is likely to lose three constituencies, and that is a serious matter of concern … it also affects development. With few constituencies, it means less in Constituency Development Funds (CDF).”
Analysts said the poor turnout to the voter registration programme in the city is a vote of no confidence on Zec over its handling of the country’s elections.
“It is a vote of no confidence against Zec and against elections as a means to usher in a better and prosperous Zimbabwe. It is people saying we don’t trust the system and we are tired of our votes translating to nothing,” Bulawayo social and political commentator Effie Ncube said.
“Electoral politics in Zimbabwe has not been delivering the desired democratic and development outcomes. So, unless and until our elections get to a stage where they can deliver freedom and prosperity for the poor masses, people will increasingly question the value of voting and just stay at home.”
Another commentator, Michael Ndiweni, added: “People think that voter registration is an event that comes when elections are about to be held. This is so because Zec is only visible towards elections … Secondly, looking at the voting percentages; people have lost trust in elections due to perennial contestations and shenanigans of the previous and current regime.-Newsday
On Monday, the 16th of September, there was a fierce battle between Bindura residents and maShurugwi.
Different organizations and the community held a six hour meeting at Chipadze business centre, in Tendai hall, figuring out how best they can get rid of maShurugwi.
It is said that maShurugwi groups are terrorising people, blocking roads and robbing innocent citizens. If ZRP personnel tries to assist, maShurugwi- korokozas are said to attack them (ZRP) at their homes or whilst alone.
The environment is now unfriendly for ZRP personnel to execute their duties. Last year, in 2018, the maShurugwi-korokozas attacked and killed the Army personnel.
It is said that makorokoza are bathing in broad daylight in full glare of the community at local boreholes. They rob the community members at night. They also raid and rob gold claims taking gold ore, machinery and money. They rape women at night and at knife point. They also raid sex workers taking their money and sleeping with them for no payment.
Buildings and houses that were used as accommodation by maShurugwi were demolished. Bindura residents vowed they will not stop fighting this war until the state has intervened for the better.
A lot is happening which is covered by the darkness of the night. On the 16th of September, the Bindura residents joined hands and chased maShurugwi out of the neighborhood. Some of the mashurugwi ran away, some were captured. Their cars and properties were destroyed.
In fighting back, it has been said that maShurugwi-korokozas have poisoned piped water at the Bindura water treatment plant. The residents are still waiting to hear from the council officials. This might be the beginning of a new civil conflict.
The Bindura-Mashonaland Central residents is appealing from the national community to join hands against MaShurugwi-korokozas. This must be controlled. Mashonaland Central Residents association also kindly appeals to all stakeholders who intend to bring (new) outsiders into the province to stop or delay. Worrying for their security, might end up forced to ward off innocent people out of their territory. The situation is so bad and will be more if left unresolved.
Patrols have been set around Mashonaland Central Districts, much concentration on Mazowe mine area, Shamva and Bindura. Forewarned is being fore-armed.
If you have any information that leads to the maShurugwi-korokozas whereabouts, just report to the nearby police station or contact the Bindura Gold Buyers Association. Your identity will be protected.
By A Correspondent- Six armed robbers were arrested in Bulawayo on Tuesday after they had just arrived at their girlfriend’s place and police were a tipped-off.
According to Acting Bulawayo police spokesperson, Inspector Nomalanga Msebele, the robbers had returned from their Kwekwe hideout when they were nabbed.
She said:
I can confirm that Thabo Mthombeni (27), Lindokuhle Moyo (22), Prosper Moyo (23), Solomon Herry (25) and Noah Vambe (29) all from Bulawayo were arrested for committing armed robberies using a Honda Fit car without some number plates.
On Saturday police received a tip-off that the robbers had just arrived at their girlfriend’s place. (They proceeded to the house) and arrested them after they admitted that they committed crimes, involving robberies and they claimed to have surrendered a pistol to police.-Newsday
OUR URGENT COURT APPLICATION HAS BEEN APPROVED.WE HAVE BEEN GIVEN PERMISSION TO MARCH TO PARLIAMENT TO HAND IN OVER OUR PETITION
OUR ROUTE WILL BE ADVISED IN DUE COURSE..LET US COME IN OUR NUMBERS
ALUTAAA!!!
NO PETER NO WORK
ZHDA INFORMATION DESK
By A Correspondent- Two teenagers from Bulawayo have been arrested for allegedly robbing a soldier of valuables worth over $1 500.
Nhlanhla Ncube (19) and Simelinkosi Ncube (19) both of Cowdray Park suburb together with an unnamed accomplice who is still at large, allegedly stabbed Mr Stephen Mudenda stationed at Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) 4th Brigade on his left hand before robbing him of two pairs of army uniforms, a cell phone, R300, US$10 and 30 tins of canned beef worth R500.
Mr Mudenda suffered a deep cut that stretched about four centimetres across his hand.
The duo pleaded not guilty to robbery when they appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Mr Shepherd Munjanja.
The magistrate remanded them in custody to tomorrow for trial.
Prosecuting, Mr Nathan Marime said on August 21 this year at around 3AM, Mr Mudenda was walking along Herbert Chitepo Street towards Pick n Pay Hyper when he was approached by the trio.
“The accused persons asked the complainant where he was going before demanding for his bag,” he said.
Mr Mudenda refused and Nhlanhla allegedly stabbed him on his left hand.
Fearing for his life, Mr Mudenda surrendered his bag.
“Simelinkosi joined in the scuffle grabbing the complainant’s satchel and sleeping bag,” said the prosecutor.
Nhlanhla and his other accomplice allegedly searched Mr Mudenda’s satchel and left with his belongings.
Mr Mudenda reported the matter at Bulawayo Central Police Station leading to the arrest of Nhlanhla and Simelinkosi.-StateMedia
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MEMBERS of the Progressive Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) and the Amalgamated Rural Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) have resolved to join doctors who are protesting the abduction of a fellow medical practitioner at the weekend.
Zimbabwe Hospital Doctors Association (ZHDA) acting president Peter Magombeyi was reportedly abducted on Saturday by three unknown men who had threatened him for weeks over the phone. He has not been heard from, since the time.
In a joint statement on Wednesday, the teachers’ unions demanded the immediate release of the doctor to his family, failure of which they were also going to withdraw their labour.
“We note with great concern the abduction of the president of Zimbabwe Hospital Doctors’ Association, Peter Magombeyi.
“We demand the immediate safe return of Peter Magombeyi to his family and the indexing of our salaries with prevailing interbank rate. Our members will be withdrawing labour on Friday 20 September if our demands are not me,” PTUZ secretary general Raymond Majongwe said.
Magombeyi’s disappearance has left President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration in a difficult position with human rights groups blaming government for recent abductions on government critics.
Mnangagwa’s government has denied involvement and instead accuses a “third force” for being responsible in a bid to soil its image.
Since Monday, doctors have been joined by all health workers in protesting and demanding Magombeyi’s safe return.
In Harare, doctors spent the whole day Wednesday demonstrating near Parirenyatwa Hospital after anti-riot police blocked them from marching into the Central Business District to petition Parliament.
The health practitioners have in the past months demanded salaries in US dollars but government has argued it does not have capacity to do so.
Amid fears that Zimbabwean Hospital Doctors Association (ZHDA) leader Dr Peter Magombeyi, who has gone missing, could have been abducted by that country’s state security forces, the South African Medical Association (Sama) has made an impassioned plea to President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government to “help find him wherever he is held”.
Sama’s appeal comes in the wake of a high court order, obtained by the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR), for any state agency holding Magombeyi to release him.
Magombeyi, who was behind the protest by doctors for “a living wage” in the Zimbabwean public service, has not been seen since he sent a WhatsApp message last weekend, saying he had been “kidnapped by three men”.
Zimbabwean doctors, who earn about R3,000 a month, have been on strike for better wages, equipment and medicines in state hospitals.
“Missing and feared abducted,” reads the poster bearing Magombeyi’s photograph being circulated by the ZLHR, deepening a concerted campaign to find him.
Sama chairperson Dr Angelique Coetzee said the organisation condemned the disappearance of Magombeyi “in the strongest terms”.
“We are making a plea to the government of Zimbabwe to ensure that he is released, if government security forces are involved in the abduction.
“From a human rights point of view, this is not acceptable because there are few medical practitioners in Zimbabwe,” said Coetzee.
Anyone who abducted a doctor “for standing up to his or her rights, is an accessory to muzzling a right to free speech and to freely speaking out against that which is not the norm”.
She said: “The Zimbabwean government should be bold enough to say they have abducted or arrested Dr Magombeyi.
“This is [not] good for the people of Zimbabwe or the medical profession, a troubling development that has affected staff morale.”
Coetzee said Magombeyi’s suspicious disappearance had left “a void which no other person can fill in terms of bringing the critical medical services to the people”.
The ZHDA has accused state security forces of abducting the doctor because of his role in organising work stoppages.
Zimbabwe’s ambassador to South Africa, David Hamadziripi, is currently in Zimbabwe and was not available for comment on charges that Magombeyi could be in the custody of state security forces.
ZANU-PF has lined up a number of events to celebrate the life of the nation’s founding father former, President Robert Mugabe, until the day of the burial at the national Heroes Acre.
President Mnangagwa yesterday gave an overture of the demise of the late icon and founding father of the nation Robert Mugabe during the politburo meeting held at Zanu -PF headquarters.
Zanu-PF Secretary for Information and Publicity Simon Khaya Moyo said the party will continue to honour the late Mugabe. “Emphasis was placed on the programme of commemorative events to celebrate the life and significance of the Cde RG Mugabe leading to his final interment at the mausoleum still to be completed at the national Heroes’ Acre,” said Khaya Moyo.
Mugabe died a fortnight ago in Singapore where he was receiving medical treatment.
“The Politburo expressed gratitude to President Mnangagwa for exemplary leadership he has demonstrated since the passing on of the late Cde Mugabe and the assistance rendered to his family throughout his illness even up to now,”.
President Mnangagwa said the late Mugabe was an icon of liberation, a Pan-Africanist who dedicated his life to the emancipation and empowerment of his people. His contribution to the history of our nation and continent will never be forgotten.
Meanwhile, the construction of a mausoleum for the late former President Mugabe has started with preparatory work at the site commencing while work on the design is still to be completed.
Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Deputy Minister Jennifer Mhlanga said initial construction work had already commenced.
“What the nation might want to know is that work has commenced. In as far as design is concerned, yes, work is being done. The costs will only be known once we have the design,” said Deputy Minister Mhlanga.
Government conferred a special honour on the country’s ex-leader, Mugabe, and decided to construct a mausoleum at the National Heroes’ Acre’s hilltop where the former leader will be buried.
Khaya Moyo also said that the Politburo send a condolence message to the Mavhunga family following the death of Cde Dominic Martin Mavhunga who was declared a provincial liberation war hero.
“In the same vein condolences were extended to the Minister of State for Mashonaland Central Cde Monica Mavhunga for the sad loss of her husband,” he said.
A POOR voter registration turnout is haunting Bulawayo, with less than five residents taking part in the ongoing exercise each month, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) has said.
If there is no voter buy-in, the province will lose three constituencies during the delimitation exercise.
Zec is conducting a voter registration exercise at its Bulawayo offices, and according to the provincial elections officer Innocent Ncube, the turnout in the city is disappointing.
“People are not coming. On average, we are registering zero a month and this is of serious concern to us. The same also applies when we do outreach sometimes to register residents as voters,” he said yesterday.
“We have outreach programmes to register people in their wards, but sadly, very few people come. They do not come forward to register and when they do come, at most, it will be less than five people during the whole outreach.”
Ncube warned Bulawayo would lose constituencies as a result during the next delimitation exercise as the voter registered population for the city falls far short of the minimum threshold.
Bulawayo, with 257 924 registered voters, has 12 constituencies.
Independent election watchdog, the Zimbabwe Election Support Network (Zesn) has also warned of the same, saying the same fate is likely to befall Matabeleland North (338 593) and South (263 690) in the next demarcation exercise.
“What happens is that we take the total registered voter population and divide that by 210 constituencies that we have. After that, we get the average registered voter population per constituency; the figures must be the same, but with a plus or minus 20% difference as provided by the law,” Ncube said.
“In Bulawayo, with the numbers that we have, the city is likely to lose three constituencies, and that is a serious matter of concern … it also affects development. With few constituencies, it means less in Constituency Development Funds (CDF).”
Analysts said the poor turnout to the voter registration programme in the city is a vote of no confidence on Zec over its handling of the country’s elections.
“It is a vote of no confidence against Zec and against elections as a means to usher in a better and prosperous Zimbabwe. It is people saying we don’t trust the system and we are tired of our votes translating to nothing,” Bulawayo social and political commentator Effie Ncube said.
“Electoral politics in Zimbabwe has not been delivering the desired democratic and development outcomes. So, unless and until our elections get to a stage where they can deliver freedom and prosperity for the poor masses, people will increasingly question the value of voting and just stay at home.”
Another commentator, Michael Ndiweni, added: “People think that voter registration is an event that comes when elections are about to be held. This is so because Zec is only visible towards elections … Secondly, looking at the voting percentages; people have lost trust in elections due to perennial contestations and shenanigans of the previous and current regime.”
What used to be a dreadful mission for a mother – to send essential commodities to her three children living in Zimbabwe – is now a quick errand that doesn’t even require her leaving the house.
A Zimbabwean living in Tembisa, Lindiwe Chevure, said sending food parcels to Zimbabwe for her children and in-laws every month was stressful.
She would send them through informal delivery services in the form of buses or minibuses, also known as malaicha, once a month and always worried about whether they would get to her family in good condition.
“It was so stressful. The malaichas are always expensive and sometimes by the time they got to Zimbabwe, the stuff are damaged or stolen.
“And it’s not always the driver’s fault. Sometimes other passengers just sit there with the intention to steal and there is nothing the drivers can do about it.”
She said her family was also discouraged and told her to avoid using the informal service.
Travelling to Zimbabwe to deliver the items was also stressful as she then had to endure the long queues to cross the border, even recalling a time when she waited for a day and a half just to get through customs.
Two SA brothers who saw the suffering of thousands of Zimbabweans like Lindiwe came up with a solution, malaicha.com.
With the international money transfer service they own already popular in Zimbabwe, they launched an app in June this year.
Malaicha.com executive head in Zimbabwe Sayjil Magan said: “We believe ourselves to be solutionists to the pressing needs of the markets, especially where foreign migrants are concerned. We wanted to create an extremely convenient and legal way for Zimbabweans to send groceries [to their loved ones].
“With this service there are no regulatory issues. We are licensed with both the South African Reserve Bank and the Zimbabwean Reserve Bank.
“With this service, one can download the app from the Google Play Store and register. They can then shop for all the items they need.
“The app is easy and convenient to use.
“Then they can check out and pay at any of the 8,000 selected retail stores around the country – this includes Shoprite, Boxers, Pick n Pay and more.
“Once they have paid, their families can collect the goods at any of our five locations – in Harare, Bulawayo, Mutare, Masvingo and Gweru.”
Users do not have to use data to shop on the app and a 30% delivery fee is charged.
Chevure said: “When I discovered malaicha.com, I remember I was so happy. I called my mom and I told her to go and collect the items in Harare because I have already paid for them and they are already there. My mom was so surprised when she got them in good condition that same day!
“It has really changed my life because I can easily send things home now. All my kids are happy, my in-laws are happy and now I send things about three or four times a month!”
Magan said: “We have about 15,000 people registered on the app within the first three months of operations. We are now looking to expand to Malawi and Mozambique.”
State Media|The country’s largest payment platform, EcoCash, has suspended over 4 000 of its agents on allegations of participating in the now rampant trend of charging excessive premiums for customers intending to cash on their mobile money.
EcoCash, one of Econet’s biggest business units, moves billions of transactions annually through its over 50 000 agents dotted throughout the country.
The announcement came barely a day after The Herald published a story in which ordinary citizens, and economic experts expressed disdain over the cost of cashing out on plastic money that has effectively eroded people’s earnings.
A survey carried out by this paper shows that EcoCash agents are charging a premium of up to 55 percent to customers in need of cash that is mainly in coins.
Cash barons
But in a statement released yesterday, the mobile payment solution service provider said it doesn’t condone such practice that has seen the birth of cash barons who are profiteering from their access to cash.
“EcoCash advises all its agents that it does not condone any illicit activities by agents,” said EcoCash in a statement.
“We have consistently maintained this position in our various communication directly to all agents through the various forums we hold across the country.
“Any agent charging above the authorised commission levels will be charged accordingly.
“We have so far suspended over 4 000 agents and will not hesitate to act accordingly on any reported cases of charging above authorised commission levels outside the EcoCash platform,” reads the statement.
The move by EcoCash to rid itself of unscrupulous agents also comes in light of the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) having started investigating EcoCash agents partaking in the illicit practice.
Earlier, the National Business Council of Zimbabwe (NBCZ) president Mr Langton Mabhanga, had told The Herald that there was need for monetary authorities to impose punitive measures on errant EcoCash agents.
Mr Mabhanga had also said it was not his view that the solution to the problem was in increasing cash in circulation.
“These premiums on cash are fuelling inflation and causing untold suffering to ordinary persons.
Plastic money
“There is need to protect ordinary workers who have watched helplessly as their salaries are being eroded,” said Mr Mabhanga.
“In Rwanda, we have a replica of EcoCash and you will notice that majority of transactions are through plastic money.
“What is lacking is supervision instruments that in my view have failed.
“There is need for an audit of these EcoCash agencies,” he said.
The illicit practice by the country’s largest payment platform has become the biggest threat to Government’s push for people to migrate from using hard cash to electronic payment systems as the later has been rendered too expensive.
State Media|High Court Judge Justice Happias Zhou yesterday scrapped Statutory Instrument (SI) 205 of 2018, which enabled Government to levy 2 percent tax on electronic money transactions above $10.
The tax was introduced as an austerity measure by Finance and Economic Development Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube.
However, Justice Zhou’s judgment has no material effect since there is now a Finance Act, which provides for the contested tax, passed on August 21.
The ruling follows an application by Combined Harare Residents’ Association (CHRA) director Mr Mfundo Mlilo challenging SI 205-2018 in October last year, imposing the tax.
Mr Mlilo was represented by lawyer Mr Tendai Biti.
Writing on his Twitter handle, Mr Biti confirmed the austerity measure was still in existence.
“It seems the 2 percent is not going anywhere as what has been set aside is the Statutory Instrument 205 of 2018 which introduced the 2 percent tax, but currently the 2 percent tax is based on the Finance Act passed on August 2019, hence ngoma ndiyo, ndiyo,” he said.
Minister Ncube introduced the tax in his Transitional Stabilisation Programme (TSP), which is part of Government’s drive to turn around the economy.
In his application, Mr Mlilo argued that the Government’s decision was made without the necessary backing of the law, citing in particular the amendment of the income tax or the regulation of the tax in a Statutory Instrument.
It was also Mr Mlilo’s contention that on October 12 last year, Minister Ncube enacted the Finance (Rate and Incidence of Intermediated Monetary Transfer Tax) Regulations Statutory Instrument (SI205-2018) to legalise and actualise his announcement done on October 1, 2018.
The SI, he argued, remained unconstitutional and a nullity, adding that the minister cannot amend an Act of Parliament in terms of the law.
To this end, Mr Mlilo wanted the higher court to put on hold the minister’s decision to review the intermediated tax from five cents per transaction to two cents per dollar.
The pressure group also wanted the immediate suspension of the Finance (Rate and Incidence of Intermediated Money Transfer Tax) Regulations published in SI205 /2018.
NewsDay|HUNDREDS of Zanu PF supporters yesterday walked away disappointed after the Mavhunga family refused to bury the late Dominic Martin Mavhunga at Mashonaland Central Provincial Heroes Acre in Bindura.
Dominic was husband to Mashonaland East Provincial Affairs minister Monica Mavhunga.
Mourners had to wait until 3pm for the final decision despite having crafted a heroes acre programme and dug a grave at the shrine.
Mavhunga family spokesperson Elvis Mavhunga Chibamu said the body will now be buried in Mhondoro at Chibamu village today.
“We have a grave for our own relative in Chibamu village, Mhondoro, not this so-called heroes acre. We have our own way of burying our people, so we will be travelling to the village tonight (yesterday). The family is grateful for the party and our in-laws who finally gave in to our wish and that of the dead,” he said.
Daughter to the late Mavhunga, Sibongile described her uncles as cowards who wanted to fix her mother and tarnish their image.
“My father was sick for three years at a local hospital, but never did we see these uncles coming to see him. These people are cowards. It is a move meant to tarnish the image of our mother because she is a minister,” she fumed.
Zanu PF Mashonaland Central chairperson Kazembe Kazembe said they rendered all the support Mavhunga deserved as a provincial hero, but did not influence burial arrangements.
“As a party, we were following the family burial arrangements. Since it was a State-funded funeral, yes, a grave was dug at the Provincial Heroes Acre, but that was in preparation of the burial, but that did not mean that we had decided,” Kazembe said.
The State allegedly withdrew its services and his relatives had a torrid time in transporting the body to Mhondoro.
Rowdy artisanal miners started chanting Zanu PF slogans and praising President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his deputy Constantino Chiwenga as they demanded Mavhunga’s burial in Bindura.
State Media|Food items worth thousands of dollars donated to Cyclone Idai victims are rotting in warehouses in Chimanimani East and it is unclear why they have not been handed over to the intended beneficiaries.
Cyclone Idai ravaged Chipinge and Chimanimani districts in March this year, killing hundreds and destroying infrastructure worth over a billion dollars.
It also destroyed food reserves and crops, leaving victims vulnerable and in urgent need of aid.
This saw Government appealing for local and international assistance.
But in a sad development, some foodstuffs have either decayed or expired while locked up at Nyahode District Union Warehouse, also referred to as Machongwe Food Distribution Centre, at Machongwe Business Centre in Chimanimani East.
“Among food items that have expired while in the warehouses awaiting distribution are the following— 30 tonnes of mealie-meal, 1 850kg of corn soya blend, 1 150kg of plain flour, 500 x6 packets sugar beans and 1 000kg of Maheu Instant,” a source said to state media.
The 30 tonnes of mealie-meal expired on September 7, 2019.
The 1 150kg of plain flour expired on March 27, 2019 while the Maheu Instant donations passed their consumption date on August 18.
State media news crew visited the warehouse on Tuesday, but could not gain access as it was locked.
Keys to the warehouses are reportedly kept in the Chimanimani District development coordinator’s office.
The DCC, Mr John Misi, was in a meeting at Chimanimani Rural District Council on Tuesday for the better part of the day and no immediate comment could be obtained from him.
However, acting provincial development coordinator Mr Edgars Seenza yesterday confirmed receiving reports suggesting food donations were rotting in the warehouse.
“Get in touch with the district development coordinator (Mr Misi). I used to get those reports and I have asked him to prepare a report,” said Mr Seenza.
Mr Misi was not answering his mobile phone yesterday when his comment was sought.
Chimanimani East legislator Joshua Sacco also confirmed that some of the foodstuffs had expired.
He said there was a similar situation at the Charter Hall warehouse.
“I am very disappointed with the lack of distribution of foodstuffs in the past three months. Perishables are rotting while some foodstuffs have expired.
“When I asked the responsible authorities they said they do not have fuel to distribute the food. That was the response I got. I believe it is an issue of inefficiency on the part of those responsible,” said Sacco.
“Food needs to be moved out immediately and I have made recommendations to that effect to the responsible offices,” added Sacco.
ZIMBABWE’S Chimurenga music maestro Thomas Tafirenyika Mapfumo has said he does not want to be buried at the National Heroes Acre when he dies because the place has lost significance.
Mapfumo, who is known for taking no prisoners when it comes to uttering what he wants, says the ruling Zanu-PF party had personalized the national monument such that only those in good books with the elite Zanu-PF leadership could be buried there.
“Don’t bother taking me there when it comes to that I have died and a decision has to be made,” said the US based legendary musician in an interview with Financial Gazette.
“The place has lost its respect and significance. No right thinking person would want to be buried there.”
Built in the 1980s by North Korean contractors, the granite monument is where many heroes of the liberation war were buried.
Since President Emmerson Mnangagwa came into power in November 2017, several national heroes have been buried at their own homes. These include the late Professor Phineas Makhurane and Oliver Mtukudzi.
Recently, there have been calls for an independent body to be set up which confers hero status, instead of this being done by the Zanu-PF politburo.
Farai Dziva|The RTGS Dollar is the worst performing currency in the world in 2019.
Ever since its introduction on 20 February 2019, the RTGS Dollar has weakened by 82% according to Bloomberg.
When the RTGS $ was introduced it was trading at $2.5 against the USD but it has since dropped to about $ 13.85 (as of today) and around $17 on the parallel market according to sites that track black market rates.
These stats show that officially the RTGS weakened a whopping 82% since its birth exactly 7 months ago.
Apart from Argentina, whose Peso is also going through a serious depreciation due to hyperinflation, The RTGS Dollar is performing badly according to Bloomberg.
OPPOSITION politician Linda Masarira has pulled a major shocker after she accused the MDC led by Nelson Chamisa of having a hand in the abduction of missing Zimbabwe Hospital Doctors Association leader Dr Peter Magombeyi.
Masarira who leads the new political party, LEAD, challenged fellow opposition MDC to start pushing for what she calls politics of issues instead of creating a false narrative that Zimbabwe has gross human rights violations.
She said it was curious but not surprising that the so-called abductions only happen when there is an international summit or when a high-ranking delegation is visiting Zimbabwe echoing sentiments raised by the ruling ZANU PF party.
“We have seen a lot of these so-called abductions since the end of last year, with the MDC trying to push the narrative that there are gross human rights abuses in Zimbabwe.
“The abductions have only happened when there are international events. Last August there was a SADC summit in Tanzania and we had a series of abductions. Now that we have the UN General Assembly coming up, we have another so-called abduction,” Linda said in an interview with Zimbabwe Voice.
She added that Dr. Magombeyi was not of any threat to government to be abducted by State agents, adding that the last real abduction in her opinion was that of firebrand political activist Itayi Dzamara in 2015.
“I personally don’t think the medical doctor, Dr Peter Magombeyi, is of any threat to Zanu-PF and the Government. The big question is, what does the current government gain by abducting the medical doctor at such a time when they are trying to clean up their own image.
“Who stands to benefit from these so-called abductions? The MDC of course. If they abduct one of their own and put them in a safe house somewhere, they are going to get donor funds and buttress their narrative that there are gross human rights violations in Zimbabwe and then the US will probably apply more sanctions on Zimbabwe, and then they rejoice as they always do.
“The MDC should move away from politics of setting a bad narrative about our country and must start pushing for politics of issues. They want to grab power at all cost and are prepared to smear the country’s image just so that the current finds it difficult to attract solidarity from other nations and investment from abroad. It is very bad and shameful,” Masarira said.
Masarira, who herself spent over 80 days in prison on charges of insulting former President Robert Mugabe, said she was a much bigger threat to government herself but was never abducted.
On Tuesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade called upon the police to unravel the truth behind the abduction and also said the incident appears timed to coincide with the arrival in Zimbabwe of UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Speech and Association.
Former President Robert Mugabe’s daughter Mrs Bona Mugabe-Chikore has thanked God for giving her father a long life though it was very difficult, sentiments which were also echoed by her brother Robert Mugabe Junior.
Mrs Mugabe-Chikore and Robert Jnr said this while addressing mourners at their rural home in Kutama Village, Zvimba.
“So I thank God for his life because it was so blessed even though it was difficult. There are people like that who are placed here on earth and whose lives may seem like they are suffering, but in reality their suffering benefited millions of people so I am grateful to God for his life.
The two also described Mugabe as a fatherly figure who was admired across the world.
“When I was growing up I knew that my father was an elderly man and was afraid that I would wake up one day to hear that he is sick or that he is no longer with us,” she said.
“So I prayed a lot for God to keep him at least so that I be able to graduate and then after (that) I prayed to God that he keeps him until I wed so that he would walk me down the aisle. Then I also prayed that he be kept alive that he at least sees only one of my children; now he saw two of them.
“I want to thank all of you who have come to mourn with us and Government for its assistance, but most of all, I want to thank our mother. She has been on our father’s side throughout, even in sickness.”
Mugabe Junior, said the death of his father had made him realise the impact he had across the world.
“The loss of our father has made me realise what type of a man he was. He was not only a father to us as his children or a husband to our mother, but he was a father to the nation and the whole of Africa,” he said.
“The whole world came to a standstill when he died and the coming of many leaders from across the world made me realise what kind of a man our father was. The impact that he had not only in the country, but all over the world, is something that I admire. Despite the criticisms he received from the British and other countries, he was still admired by many.”
Robert Mugabe Junior added that even those who did not like him, also admired him for his values and what he stood for.
The children saluted the Government and everyone who has stood with them in their time of mourning.
The former President’s body was later returned to his Blue Roof residence yesterday with uncertainty where the body will be taken to after that.
Watch as Bona reveals the other side of her father the nation never knew.
Video courtesy of Bus Stop TV.
Former President Robert Mugabe’s children, Mrs Bona Mugabe-Chikore and Robert Jnr, yesterday saluted the Government and everyone who has stood with them in their time of mourning.
The two also described Mugabe as a fatherly figure who was admired across the world.
Mrs Mugabe-Chikore and Robert Jnr said this while addressing mourners at their rural home in Kutama Village, Zvimba.
First to take to the podium was Mrs Mugabe-Chikore, who thanked God for giving her father a long life.
“When I was growing up I knew that my father was an elderly man and was afraid that I would wake up one day to hear that he is sick or that he is no longer with us,” she said.
“So I prayed a lot for God to keep him at least so that I be able to graduate and then after (that) I prayed to God that he keeps him until I wed so that he would walk me down the aisle.
Then I also prayed that he be kept alive that he at least sees only one of my children; now he saw two of them.
“So I thank God for his life because it was so blessed even though it was difficult. There are people like that who are placed here on earth and whose lives may seem like they are suffering, but in reality their suffering benefited millions of people so I am grateful to God for his life.
“I want to thank all of you who have come to mourn with us and Government for its assistance, but most of all, I want to thank our mother. She has been on our father’s side throughout, even in sickness.”
Mr Mugabe said the death of his father had made him realise the impact he had across the world.
“The loss of our father has made me realise what type of a man he was. He was not only a father to us as his children or a husband to our mother, but he was a father to the nation and the whole of Africa,” he said.State media
By Gerald Tumawa| Finance minister Mthuli Ncube yesterday announcing that he will defy a High Court Order that sets aside his 2% tax, used a word that cannot be found in any English dictionary.
He said he will defy the high court order because his Statutory Instrument 205 was “pvalidated” by parliament. His party, ZANU PF boasts claiming it has a two thirds majority, but for over a year now it has been putting pressure on the MDC to join its coalition of political parties. Video evidence from the July 2018 elections shows ZANU PF rigged the polls and used the army to execute the altering of figures in favour of Mthuli’ boss, Mnangagwa. Below was Mthuli’s letter – full print:
Chivi South legislator Killer Zivhu has come under fire for continuing to defy the Zanu-PF Masvingo provincial executive’s directive stopping him from carrying out party and parliamentary business in the area pending the finalisation of his disciplinary hearing.
It is understood the party has written to the Politburo recommending that he be expelled for violating party rules after turning to social media platforms such as WhatsApp and Twitter, and allegedly pushed for dialogue between President Mnangagwa and MDC-Alliance Mr Nelson Chamisa.
Further, Zivhu is said to have initiated the process of collecting signatures from people so that they support his dialogue initiative.
The Herald understands that the Zanu-PF Masvingo executive recently read the riot act to Zivhu and ordered him to stop carrying out meetings until his matter was finalised.
Zanu-PF vice chairman for Masvingo Ailes Baloyi said yesterday that it was disturbing to note Zivhu was defying party directives.
“We are aware of Zivhu’s defiance and the reports are being taken to the national executive. Every move that he is making is known and we are only waiting for the results of the national disciplinary committee,” said Baloyi.State media
The Zimbabwe Association of Doctors For Human Rights has issued a statement on the continued disappearance of Junior Doctors’ Union President Dr Peter Magombeyi.
Below is the full text:
Dr Magombeyi was reportedly abducted on Saturday evening by 3 men. His colleagues have staged a demo code-named #BringBackDrPeter since Sunday.
The country’s largest payment platform, EcoCash, has suspended over 4 000 of its agents on allegations of participating in the now rampant trend of charging excessive premiums for customers intending to cash on their mobile money.
EcoCash, one of Econet’s biggest business units, moves billions of transactions annually through its over 50 000 agents dotted throughout the country.
The announcement came barely a day after The Herald published a story in which ordinary citizens, and economic experts expressed disdain over the cost of cashing out on plastic money that has effectively eroded people’s earnings.
A survey carried out by this paper shows that EcoCash agents are charging a premium of up to 55 percent to customers in need of cash that is mainly in coins.
Cash barons
But in a statement released yesterday, the mobile payment solution service provider said it doesn’t condone such practice that has seen the birth of cash barons who are profiteering from their access to cash.
“EcoCash advises all its agents that it does not condone any illicit activities by agents,” said EcoCash in a statement.
“We have consistently maintained this position in our various communication directly to all agents through the various forums we hold across the country.
“Any agent charging above the authorised commission levels will be charged accordingly.
“We have so far suspended over 4 000 agents and will not hesitate to act accordingly on any reported cases of charging above authorised commission levels outside the EcoCash platform,” reads the statement.State media
THE Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) is set to mordernise operations at its Mutimurefu Farm to maximise production, an official said yesterday.
ZPCS Officer Commanding Masvingo Province, Senior Assistant Commissioner Social Ndanga, said the organisation had set sights on increasing agricultural production ten-fold if plans to mechanise were successful.
He said they had started the processes to acquire centre pivots with capacity to irrigate 30 hectares.
Snr Asst Comm Ndanga said they had also been allocated 50 more hectares of farm land under Mwenezi District by Government, a move set to boost food nutrition and self-sustenance at their correctional facilities.
“We have already paid a deposit of $10 000 for the centre pivot and a local bank has offered to clear the balance anytime soon,” Snr Asst Comm Ndanga said.
“The total cost of the mechanised equipment is estimated to be over $300 000 and it can be more because of the inflationary environment.”
Snr Asst Comm Ndanga said with a capacity of 800 inmates, the correctional centre required at least 50 000 tonnes of maize-meal annually and that they also catered for facilities in six other districts.
He said they were operating eight satellite prisons in other districts which consume more than 56 000 tonnes of vegetables per annum, a demand that was overwhelming considering the small piece of agricultural land underutilisation.
“We have 725 inmates at Mutimurefu correctional centre where female offenders constitute less than 15 percent of the population,” said Snr Asst Comm Ndanga.
“These inmates require food daily with all the required nutrients, but sometimes we are found wanting in that area and are hopeful that production will improve at our farm with the aid of mechanised equipment.”State media
Pupurai Togarepi|The quest for power should never ever replace our humanness and the inherent spirit of Ubuntu that is the hallmark of our people, either in their deeds or spirit.
Such virtues that are found in Zimbabwe should never be supplanted by self-seeking politicians or power-hungry individuals who pander to the whims and caprices of our erstwhile colonisers.
It is sad that today as the country seeks to come to terms with the disappearance of Peter Magombeyi, the opposition is celebrating, so are some embassies in Harare, the morbid celebrations are a result of a mission accomplished, at least in the eyes and hearts of the MDC-Alliance and it’s handlers.
The idea is to damage the reputation of our country, the people of Zimbabwe and also the ruling party Zanu-PF.
As the Zanu-PF Youth League, we hope that Peter is safe and whoever has him, which we dare say is the MDC-A or one of the ever scheming embassies in particular the US embassy, return him to his family, friends , workmates and indeed the nation at large safe and sound with no injuries, and indeed to tell the real story of who took him.
This sad development has no place in a progressive country let alone in the Second Republic, where commitments have been made, and are indeed guaranteed from the highest office that this is a New Dispensation that respects human rights and other liberties enshrined in our Constitution.
Having said that, we find it utterly disgusting that there are some elements who want to use the disappearance of Peter for political mileage, no, we should never sacrifice our conscience as a nation on the alter of expediency, we are better than that and the polarisation resident in our nation should not blind us from seeing the obvious.
The MDC-A, more than anyone else think they stand to benefit from Peter’s disappearance and should tell us where they hid him.
It begs answers, why would Zanu-PF abduct a doctor who serves the people and saves life?
Why would the Zanu-PF Government shoot itself in the foot by carrying out abductions when the message is engagement?
Why would the Zanu-PF Government seek to bring unnecessary negative publicity when the President is due to be at the United Nations in New York, marketing brand Zimbabwe?
And indeed why would we score an own goal by carrying such dastardly acts when a special UN envoy is on our soil assessing our human rights record?
The simple answer to the above is that Zanu-PF, as the governing party, would never under the sun, engage or allow such acts of banditry which tarnishes the image we are working around the clock to spruce and put in good stead after decades of isolation, to take place.
Indeed, common sense shows that there are elements in this country hell bent on derailing the progress that Zanu-PF is making, there is a third and sinister hand trying to rock the boat and cause maximum damage to our re-engagement efforts, these shenanigans, which I am afraid, have the fingerprints of the country’s clumsy opposition party masquerades and their puppeteers all over, are meant to deliver the killer punch and return the country to a pariah State that is unsafe, inhabitable, and perpetually ostracised from the rest of the world.
The MDC-A and some embassies are no doubt the third force.
We know the MDC-A has trained militias, we also know they have torture houses which they lie are safe houses, and we also know that the MDC-A, that consorts with nations which imposed sanctions on us to blunt our recovery prospects, want to inflict maximum damage by fair or foul means.
Last year, in free and fair elections, the MDC-A failed a fair contest and lost the polls to President Mnangagwa and Zanu-PF.
Now the MDC-A is fast becoming a rag tag opposition movement which seeks to cause anarchy through acts of terror such as abductions. MDC-A is a terrorist organisation led by power-hungry surrogates of imperialism.
We are shocked the US embassy is wining and dining with terrorists.
Look at the coincidence, history tells us that whenever we have an international engagement the attention-seeking opposition always come up with antics.
I will not belabour the point that there is a third force with links to the former G40 faction suffice to say after failing to use the body of our late president to sneak back into the country and escape their crimes, these forces will now stop at nothing to cause alarm and despondency in the country.
Dear countryman, let us remain vigilant because the enemy wants to cause anarchy, but we know what they are, who they are and what they represent.
The merchants of evil and their evil machinations are destined to fail in their attempts to stop the unstoppable train towards Vision 2030 that is being steered by President Mnangagwa.
The writer is the Secretary for Youth Affairs and Chief Whip of the ruling Zanu-PF party.
Farai Dziva|A ZANU PF supporter has named his son after former President Robert Mugabe.
The man named his son, born on 18 April 2017, after the late former President Robert Mugabe, according to The Herald.
49-year-old Duke Chinyongo from St Mary’s, Chitungwiza, told The Herald that it was his love for the ruling party that prompted him to name his last-born child Tinotenda Robert Gabriel Deeds Chinyongo.
“Yes, I can confirm that I named my son Tinotenda Robert Gabriel Deeds Chinyongo soon after his birth on the 18th of April 2017 to clearly show the nation that I have passion for the ruling party Zanu-PF and the former great icon and Leader Robert Mugabe.
This I did not wait for him to die first but I decided to honour when he was still alive.”
Chinyongo revealed that initially he wanted to name his son Tinotenda Robert Gabriel Mugabe Deeds Chinyongo but was blocked by authorities at Chitungwiza Registrar General’s Offices when he wanted to get him a birth certificate.
Four people lost their lives while 22 others were hurt in a road traffic accident on Wednesday afternoon in Kambuzuma, Harare.
The accident occurred when the driver of Hino truck attempted to overtake a commuter omnibus near Trek Service Station before a railway line along Mufakose Way.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed that three people died on the spot while another passenger died at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals upon admission. He said:
Three people died on the spot and there is a fourth one reported to have died while admitted at a local hospital.
The accident was caused by a Hino truck driver who was heading to Mufakose suburb and tried to overtake a commuter omnibus…
It is sad that some drivers are exhibiting tendencies of reckless driving, in turn, causing accidents. More – State Media
By Antony Taruvinga |Abducting a Doctor, not a politician but a life saver, is the worst form of desperation.
It’s a satanic act and must be condemned by all right thinking Zimbabweans.
All claims of “abductions by third force” are lies. Zanu PF thrives on suppressing any voice which is not theirs.
What have they achieved since the November coup? Nothing. They are amassing wealth through corruption and direct theft of public funds.
We have been saying all along that we have no president or government but a group of thieves and murderers who will not accept to lose power through an election.
They need to be driven out of power.
In a landmark case argued by MDC Vice President Hon. Tendai Biti, the High Court today outlawed government’s two per cent tax on despondent Zimbabweans in a move that vindicated the MDC position that the Mnangagwa government was illegally milking the suffering citizens of this country.
On 1 October 2018 in his first act as Finance Minister newly appointed Mthuli Ncube, without any legal basis proceeded to impose the 2% transaction tax that has caused much pain and anguish across Zimbabweans of all walks. Twelve days later on 12 October 2018 Mthuli then sought to remedy his earlier position by enacting SI 205 of 2018 which amended a section of the Income Tax Act that had originally imposed a paltry 0.05% transaction tax in 2010.
The MDC, like every other Zimbabwean, was up in arms against the tax .We argued at the time that imposing a punitive tax on an already tax-burdened population was cruel and irrational. We also argued that Zimbabwe was in a recession characterized by low productivity, stagnation and weak or non-existent aggregate demand. In these circumstances, the logic of recession economics demanded that the government drastically reduces taxes in order to allow people to have disposable incomes.
We further argued that Zimbabwe s challenge was an overzealous expansionary fiscal policy. Rather the real challenge has always been that of a government that cannot live within its means.
Today’s judgement by Justice Happias Zhou vindicates our position that Mthuli Ncube’s actions were illegal, unlawful and unconstitutional. Mthuli Ncube has fallen in the Zanu PF mess of running the economy by a plethora of illegal regulations when no modern economy has ever been run by illegitimate regulations.
Today’s judgment setting aside SI 205 of 2018 vindicates our position that this is a fascist regime that operates outside the law, like Germany under the Third Reich.
We are aware that Zanu PF has sought to cover the illegal tax in a belated 2019 Finance Act but what the judgement does is to give Zimbabweans a further legal basis for our a future challenge on the tax.
Today’s landmark judgement vindicates the MDC position that the Mnangagwa administration is a piranha State that has gone all out to illegally fleece ordinary Zimbabweans by asking them to subsidize a profligate regime that hires expensive private jets and whose leaders seek expansive treatment outside the country when ordinary citizens can hardly buy a packet of painkillers.
Today’s ruling comes at a time when the illegal regime that brazenly stole last year’s election has just abducted the leader of the Zimbabwe Hospital Doctors Association for fronting the legitimate concerns of the doctors who are demanding an upward review of their salaries.
No amount of scarf around this regime’s neck will sanitize its propensity for illegality, impunity and brutality against the innocent citizens of this country. The illegal tax should be viewed as having been yet another vicious assault on the law and on the collective dignity of ordinary Zimbabweans.
MDC@20: Celebrating Courage, Growth and the People’s Victories.
Luke Tamborinyoka
MDC Deputy National Spokesperson
Farai Dziva | Villagers in Masvingo Central Constituency have accused Zanu PF MP Edmund Mhere of abandoning them.
This came to light at a COTRAD community engagement meeting in Ward 17, Masvingo Central Constituency.
The dialogue meeting was a platform for villagers to discuss community issues with local leaders.
“We are facing challenges in engaging the Member of Parliament Mr Edmund Mhere. He has deserted the constituency,” said one villager.
The villagers also expressed concern at the failure by Mhere to account for the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).
The High Court has acquitted former President Robert Mugabe’s son-in-law, Simba Chikore, who was facing charges of unlawfully detaining Zimbabwe Airways former secretary Ms Bertha Zakeyo.
Chikore, who was being jointly charged with Simbarashe Mutimbe, had approached the High Court after his application for discharge at the close of the State’s case was dismissed by Harare magistrate Mrs Victoria Mashamba.
However, the ruling by the lower court was quashed by Justice Zhou, who acquitted Chikore.
Chikore’s lawyer, Mr Jonathan Samukange, on Tuesday appeared before Mrs Mashamba and tendered an order of the High Court, which stated that his client was found not guilty and acquitted. In the order, Justice Zhou stated that the magistrate made an error by not acquitting Chikore at the end of the State’s case since they was no evidence linking him to the alleged offence.
“Significantly, the State led no evidence of the applicant’s involvement in the complainant’s continued presence at the premises after the termination of her employment. The complainant’s evidence on the alleged instruction from the applicant was in admissible hearsay evidence and largely speculative and conjectural,” reads the order from Justice Zhou.
Justice Zhou said the persons who were allegedly instructed by the applicant to detain the complainant did not testify and that could have been the end of the matter for the learned magistrate in considering the application for discharge.
“The judgment by the first respondent in the case No. HREP 12660/18 dismissing the applicant’s application for discharge at the close of the case for the prosecution be and is hereby set aside and substituted by the following:
“The application for discharge at the close of the case for the prosecution is granted and the first accused is found not guilty and acquitted,” reads the order.
Facts were that Chikore, who was then Zimbabwe Airways boss, connived with Mutimbe, also employed by the airline, and unlawfully detained Ms Zakeyo for hours thereby depriving her of her freedom.State media
Farai Dziva|Deputy Information Minister Energy Mutodi officially launched Nicholas Madzibaba Zachariah’s new album last night.
“This evening I was given the honour to launch Nicholas Zacharia’s new album titled “INZWA UNZWE”. Government is proud of musicians such as Nicholas Zacharia who continue to do well under the ever-changing business environment,” tweeted Mutodi.
Mutodi is a former Rhumba musician.
Watch video below. ..
VIDEO LOADING BELOW…
By Farai D Hove| The Foreign Affairs minister, Sibusiso Moyo has unwittingly revealed the identity of the “abductors” who took away the President of Hospital Doctor, Dr Peter Magombeyi.
Speaking during his media address on Tuesday, Moyo rushed to identify the criminals who allegedly took the man was “the Third Force.” He used the prefix “The” a term that points to a standing acquaintance.
Moyo’s statement coincides well with an official May 2019 security briefing that lists several arms of Zimbabwe’s Joint Operations Command. The document saw the Police Spokesman Paul Nyathi telling ZimEye when pressed on its contents, “I don’t want to comment on matters of national security.”
Speaking yesterday, Moyo said government was to ….” to dig deeper into the culprits and the Third Force responsible for this heinous crime that has crept into our society; indeed this kind of crime must be nipped in the bud once and for all and hence we have been assured, “
By A Correspondent- Clashes over T-shirts continued at former President Robert Mugabe’s rural home with a fight breaking out in the morning when a youth wearing Zanu PF regalia with Mnangagwa’s face was beaten before being ejected.
Party regalia with Mugabe’s face was the only clothing safe to wear.
Tempers flared leading to a stand-off that was eventually quelled by Zanu PF central committee member, Shiella Mabasa popularly known as Yondo Sister.
She told resistive mourners that Mnangagwa T-shirts were not meant to undermine or spite Mugabe.
“This party regalia was left over during the campaign period and we felt it was important to give our members as we mourn a departed hero of Zanu PF and Zimbabwe, it has nothing to do with politics,” Mabasa said.
Meanwhile, traditional leaders in Zvimba yesterday said they had pardoned those who removed former President Robert Mugabe from power through a military coup in November 2017 to foster national healing.
Speaking during a church service at the late Mugabe’s home in Zvimba, Chief Chisora Chikamba said it was important to let bygones be bygones.
“I want to thank Zanu PF, yes, there are things that happened, there are indeed bad apples, (but) yes, we forgive you,” he said.
Mugabe, who died in Singapore on September 6, was bitterly disappointed by his removal from power by his military men after 37 years of ruling the southern African country and his nephew Leo Mugabe last week told the media that the former President, despite being 95 years old, had died from stress caused by the coup led by people he trusted.
Grace Mugabe’s relative Ephraim Ranga also preached peace amid simmering tensions.
He told mourners that reconciliation and forgiveness for past misdeeds was crucial.
Highlighting that the late national hero in 1980 forgave Ian Smith and allowed the former Rhodesian Prime Minister to die peacefully in the new Zimbabwe, he said: “If you want to be forgiven, you should forgive others; count the number of people you forgave and then ask for forgiveness.”
Marred by controversy, Mugabe’s death continues to pen new scripts every day.
Helicopters which were supposed to transport his body back to his Blue Roof mansion in Harare had to return empty, owing to wrangling and last-minute changes.
The body will now spend another night at his Zvimba home after a family stand-off delayed proceedings.
Leo could not speak on the delays or change of programme, saying he had not been briefed, but irate mourners deserted the Mugabe homestead, leaving a lot of empty chairs ahead of an evening service.
“I am yet to be briefed by the family, but another day has been added, so the body will leave tomorrow,” he said.
Insiders said former First Lady Grace and Mugabe clan members were still haggling over the former President’s burial place, raising speculation that only a dummy coffin could be on display while Mugabe’s body is buried elsewhere.
Chief Zvimba, however, dispelled the talk, saying Mugabe’s body will be placed at the apex of the national shrine so that it can be seen from all angles.
-Newsday
By A Correspondent- A Canada based author Mandipa Shumba has been praised by former United States of America Barack Obama for her prowess.
The former US president hailed the 20-year-old’s book Legends with Dreams, which unpacks the duties of the youth and helps them find their voices.
Mandipa said she wrote to Obama for him to get a glimpse of her book and she was amazed getting the response.
“I only wrote to him once and I was surprised that he responded appreciating my work, it really humbled me.
“For me to get such an endorsement, it shows that I am in the right track,” said Mandipa.
Below is the response from Obama:
Mandipa, who grew up in Kadoma, said she was inspired by the Zimbabwean liberation struggle to come up with her poetry collection.
“I have always loved writing poetry and Legends with Dreams subtitled The Untold Story is my second poetry collection that is inspired by the events of Zimbabwe liberation struggle leading to Zimbabwe’s independence in 1980,” she said.
The Untold Story writer said it was difficult for her coming up with the book as she faced a number of challenges.
“Financial constraints were one big challenge as a self-published book even though my mentor encouraged me to keep on working,” said Mandipa who doubles as a poet.
Mandipa said she owes a lot more of her book to her father.
“My father was one big motivation, and he kept pushing me.
“I want to do my sponsors and my parents proud they deserve this from me,” she said.
The Global Political Economy student said she has already started writing more poetry but she will not be releasing anytime soon.
“I have started writing more but it will take a while to get the next book even though I can’t wait.
“Let’s get the degree first,” she said.
By A Correspondent- Harare may run dry if the current drought-induced water crisis is not given urgent attention, Mayor Councillor Herbert Gomba has said.
Gomba said the council has since decommissioned Prince Edward Water Works after the drying up of Seke and Harava dams and the city’s major water source Lake Chivero is also just above 50 percent.
“The population of Harare also continues to grow by the day and at the moment, we are looking at five million people which as City of Harare must supply water to.
“Our facilities are pumping around 350 megalitres per day and that is 49 percent capacity.
“This is not enough for such a big population, we need to come up with immediate action to this crisis as soon as possible,” he said.
Gomba said lack of foreign currency, as well as investment in water production, are affecting water production.
Harare has an infrastructure deficit of over 40 years.
“Lack of investment has also affected the production of potable water,” he said.
As ZimEye.com ran an exclusive live exposè on the person suspected to have abducted Zimbabwe Hospital Doctors Association leader Dr Peter Magombeyi, the Zimbabwe Republic Police rushed to Twitter to commit that they are investigating the abduction report, this after three days of silence and denial.
Watch the ZimEye.com live exposè of the person responsible for the abduction.
