State Media|At least four stillbirths and one maternal death have been recorded at Harare City Council’s polyclinics, as the city is dragging its feet on the provision of proper power back-up facilities, which has forced its nurses to use cellphone torches during delivery.
The incidences occurred between January and July this year.
The situation is particularly dire during load shedding periods, amid indications that some expecting mothers have been asked to buy candles.
Mbare, Hatcliffe and Kuwadzana are the most affected areas, as their solar systems sometimes fail to provide adequate lighting, especially in early morning, particularly on cloudy days.
In an interview yesterday, the local authority’s Health Services director Dr Prosper Chonzi said from January to July this year, he knew of four cases of stillbirths and four maternal mortality cases, but there could be many.
“We have solar back-ups and generators, but unfortunately these are no longer back-ups, but they have become the main source, hence around 3am batteries would be flat, and that is when most deliveries usually take place. So, sometimes people end up using torches, cellphones and candles.
“In Mbare, a baby was born with mucus blocking its nasal passage, and since there was no electricity, the mucus could not be sucked out, leading to death of the baby.
“In another case, a baby was born with the umbilical cord tied around the neck and due to lack of lighting, the umbilical cord could not be untied on time.
“There are also four maternal mortality cases recorded, but three of them were already dead when they arrived at our clinics, while one passed away while giving birth.”
A nurse at a Mbare maternity clinic, who requested anonymity for fear of victimisation, said the situation was unbearable.
“We have noticed with great concern that at our clinic that the solar system is no longer reliable, forcing us to use torches, candles and phone torches during baby deliveries. Not only is this not safe for us, but very risky to the expecting mothers,” said the source.
“We have also been experiencing stillbirths over the past months. We actually tell the expecting mothers to bring their own candles since we are incapacitated.”
By Farai D Hove| It was once said that when Robert Mugabe dies people must make sure that he is truly no more; people sleep over at his graveside for some days, and keep checking. Yes, check again, and then once more- this is because he will soon return. And the ZANU PF legend is on several videos boasting that he will rise again. Even his wife, Grace, has threatened Emmerson Mnangagwa and his deputy Constantino Chiwenga that her husband will return again even after crossing the bridge into eternity.
The 95 year old was reported dead last week Friday, in Singapore. Was that the last of him? Check again.
Somewhat true to all the threats and fears Zimbabweans have had for 39 years, the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation has announced that the man has landed in their country, literally, no joke, no messing about, pure news, official and presidential. It was on the main news bulletin. Was it a mistake, or a retake of the all time African adage, Mugabe won’t die?
The boob, or is it the Bob, (VIDEO BELOW) saw their president Hage Geingob landing at the international airport in Robert Mugabe’s name, in Windhoek arriving from the World Economic Forum. There we are- ol’Bob is back again, yeah, literally. Smile! VIDEO BELOW-
NAMIBIA BROADCASTING CORP REPORTS THAT ROBERT MUGABE IS IN WINDHOEK, LITERALLY! pic.twitter.com/NbiobpK40E
State Media|A FORMER Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) employee who reportedly siphoned US$1 239 083 from the taxman’s bank account and splashed it on property is set to lose to the State two mansions in Glen Lorne, Harare, a flat in Harare city centre and a top-of-the-range vehicle.
Tapuwa Evans Chidemo, who worked as an accounting officer in Zimra’s Value Added Tax (VAT) department, unbelievably amassed wealth worth millions of dollars within a short space of time despite having earned a total of $76 279 during his tenure of employment stretching from 2010 to 2016.
Chidemo was once charged with nine counts of fraud involving US$1 279 083, but the court found him guilty of two counts involving US$460 538.
He was jailed six years for the two counts, but the prosecution has since contested Chidemo’s acquittal on the other seven counts of fraud involving US$778 547.
The appeal is still pending at the High Court.
Chidemo, who was responsible for payment of refunds to individuals or companies overtaxed, would instead transfer the refunds into accounts belonging to his wife, relatives and other proxies.
Head of Asset Forfeiture Unit at the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), chief law officer Mr Chris Mutangadura, has since initiated the process of forfeiting the properties arguing that they were proceeds of crime.
Chidemo claims to have sold the bulk of the assets, but the State argues that the sales were not genuine and were just a cover to avoid imminent forfeiture.
The State wants to forfeit the following properties:
l Stand Number 2800, 12th Parklane Court (Pvt) Ltd.
l Mercedes-Benz E-Class (ADN 5756)
In the application, Mr Mutangadura argues that the properties were brought with proceeds of a crime and that they must be forfeited to the State.
“A forensic reconstruction of the circumstances of acquisition of the above-mentioned properties by the first respondent, clearly points to Money laundering.
“The first respondent earned a cumulative amount of US$76 279 during the period beginning October 2010 to January 2016.
“At the time of purchasing 215 Folyjon Crescent Glen Lorne (stand) on April 2 2012 for US$85 000, the first respondent had earned a total amount of US$19 171 during the period beginning October 2010 to March 2012.
“Vis-a vis 215 Folyjon, which the first respondent purports to have sold to the second and third respondents, one wonders why there are two different agreements of sale to two different buyers as indicated above.
“It simply shows that there is no bona fide sale or purchase,” reads Mr Mutangadura’s statement.
The State also questioned the genuineness of the sale of number 3036 Shawasha Hills, saying it was just a way of concealing the offence of money laundering.
“It appears unusual that a lease signed on 27 May 2015 would indicate its date of commencement as 23 December 2015, some six months after the date of execution.
“Again the genuineness of the said lease is put into question,” reads the affidavit.
Mr Mutangadura submitted that the property was tainted and it must be forfeited.
“I aver that orders for civil forfeiture can be sought in respect of property that is suspected to be tainted or terrorist property whenever such property is identified by or comes into the possession of a law enforcement authority which in this case, refers to the applicant.
“The applicant submits that he has managed to prove on a balance of probabilities that the specified property is tainted and constitutes proceeds of crime hence liable to forfeiture to the State,” he said.
The High Court is yet to rule on the application for civil forfeiture.
Mugoba’s body leaves Chuvhu for Harare in an army helicopter
State Media|Scores of people yesterday gathered at the Mugoba homestead in Wiltshire, Chivhu, for the funeral service of national hero, Major-General Trust Mugoba.
In a move to show disgruntlement at the Heroes Acre burial of their family member, the casket was temporarily placed on the area where he was supposed to have been buried at the family grave site had he not been declared a national hero.
A dummy grave will be erected on the site.
Mourners described Maj-Gen Mugoba as a unifier, humble, friendly, and an advisor.
Proceeedings started in the morning with the arrival of the body which was flown from his Featherstone farm.
The body was accompanied by close family members. A church service was conducted at the homestead.
Present at the funeral service were Mashonaland East Provincial Affairs Minister Apolonia Munzverengi, heads of several Government departments, senior army officials, family members, Zanu-PF supporters and members of the community.
A church service followed and later, the national hero’s casket was taken to the family’s cemetery where his parents are buried.
During the service, speakers spoke glowingly of the national hero, including his role in the family, community and the nation.
Family spokesman Dr Jabulani Moyo said Maj-Gen Mugoba was a pillar to the family who provided not only for his immediate family, but many people in Mberengwa, Bulawayo and Chivhu.
“He gave guidance to the whole family, both immediate and extended. He was a responsible man who, despite his demanding job, also had time for others.
“His being declared national hero is an honour to us as the family and an honour to him considering his good deeds. We are humbled by that,” he said.
Chief Musarurwa said the community had lost a unifier and loving member who worked well with people from the grassroots level, headmen, councillors and chiefs.
“Our future as a community also depended on him. He was a friendly man who took time off his busy schedules to interact with others including the young people.
“He was an adviser and was also open to suggestions from others.
“We worked together spearheading developmental projects such as the (Operation) Maguta and Command Agriculture.
“We are humbled that he was given a befitting status. He deserved it,” said Chief Musarurwa.
Chikomba resident, Mr Jephat Kasimeni said Maj-Gen Mugoba was a humble man who could relate well with other members of the community.
“He was a generous man and we are glad his good works have been recognised. It is an honour to the community that he was declared national hero,” he said.
The body was later airlifted to One Commando Regiment in Harare.
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa told journalists in Harare yesterday that the body of Maj-Gen Mugoba will today go to Parachute Regiment for a parade at 2pm.
Burial is scheduled for tomorrow at the National Heroes Acre.
Farai Dziva|Controversial Zimbabwean socialite and businesswoman, Olinda Chapel has vowed she will never fall in love again.
According to an online publication, the United Kingdom based social media celebrity who dated famous Zim musician Stunner and married Tytan Nkomo last year has decided to “quit love.”
“She’s so JADED that she will never fall in love again. She can’t, she sees through everyone and their intentions. Even her “friend”
… Now she has no faith in anyone, how could she?
No one has ever been there for her like she would be and has been for them. When she stumbles, she makes it part of the dance.
That’s how she will forever sit on her throne. It’s not how she falls, it’s always the how she rises you need to worry about.
The very vague post however highlights the fact that she was all alone during the hardships of the marriage and separation. For many this is assurance that the woman has decided to call it quits with the whole dating thing and spend some time with herself and daughter,” her friend told the online publication.
The country’s civil service has joined the nation and the world in mourning the passing on of former President Robert Gabriel Mugabe, who has been described as a distinguished cadre who fought tirelessly to liberate and empower citizens.
In a statement yesterday, Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Dr Misheck Sibanda said Mugabe’s death robbed the country of an “outstanding nationalist and a pan-Africanist par excellence”.
“The Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr Misheck Sibanda, deputy chief secretaries, senior management of the Office of the President and the rest of the civil service, join His Excellency Cde ED Mnangagwa, President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, the Mugabe family and the nation as a whole, in mourning the sad passing on of the founding father of our nation and former President of our country, Cde Robert Gabriel Mugabe on 6th September 2019,” said Dr Sibanda.
“In Cde R. G. Mugabe, our country, and indeed Africa as a whole, has lost a selfless revolutionary leader, outstanding nationalist and a pan-Africanist par excellence.
“Our beloved departed former President has left us an enduring legacy of commitment to national peace and unity, which he pursued through his far-sighted policy of national reconciliation, the 22 December 1987 Unity Accord between ZANU and ZAPU and other subsequent unifying efforts he undertook throughout his leadership.”State media
At least four stillbirths and one maternal death have been recorded at Harare City Council’s polyclinics, as the city is dragging its feet on the provision of proper power back-up facilities, which has forced its nurses to use cellphone torches during delivery.
The incidences occurred between January and July this year. The situation is particularly dire during load shedding periods, amid indications that some expecting mothers have been asked to buy candles.
Mbare, Hatcliffe and Kuwadzana are the most affected areas, as their solar systems sometimes fail to provide adequate lighting, especially in early morning, particularly on cloudy days.
In an interview yesterday, the local authority’s Health Services director Dr Prosper Chonzi said from January to July this year, he knew of four cases of stillbirths and four maternal mortality cases, but there could be many.
“We have solar back-ups and generators, but unfortunately these are no longer back-ups, but they have become the main source, hence around 3am batteries would be flat, and that is when most deliveries usually take place. So, sometimes people end up using torches, cellphones and candles.
“In Mbare, a baby was born with mucus blocking its nasal passage, and since there was no electricity, the mucus could not be sucked out, leading to death of the baby.
“In another case, a baby was born with the umbilical cord tied around the neck and due to lack of lighting, the umbilical cord could not be untied on time.
“There are also four maternal mortality cases recorded, but three of them were already dead when they arrived at our clinics, while one passed away while giving birth.”
A nurse at a Mbare maternity clinic, who requested anonymity for fear of victimisation, said the situation was unbearable.State media
Government is set to receive 20 000 number plates for trucks and trailers at the end of the month, while other plates which are not for public service vehicles are now available, Government has said.
Secretary for Transport and Infrastructural Development Engineer Amos Marawa announced the development at the launch of the Ease of Doing Business 2019-2020 programme in Harare last Thursday.
The availability of number plates is set to alleviate situations where motorists had been unable to register their vehicles for the past several months.
Importers of vehicles were unable to register their vehicles owing to a shortage of number plates and had been advised to obtain Temporary Identification Cards (TICs) for indefinite use as Government worked on the matter.
Eng Marawa said the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) had made a commitment to secure funding for plates, but “faltered”.State media
By Farai D Hove| It was once said that when Robert Mugabe dies people must make sure that he is truly no more; people sleep over at his graveside for some days, and keep checking. Yes, check again, and then once more- this is because he will soon return. And the ZANU PF legend is on several videos seen boasting that he will rise again. Even his wife, Grace, has threatened Emmerson Mnangagwa and his deputy Constantino Chiwenga that her husband will return again even after crossing the bridge into eternity.
The 95 year old was reported dead last week Friday, in Singapore. Was that the last of him? Check again.
Somewhat true to all the threats and fears Zimbabweans have had for 39 years, the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation announced that the man has landed in their country, literally, no joke, no messing about, pure news, official and presidential. It was on the main news bulletin. Was it a mistake, or a retake of the all time African adage, Mugabe won’t die?
The boob (VIDEO BELOW) saw their president Hage Geingob landing at the international airport in Robert Mugabe’s name, in Windhoek arriving from the World Economic Forum. There we are- ol’Bob is back again, yeah, literally.
NAMIBIA BROADCASTING CORP REPORTS THAT ROBERT MUGABE IS IN WINDHOEK, LITERALLY! pic.twitter.com/NbiobpK40E
The Sports Commission have engaged the police to investigate Zifa over alleged misappropriation of public funds.
The investigation covers the period from December last year to now. Prince Mupazviriho, the Sports Commission director-general, wrote to the ZRP seeking their assistance in compelling Zifa to release the information which the regulatory body first demanded in July.
It is the Commission’s belief there has been misappropriation of public funds at Zifa. The football leaders, though, deny that.
Mupazviriho wrote a letter to the Deputy Director Commercial Crimes Division in the Criminal Investigations Department.
“As indicated in our letter to yourselves, dated 10 July 2019, we now wish to formally request the urgent assistance of the Zimbabwe Republic Police to carry out investigations at Zifa, and any related third parties, in respect of conduct of a criminal nature involving public funds availed to Zifa by the SRC and Government,” Mupazviriho wrote.
“In particular, we wish that the investigations focus on the following matters of grave concern to the SRC as set out in the letter of July 3.
“Key to this issue is the use of public funds received by Zifa and, or, any of its officials as well as involvement of a company called Conduit Holdings in appearing to obstruct the course of justice by frustrating the Order of the High Court of Zimbabwe.
“The SRC stands by to assist should you require further information.”
In his first letter addressed to Zifa chief executive, Joseph Mamutse, Mupazviriho said they were “acutely aware of the controversies surrounding the Warriors’ Afcon campaign which ended in embarrassing fashion on June 30 following a 4-0 humiliation by DRC.
“These controversies give rise to a prima facie case of gross impotence on the part of Zifa, such conduct and/or omissions appearing consistent with Section 30 (i) (c) of the SRC Act regarding conduct by Zifa in a manner which is contrary to the nation’s interest.
“In terms of the said Section 30, the SRC board have directed that Zifa avail it the following detailed information on or before close of business Friday 12 July, 2019:
1. Zifa to detail all funds received by it from Fifa and Caf and/or any other football body recognised by Fifa during the period of 16 December 2018 to 30 June 2019.
2. Zifa to detail all funds disbursed to all of its board (members) during the same period, and the purposes of each such disbursement to the member concerned.
3. Zifa to detail all funds received by it from the government, and members of the public, during the same period aforesaid.
4. Zifa to explain the source of funding for the charter of an aeroplane to Cairo for its members and supporters for the Warriors.
5. Zifa to provide the rationale for this decision in light of the allegations that all or some of the Warriors had outstanding emoluments to them.
6. Zifa to provide a passenger manifest in respect of such charter and the reason for the journey by each such person on the manifest.
7. The total cost of the charter, and the total cost of accommodation paid for by Zifa in respect of the charter passengers.
8. Zifa to provide an affidavit from the Warriors’ captain regarding his views and opinions in respect of the reported discord within the Warriors camp over outstanding allowances and agreement on Afcon fees.
9. Zifa to provide detail of its financial relationship with a reported company, Conduit Holdings (Private) Limited, focusing in particular on allegations of criminal conduct in evading a valid Court Order.
10. The head of the Technical Warriors Committee to provide, in affidavit form, the collective views of his committee, regarding the reasons for any discord within the Warriors camp that may have been a contributory factor in the team’s disappointing performance at Afcon.
11. Zifa to include any other information that may assist the SRC in formulating its position, based on established facts, with regard to the Afcon campaign
“Only when all this information has been provided will the SRC consider Zifa’s request for a meeting”- state media
Farai Dziva|A Bulawayo man killed his son for breaking a neighbour’s window.
The man is recovering at Mpilo hospital after attempting to commit suicide.
According to Chronicle, Joseph Phiri from Sindiza Suburb in Bulawayo struck his Form 2 pupil son Adam with an iron bar after he learnt that he had broken a neighbour’s window.
The strike turned fatal as he soon discovered his son was not breathing and he then drank a pesticide in a suicide attempt move.
” It’s senseless how he attacked and killed his child.
We are told that his son had broken a neighbour’s window pane resulting in the neighbour approaching Phiri and telling him to reprimand his son. Phiri told the neighbour that Adam had been giving him problems and vowed to fix him.
He savagely attacked his son all over his body with an iron bar, killing him in the process,”a source told the state run paper.
Preparations for the upcoming Tuku Memorial concert, the second instalment following the poorly attended tributary gig organised by the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe in July, are underway.
Show promoter, Patson “Chipaz” Chimbodza, confirmed at the weekend that the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority had given them a thumbs up for the tribute concert slated for September 27 at the Glamis Arena.
South Africa’s Mi Casa, Zambia’s Amayenge, James Sakala and locals Enzo Ishall, Soul Jah Love, Jah Prayzah, Winky D, Diana Samkange, Alick Macheso, Blot, Black Spirits and Tocky Vibes complete the star-studded line up of performing artistes.
The stellar line up of artists bears testimony to how much of an icon Dr Oliver Mtukudzi was.
While there have been several commemorative gigs for Tuku in and outside Zimbabwe, it appears the upcoming gig will be the mother of all memorials.
Mtukudzi or simply Tuku to his legion of fans, worked with almost everyone on the bill, and for those that he did not work with directly, he at least inspired them.
Interestingly, Soul Jah Love, who has not featured in any of the Tuku memorial concerts, will share the stage with some of the talented young artistes. Soul Jah Love known in Zimdancehall circles as Chibaba will be coming fresh from his new album launch Zviri Pandiri Zvihombe and one can imagine fireworks at the gig.
Added to this, Enzo Ishall is still at his peak with such hits as Bhiza and Magate still tearing the dance floors across the country.
On the other hand, Jah Prayzah’s latest single Sadza Nemuriwo will be more than welcome on stage.
Mtukudzi died on January 23 this year after succumbing to diabetes at the age of 66.- State Media
Government is in the process of acquiring equipment and software for tracking and monitoring tropical cyclones and storms to improve the accuracy of weather information and avoid a devastating impacts such as those witnessed during the March Cyclone Idai.
The Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Climate and Rural Resettlement, together with the Meteorological Services Department (MSD), has already signed a contract with a company that will supply a network of five radars, which will see the country being able to provide information on tropical cyclones and storms as it happens, as opposed to forecasting.
MSD deputy director for engineering and ICT Engineer Pomokai Mazhara said the department signed the contract on August 13 and has since submitted its application for funds through the parent ministry to Treasury and is awaiting release of funds.
He said US$6,5 million was required for a network of five radars.
“The radars will enable the department to give people appropriate and more accurate information,” said Eng Mazhara. “The first two radars will be stationed at Bulawayo and Buffalo Range because the southern parts of the country are more prone to cyclones and storms.
“By using radars, we can downscale information to four kilometres resolution and we will also be able to have sector specific forecasts which are more accurate. The software will be able to give us the approximate amount of rain from a cloud or cyclone. This is a very helpful tool in forecasting.
“Besides providing information on cyclones and storms, the software can also be used for television weather presentations and can also be used in aviation.”
Eng Mazhara said the process of procuring and installing the software took about eight months.
“Once the money has been released, the supplier will start manufacturing. This is a three-year contract and the signing is the first step towards procurement,” he said.
There were concerns by the general public over how weather experts handled the Cyclone Idai disaster which killed about 350 people and destroyed infrastructure, mainly in Chimanimani and Chipinge.
People felt there was need to shift to latest technology and carrying out more awareness campaigns in areas in the path of the cyclone.
The MSD said Cyclone Idai was an eye opener and there was need for stakeholders to work together and invest in disaster preparedness and management. -state media
Farai Dziva|Controversial Zimbabwean socialite and businesswoman, Olinda Chapel has vowed she will never fall in love again.
According to an online publication, the United Kingdom based social media celebrity who dated famous Zim musician Stunner and married Tytan Nkomo last year has decided to “quit love.”
“She’s so JADED that she will never fall in love again. She can’t, she sees through everyone and their intentions. Even her “friend”
… Now she has no faith in anyone, how could she?
No one has ever been there for her like she would be and has been for them. When she stumbles, she makes it part of the dance.
That’s how she will forever sit on her throne. It’s not how she falls, it’s always the how she rises you need to worry about.
The very vague post however highlights the fact that she was all alone during the hardships of the marriage and separation. For many this is assurance that the woman has decided to call it quits with the whole dating thing and spend some time with herself and daughter,” her friend told the online publication.
Farai Dziva|Controversial war veterans leader, Victor Matemadanda is now singing a different tune and has suddenly begun to praise former President Robert Mugabe.
Addressing war veterans and church leaders at a Zimbabwe Amalgamated Churches (ZACC) meeting in Bulawayo yesterday, Matemadanda, who is also the Zanu-PF National Political Commissar, said while it was not a big issue to him, the family had no right to stop him from attending the funeral.
“For as long as the family has agreed that Cde Mugabe is a national hero, they can’t stop me because Government protocol allows me to attend the funeral. They don’t know what they’re talking about.
“I will not join a fight over a dead man. Where I come from we don’t brag over the dead but we mourn them,” said Matemadanda.
He said in African culture, it was taboo to fight before a family member has been buried.
“I don’t know what the elders in Cde Mugabe’s community in Zvimba say about this. But this person whose funeral they’re refusing to let me attend forgave the people who jailed and tortured him during the liberation struggle,” said Matemadanda.
He said he was convinced that whatever he told Mugabe when they disagreed was not based on gossip or hearsay but the truth.
“For those who may not know, when I started resisting what our leader was doing, I did not just do it. We actually spoke about it. Unfortunately he’s gone and he’s not here to testify.
“I booked an appointment with him and I told him that I was not in agreement with some of the things he was doing. We spoke at length,” said Matemadanda.
“I worked under Cde Mugabe for a long time and people who are saying I should not attend his funeral don’t know when I started working with him. Although I was low in the party, I worked with Cde Mugabe at critical stages of the revolution where they didn’t come themselves to defend their own. We could not by principle allow him free rein when we knew that we had not agreed on some of the things that were now happening in the party”.
“Even when we disagreed on some issues, we never doubted his capacity, leadership qualities and his contribution to the liberation struggle and the development of the country. But when the truth has to be said, we should not bury our heads in the sand,” Matemadanda said.
He said after all has been said and done, Mugabe remains his leader together with those who served under him.
Farai Dziva|War veterans leader, Victor Matemadanda has claimed former President Robert Mugabe had a forgiving heart.
Matemadanda, who described Mugabe as a traitor has suddenly shifted his stance.
Addressing war veterans and church leaders at a Zimbabwe Amalgamated Churches (ZACC) meeting in Bulawayo yesterday, Matemadanda, who is also the Zanu-PF National Political Commissar, said while it was not a big issue to him, the family had no right to stop him from attending the funeral.
“For as long as the family has agreed that Cde Mugabe is a national hero, they can’t stop me because Government protocol allows me to attend the funeral. They don’t know what they’re talking about.
“I will not join a fight over a dead man. Where I come from we don’t brag over the dead but we mourn them,” said Matemadanda.
He said in African culture, it was taboo to fight before a family member has been buried.
“I don’t know what the elders in Cde Mugabe’s community in Zvimba say about this. But this person whose funeral they’re refusing to let me attend forgave the people who jailed and tortured him during the liberation struggle,” said Matemadanda.
He said he was convinced that whatever he told Mugabe when they disagreed was not based on gossip or hearsay but the truth.
“For those who may not know, when I started resisting what our leader was doing, I did not just do it. We actually spoke about it. Unfortunately he’s gone and he’s not here to testify.
“I booked an appointment with him and I told him that I was not in agreement with some of the things he was doing. We spoke at length,” said Matemadanda.
“I worked under Cde Mugabe for a long time and people who are saying I should not attend his funeral don’t know when I started working with him. Although I was low in the party, I worked with Cde Mugabe at critical stages of the revolution where they didn’t come themselves to defend their own. We could not by principle allow him free rein when we knew that we had not agreed on some of the things that were now happening in the party”.
“Even when we disagreed on some issues, we never doubted his capacity, leadership qualities and his contribution to the liberation struggle and the development of the country. But when the truth has to be said, we should not bury our heads in the sand,” Matemadanda said.
He said after all has been said and done, Mugabe remains his leader together with those who served under him.
Farai Dziva|Lead president Linda Masarira says she does not feel anything about Robert Mugabe’s death.
Speaking on the debate on Mugabe’s death on the Identities Conversations, an Identities Media Holdings platform for public debate and conversations, Masarira said:
“I don’t feel anything about the death of Mugabe. My life was so miserable during his era. I am not happy or even sad about his death because I got nothing positive to tell about him and his then government. I lived a life that I was always being followed by state security agents since becoming involved in activism in 2009.”
“I have been arrested and all the times I was beaten by police. The state has no right to assault people for demanding their rights. All these made me a bitter person to an extend that I thought to myself that if given the chance of meeting the ex-president I felt like strangling him. Later on, I managed to let go of the anger after his ouster from power, I felt relieved and I forgave him for no one is perfect,” said Masarira.
Farai Dziva|The Warriors face Somalia in the 2022 World Cup preliminary round second leg tie against Somalia at the National Sports Stadium tomorrow after suffering a 0-1 defeat at the hands of the small boys.
WARRIORS SQUAD
GOALKEEPERS
Elvis Chipezeze (Baroka),
Talbert Shumba (Chapungu).
DEFENDERS
Teenage Hadebe (Yeni Malatyaspor),
Macclive Phiri (Highlanders),
Peter Muduwa (Highlanders)
Alec Mudimu (CEFN Druids AFC),
Divine Lunga (Lamontville Golden Arrows),
Ian Nekati (ZPC Kariba).
By A Correspondent| The government has revealed that the late President Robert Gabriel Mugabe’s funeral parade will be held at Rufaro Stadium in Harare on Thursday and Friday.
However, nothing was said about the late national hero’s final resting place.
Addressing reporters in Harare on Monday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said:
The body is expected in Zimbabwe at Robert Gabriel Mugabe Airport anytime on Wednesday, 11 September 2019.
On Thursday (12th), and Friday (13th September), the body will be taken to Rufaro Stadium to allow members of the public from all provinces to pay their last respects to the illustrious liberation war hero.
On Saturday 14 September 2019, the body will be at the National Sports Stadium for the state funeral service where Zimbabweans and other foreign dignitaries and members of the diplomatic corps will have an opportunity to pay their last respects to our departed hero.
Burial is set for the 15th of September 2019, which is on a Sunday. We will certainly be giving you more updates as more information on the programme trickles in.
Mugabe died on Friday 6 September at a hospital in the Far Eastern City-State, Singapore.
He had been receiving treatment for an undisclosed ailment for an extended period of time.
Meanwhile, Vice President Kembo Mohadi left Harare on Monday for Singapore at the head of a family, ZANU PF and government delegation to repatriate the former President’s body home.
It is with profound grief and sadness to learn that RG. Mugabe, the first prime minister and indeed the first executive president of the independent Zimbabwe passed away in Singapore on Friday the 6th of September 2019 without accounting for the heinous crimes on humanity that he committed wantonly on the unarmed civilian population within the boundaries of Zimbabwe.
Clearly, some people are above human laws and are able to dodge justice in daylight until they die.
To us as MLF, this stands to confirm and assert the notion that ‘ justice delayed is justice denied’. Once again our bleeding nation has been denied justice and it looks set to continue to as long as murderers and rapists remain at the helm and manipulating the levers of power to suit their evil motives.
As if this is not enough, we are appalled by some so-called leaders and luminaries across political and cultural decide trying frantically to clean Mugabe of what he was even when he is dead and portray him as a saviour and a philanthropist. This tells of how heavy handed Mugabe was that people can even fear his remains .
To any rational and upright person, this is grossly unfair to both the dead others and the still living alike because they know very well that Robert Mugabe was a villain who only cared about himself all his time and even on his death bed.
Robert Mugabe, during his hay days, presided over genocide, multiple rapes, abductions, arbitrary arrests, torture and displacement of over a million innocent people he purportedly stood to liberate at the dawn of Africanism.
He was never true to the ideals of the struggle for independence. Mugabe is a known tribalist, supremacist and a bigot who read history upside down to placate only his protracted ego. He robbed people of their inherent rights, livelihoods and freedoms while hoodwinking the region and the world to believe that he was a Messiah.
He talked right but walked left always. Robert Mugabe was and still is an embodiment of all evil and intolerance.
Those trying to clean him today because he is gone, have no aorta of humanity in them and must be ashamed of blatant lies they are peddling on whatever media suits them and for their ulterior motives.
They are simply going against what all the inhabitants of binary Zimbabwe know only too well Robert was capable of during his era. Suffices to call them, conspirators in the failed attempt to exterminate other humans on the basis of ethnicity and political beliefs.
These are the very irresponsible and crooked adults who have shielded him from prosecution until he died. These are the very irresponsible adults and angels of doom who have the audacity to claim that Mthwakazi people whom they continue butchering at will are foreigners in Zimbabwe.
These are the very people who want to claim sole ownership of the land between Limpopo and Zambezi river as though they germinated there when history has it that they also immigrated from the Great Lakes regions.
These are very irresponsible adults who are bent on changing history to suit their circumstances because they do not have traceable history and so they wish to bloat impeccable history of other nations. Therefore, Robert Mugabe has died with countless crimes hanging over his head, a reason he would have preferred to die in office in order to escape prosecution.
If there is justice in the land of the departed, then definitely Robert still has to be tried there and punished endlessly for what he did to God’s people. The legacy Robert leaves behind, is that of hate, mistrust, dishonest, rape, theft and wanton murders.
He has left the nation worse off than it was prior to the so-called Zimbabwean independence. Robert hijacked people’s independence and freedoms and turned them into self aggretisement oblivious of the suffering that his actions subsequently caused across the country, region and the world.
Today, Zimbabwe is a laughing mess that is belittled by many progressive citizens of the globe. Zimbabwe is now a begging bowl of Africa down from being the bread basket of southern Africa – thanks to the tyrant Robert Mugabe.
As he goes, he leaves the Zimbabwean mess in the hands of another clueless murderer, his disciple and buddy in crime, Emmerson Mnangagwa. With his remaining accomplices, no peace nor prosperity is in sight for Zimbabwe because he left to them his Bible of treachery and all evil and they implement his teachings to the latter and in some cases even going beyond him.
The future is grim. The only way for his predecessors to see light of the day and put Zimbabwe on the right track, is ONLY by allowing Mthwakazi to stand alone and determine her future without hindrance or interference from them. The binary Zimbabwe has suffered immensely in the hands of tyrants who would even prefer to spend the meagre resources the country is left with to police and subdue Mthwakazi.
It is therefore mind sobering that since their godfather Mugabe failed to obliterate Mthwakazi from the face of the earth, they too must let go of Mthwakazi and work towards improving the livelihoods of their chosen people – the Shona – and let Mthwakazi pursue it’s aspirations and ideals.
The binary Zimbabwe is simply too big for the inept Emmerson and horde to manage-they need a relatively smaller area to run otherwise the country continues to nose dive in all areas that matter and to no avail.
The issue of where the tyrant Mugabe should be buried ought to be left to his accomplices but it would be prudent if he were to be put together with his other murderers at the so called Heroes Acre.
As MLF, we shall not miss him at all but will stand aggrieved that he evaded justice while he lived with the living. We are very bitter that he escaped justice by being shielded by Mnangagwa, Perence Shiri and zanupf.
We are equally concerned that his departure has set a wrong precedence which Mnangagwa and others cherish and would like to follow and evade justice for their known crimes and which they too know.
However, we do have solace in that crimes of such magnitude cannot be wished away and just vanish meaning that those who still commit same or similar crimes stand condemned too and shall never know peace even when they die.
As MLF, we say Robert Mugabe, like his surviving accomplices, is a criminal and has died as such and shall only be remembered as such. Robert and his conspirators in crime shall go into history books for all the bad and uneviable reasons.
One cannot imagine a man of his stature, who destroyed all institutions of the once prosperous country, dying in hospitals of foreign lands even when the country has qualified medical personnel to attend to him.
Currently, we even see the same trend with the surviving murderers further emptying the country’s coffers to get medical treatment abroad while the innocent perish in hospitals these criminals single handedly destroyed.
Their medical bills are paid for by the very people they seek to exterminate. They loot resources of the country and spend them abroad only to return in coffins-Zimbabwe has been reduced into graveyard by these Mugabemaniacs.
Such observations only fuel and heighten our resolve as the oppressed Mthwakazi people to want out of this man made mess called Zimbabwe which is now only a legacy of the heartless and remorseless tyrants who have no clue nor will to improve the lives of the masses.
Even Mnangagwa’s gods cannot hear the voices of the down trodden people but his only so he too shall go the Mugabe way leaving people with gaping wounds and scars that can never heal.
They undoubtedly will always leave the nation bleeding from wounds which they inflict relentlessly. The sight of them nauseates.
By A Correspondent- LEAD President Linda Masarira said there was a time when she felt like strangling the late former president Robert Mugabe for violating her human rights.
Masarira said she felt nothing about his death now and she had forgiven him after his ouster from power during the military coup in November 2017.
She said this while speaking about Mugabe’s death on the Identities Conversations, a platform for public debate and conversations.
She said:
“I don’t feel anything about the death of Mugabe. My life was so miserable during his era. I am not happy or even sad about his death because I got nothing positive to tell about him and his then government. I lived a life that I was always being followed by state security agents since becoming involved in activism in 2009.”
“I have been arrested and all the times I was beaten by police. The state has no right to assault people for demanding their rights. All these made me a bitter person to an extend that I thought to myself that if given the chance of meeting the ex-president I felt like strangling him. Later on, I managed to let go of the anger after his ouster from power, I felt relieved and I forgave him for no one is perfect.”
By A Correspondent- A Harare man has appeared in court for allegedly stealing gum tree logs.
Knowledge Zhoya, 35, pleaded not guilty when he appeared before magistrate Victoria Mashamba charged with theft.
He was granted a $150 bail and he will back in court October 3 for trial.
It is the State’s case that on August 26, Mitchel Zharara discovered that his gumtree logs were stolen from his workplace and the complainant filed a report to the police to that effect.
On September 4, Lawrence Teni who is employed by the complainant came across the accused who was pushing a pushcart with a gumtree log with the same peculiar marks as the one stolen at his workplace.
Teni then followed the accused and noted his place of residence and he went on to report the case to the complainant and the police.
Investigations were done leading to the arrest of the accused and recovery of three-meter gumtree log at Zhoya’s house.
The total value stolen was $2400 and only $100 was recovered.
By A Correspondent| The city of Harare is proposing to increase water charges from RTGs 0.80 cents per cubic meter to around RTGs 7.00.
The development, according to the city fathers aims at ensuring the provision of adequate funding for the water sector.
Said the City of Harare in a statement:
“HARARE is proposing to increase water charges from RTGs 0.80c per cubic meter to around RTGs 7.00 to allow adequate funding of the water sector.
A cubic meter is equivalent to five two-hundred litre drums.
“The cost of water treatment chemicals has increased by a factor of more than 10 since all chemicals are either 100 percent imports or have major forex components.
The cost of electricity which is the second cost driver in water treatment and conveyance has also gone up.
It has therefore become necessary to review the cost of water.
The City is currently in the process of testing other chemicals with the objective of improving efficiencies and effectiveness of the water treatment proceses as well as reducing costs”.
The current water shortages are a result of drought, inadequate water sources and the inconsistent water pricing structure against the cost of production.
Many suburbs are going without water. The city is appealing to consumers to understand the situation and embrace the impending price adjustment that will ensure viability of the water sector.
Council has engaged Government for the drilling of more boreholes and construction of new water sources.
By A Correspondent- A 39 year old teacher in Chipinge has been jailed for three years for being intimate with a Grade 6 pupil.
The primary school teacher, whose name has been withheld to protect the identity of his victim, was convicted on his own plea of guilty before Chipinge magistrate Elizabeth Hanzi.
He was sentenced to five years in prison of which two years were conditionally suspended for five years.
Asked by the magistrate why he abused the girl, he said she consented as they were in love.
“I was in love with the girl. We had agreed to engage in se_x because we were in a relationship,” he said.
Prosecutor Shamiso Ncube told the court that on an unknown date in June, the 13-year-old girl, together with her two friends aged 10 and 12, went to the teacher’s house to borrow plastic tins to water the school garden.
However, he gave them his laptop to watch movies in his cottage.
From that day the girls regularly visited the teacher at his house.
On another date, unknown to the prosecutor, the teacher proposed l0ve to the girl and she agreed and he indulged in se_x with her.
The minor divulged the incident to a friend on the way home.
The matter was only reported to the police a month later by the girl’s sister after hearing of the abuse through the grapevine, leading to the teacher’s arrest.-Newsday
By A Correspondent- Nkosinothando Roxanne Ncube dreads having a new boyfriend because she fears being killed by her ex-boyfriend Progress Lisutu.
Ncube made the shocking revelations that Lisutu, who is a soldier, does not want to part ways with her so he has resorted to calling her and threatening to kill her. It has been gathered that at first whenever the two had problems Lisutu would assault Ncube.
Ncube could not bear his assaults so she decided to dump him.
Little did she know that this would turn Lisutu into a monster as he now torments her every day by threatening to kill her if ever she moves on, or associates with any man.
Ncube finally decided to seek help from the courts so she could get a protection order against her ex-boyfriend and conduct her daily errands peacefully without the fear of being assaulted.
“We stayed together for four years but now we have separated. He calls threatening me saying he will wait for me on my way to school or church and assault or kill me. I don’t want him near me because of his threats,” said Ncube.
Western Commonage magistrate Urgent Vundla granted an interim order pending a final decision.-StateMedia
By A Correspondent- Villagers in Dande valley are calling on the government to cull the growing herd of elephants that is destroying infrastructure, crops and at times killing humans in the area.
Kanyemba, particularly in Chiramba, Mariga, Chatsato and Nyaruparu villages, is bearing the brunt of human-wildlife conflict.
Friday Nyakutepa (60) of Chapoto Village in Kanyemba said the elephants were now too many and they come to their fields and homes daily.
“We are in serious trouble with elephants. They are just too many and by 5am they will be here in our fields and homes destroying everything. We continue to call on the government to cull them because our lives are threatened,” Nyakutepa said.
“I lost my mother a month ago after she was trampled by an elephant after she came across a herd, while using a foot path. The place is now very dangerous because the elephants are too many. At times, parks and other stakeholders fail to control them due to their population, but our prayer is that they cull them,” Victor Chiwapura said.
Sandra Chapoto castigated the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) for only responding to their calls when they involve poaching activities.
“ZimParks is just useless they do not respond to our calls, but they only come here when they hear poaching reports, so may the government intervene.”
ZimParks spokesperson Tinashe Farawo confirmed that the elephant population had exceeded the area’s carrying capacity saying programmes are underway to assist communities.
“We know that elephants have exceeded their ecological carrying capacity that is why they are evading human settlement, but we always respond to people’s calls within the shortest possible time so that at least we deal with these problems,” Farawo said.
“There are programmes currently underway from Campfire to assist communities, the short-term is to scare them or kill them if they stray, but the long-term is to ensure that communities benefit from this resource, so that people can hunt and get ivory.”-Newsday
By A Correspondent- Villagers in Zvirevo Village under Chief Chireya in Gokwe were left shocked after a 32-year-old woman told Chief Chireya’s traditional court that her 40-year-old husband was in the habit of demanding anal sex from her.
Mildred Mashonga said her marriage had become unbearable due to her husband Nkululeko Chuma’s recent weird demands which started since he returned from neighbouring South Africa where he was based.
A source who was part of the proceedings said Mashonga pleaded with Chief Chireya to reprimand Chuma saying she no longer enjoyed her marriage.
“She was in tears when she asked Chief Chireya to reprimand Chuma who had made her life unbearable. She said her husband started making such weird requests when he came back from South Africa where he was based and the issue had been going on for close to a year now,” said the source.
It is also understood that Mashonga tried talking to her husband to no avail.
“She told the fully packed court that she tried talking to Chuma about the issue, but her pleas fell on deaf ears. She also tried engaging their relatives but it also proved to be a futile mission.”
Chief Chireya confirmed presiding over the issue.
“I can confirm that l dealt with the case of a man who’s being accused of demanding anal sex by his wife. The matter took us a long time as it was a first of its kind to be dealt with in this court.
“This man had been staying in South Africa for a long time now and you know people have a tendency of adopting beliefs and doings of other cultures, so l would like to believe that is where he learnt all these weird sexual acts. I warned him to desist from asking for such kind of sex from his wife and l also urged the couple to go for counselling.
“Chuma also apologised to his wife promising that he would not make such wild demands from his wife,” said Chef Chireya.-StateMedia
By A Correspondent- Former Zimbabwe National Road Administration (Zinara) chief executive Frank Chitukutuku has made his first attempt at explaining how he acquired massive wealth valued at over US$20 million following an order compelling him to do so.
Chitukutuku, who is under investigation for fraud, was in June given a 30-day ultimatum to give an account of how he acquired an array of immovable and movable assets, amid suspicion he obtained them corruptly.
Under the Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Act (2013), authorities are empowered to scrutinise individuals’ wealth for the purposes of arresting crimes such as corruption and money laundering.
Chitukutuku was ordered to submit a detailed statement to the head of Asset Forfeiture Unit within 30 days.
High Court judge Justice Erica Ndewere also ordered the freeze of Chitukutuku’s assets pending finalisation of the criminal case.
Last week, police confirmed Chitukutuku complied with the order and that his docket was now being scrutinised by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
A docket, according to the police, has since been compiled and is now at the NPA for scrutiny as investigations continue.
Through the statement submitted to the police, Chitukutuku explained how he acquired the immovable and movable assets.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed receipt of a statement from him.
“We can confirm that we received the statement and we are now looking into the issue. He (Chitukutuku) must wait for the due processes of the law to be followed,” he said.
Sources close to the investigations also told The Herald that Chitukutuku recently gave a detailed statement to the head of the police’s Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) within a month.
This was after the State had claimed that Chitukutuku may have acquired his property through criminal activities, hence the need to have the same frozen.
The decision was made following an ex-parte application by Prosecutor-General Mr Kumbirai Hodzi for an unexplained wealth and asset freezing order in terms of Section 37B as read with Section 37H of Presidential Powers (Temporary Measures) (Amendment of the Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Act (Chapter 9:24) and Exchange Control Act) Regulations, 2018 (Statutory Instrument 246 of 2018).
Justice Ndewere ruled in favour of the State and barred any interested parties from dealing, in any way, with the property in question.
The order was issued after convincing arguments by the prosecution team led by chief law officer Mr Chris Mutangadura.
Mr Mutangadura heads the asset forfeiture unit at the NPA.
Chitukutuku is said to have acquired 10 motor vehicles between September 2013 and April last year.
These vehicles include two Mazda T35 trucks, a Hino Dutro truck, Toyota Land Cruiser, Toyota Prado, Nissan NP200, Range Rover, Hino Ranger and a Land Rover Discovery.
Sometime in 2011, Chitukutuku reportedly acquired residential properties namely: Property measuring 4 048 square metres held under Deed of Transfer 3232/11 situated at Lot 1 of Lot 3 of Lot 56A Borrowdale Estate, Harare and another one measuring 8 853 square metres held under Deed of Transfer 3885/11 situated at Lot 3 of Subdivision C of Subdivision B of Subdivision D of Nthaba of Glen Lorne.
The State also claims Chitukutuku built or acquired a multi-million dollar thatched precast-walled house at the top of a mountain at Belmont Farm, Goromonzi, adding he also has six state-of-the-art fowl runs, five tractors, a 10-tonne UD truck, 4 x 200-litre PVC water tanks, as well as several structures at the farm.
Apart from a long list of expensive properties, Chitukutuku is also said to be the owner of two renowned companies, Farm Pride (Private) Limited situated at 49 Kent Road, Chisipite, Harare and an insurance company, Champions Insurance, which boasts of assets estimated at over US$15 million.-StateMedia
By A Correspondent- A Waterfalls man recently appeared in court on allegations of attempted murder after he assaulted his wife and stabbed his son.
Marvelous Choga, 30, was not asked to plead when he appeared before Harare magistrate Learnmore Mapiye charged with attempted murder.
He was denied bail and advised to approach the High court.
Magistrate Mapiye remanded him in custody to September 12 pending an outstanding medical report from Parirenyatwa Group of Hospital.
It is in the State’s case that on September 4 at around 2 am, Choga arrived home drunk and his wife Melisa Chikaka woke up to serve him food.
In the process of serving food, it is alleged that Choga started shouting at Chikaka saying she was no longer cooking good meals like she used to.
It is in the State’s case that Chikaka then realized that Choga was in a foul mood and left the kitchen to hide in the spare room.
The State alleges that Choga followed and dragged her to the kitchen where he started assaulting her all over the body with open hands.
He threw her against the corner angle of a kitchen unit thereby breaking her left leg.
The court heard that their son, Tatanda was awakened by the noise and tried to play a peacemaker role, in the event he was stabbed with a knife on his arm and sustained a deep cut.
Chikaka then lodged a complaint with the police leading to Choga’s arrest.
By A Correspondent- A Harare man refused to pay maintenance citing that he will only do so if the minor is staying with his sister.
Shupikai Nyamunokora told the court that he cannot give his mother-in-law Mirriam Mushozhera $425 she was claiming since she took the child from his sister who was taking care of him.
Mushozhera had cited in her maintenance papers that when the mother of the child died in 2015, she had told her to look after the child until he is grown up.
“His mother told me to look after the child and I cannot oppose what she said because she is no more.
“The child had been staying with his sister since she was staying near the school the child was attending, but now that she moved to another place, the child is now in my custody,” she said.
Nyamunokora said he cannot maintain the child because he must continue staying with his sister.
“Why did she take the child from his sister who had been taking care of him.
“I am married to another wife and I am trying very hard to fend for the family.
“I do menial jobs like digging wells, so if she wants money, I can give her $100,” he said.
Presiding magistrate Sheila Nanzombe ordered Nyamunokora to pay $100 with effect from September 30.
FORMER Zimbabwe National Road Administration (Zinara) chief executive Frank Chitukutuku has made his first attempt at explaining how he acquired massive wealth valued at over US$20 million following an order compelling him to do so.
Chitukutuku, who is under investigation for fraud, was in June given a 30-day ultimatum to give an account of how he acquired an array of immovable and movable assets, amid suspicion he obtained them corruptly.
Under the Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Act (2013), authorities are empowered to scrutinise individuals’ wealth for the purposes of arresting crimes such as corruption and money laundering.
Chitukutuku was ordered to submit a detailed statement to the head of Asset Forfeiture Unit within 30 days.
High Court judge Justice Erica Ndewere also ordered the freeze of Chitukutuku’s assets pending finalisation of the criminal case.
Last week, police confirmed Chitukutuku complied with the order and that his docket was now being scrutinised by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
A docket, according to the police, has since been compiled and is now at the NPA for scrutiny as investigations continue.
Through the statement submitted to the police, Chitukutuku explained how he acquired the immovable and movable assets.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed receipt of a statement from him.
“We can confirm that we received the statement and we are now looking into the issue. He (Chitukutuku) must wait for the due processes of the law to be followed,” he said.
Sources close to the investigations also told The Herald that Chitukutuku recently gave a detailed statement to the head of the police’s Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) within a month.
This was after the State had claimed that Chitukutuku may have acquired his property through criminal activities, hence the need to have the same frozen.
The decision was made following an ex-parte application by Prosecutor-General Mr Kumbirai Hodzi for an unexplained wealth and asset freezing order in terms of Section 37B as read with Section 37H of Presidential Powers (Temporary Measures) (Amendment of the Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Act (Chapter 9:24) and Exchange Control Act) Regulations, 2018 (Statutory Instrument 246 of 2018).
Justice Ndewere ruled in favour of the State and barred any interested parties from dealing, in any way, with the property in question.
The order was issued after convincing arguments by the prosecution team led by chief law officer Mr Chris Mutangadura.
Mr Mutangadura heads the asset forfeiture unit at the NPA.
Chitukutuku is said to have acquired 10 motor vehicles between September 2013 and April last year.
These vehicles include two Mazda T35 trucks, a Hino Dutro truck, Toyota Land Cruiser, Toyota Prado, Nissan NP200, Range Rover, Hino Ranger and a Land Rover Discovery.
Sometime in 2011, Chitukutuku reportedly acquired residential properties namely: Property measuring 4 048 square metres held under Deed of Transfer 3232/11 situated at Lot 1 of Lot 3 of Lot 56A Borrowdale Estate, Harare and another one measuring 8 853 square metres held under Deed of Transfer 3885/11 situated at Lot 3 of Subdivision C of Subdivision B of Subdivision D of Nthaba of Glen Lorne.
The State also claims Chitukutuku built or acquired a multi-million dollar thatched precast-walled house at the top of a mountain at Belmont Farm, Goromonzi, adding he also has six state-of-the-art fowl runs, five tractors, a 10-tonne UD truck, 4 x 200-litre PVC water tanks, as well as several structures at the farm.
Apart from a long list of expensive properties, Chitukutuku is also said to be the owner of two renowned companies, Farm Pride (Private) Limited situated at 49 Kent Road, Chisipite, Harare and an insurance company, Champions Insurance, which boasts of assets estimated at over US$15 million.
According to the State, Chitukutuku acquired the properties at a time he was lawfully earning a combined $8 500 from Zinara as well as his farming activities.
MDC deputy secretary for legal affairs and Gweru urban legislator, Brian Dube, says the continued human rights violations in the country coupled with the August 2018 and January 2019 army killings, could force the United Nations to drag President Emmerson Mnangagwa to the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Dube said, while it seemed Mnangagwa was taking comfort in the false belief that the ICC has no power to arrest him since Zimbabwe is not signatory of the Rome Statute, the UN can force such action to be taken through a resolution by its security council.
“Since Zimbabwe is not a member of the Rome Statute, Mnangagwa can only be dragged to the ICC through a United Nations Security Council Resolution. The violations of human rights in Zimbabwe are wide spread and systematic. They are well planned and affecting a large number of people and hence qualify and fit into the broader definition of crimes against humanity,” Dube, who is also a lawyer, said.
The Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (often referred to as the International Criminal Court Statute or the Rome Statute) is the treaty that established the International Criminal Court (ICC).
It was adopted at a diplomatic conference in Rome, Italy on July 17, 1998 and it entered into force on July 1, 2002. As of March 2019, 122 States have signed up to the statute.
Among other things, the statute establishes the court’s functions, jurisdiction and structure.
In August last year, six people were killed by the military during protests over the delayed announcement of presidential results. When Mnangagwa announced a 150% fuel price hike in January, security forces killed 17 civilians and injured hundreds following nationwide protests, according to human rights groups.
Lately, abductions and torture of pro-democracy activists have intensified with recent cases being of Tatenda Mombeyarara and Samantha Kureya, who are currently hospitalised.
Civic society leaders and opposition MDC officials have been arrested for exercising their rights to freedom of assembly and expression as enshrined in the Constitution.
The European Union (EU) last week expressed concern over Zimbabwe’s deteriorating human rights record.
Dube indicated that at law the EU has a good standing to voice its concerns.
“The EU is legally correct to raise the red flag over human rights violations in Zimbabwe. Human rights are universal and a responsibility of all nations to protect, promote, enforce and fulfil,” he said.
Dube was born on June 25, 1980 in Mberengwa and studied law (UZ) at the University of Zimbabwe between 2000 and 2004 and did the Masters of Law in International Criminal Justice(LLM-ICJ) at the International Law Center -Open University of Tanzania (2012-2015).
He is studying towards a PhD Law with UNISA.
Dube’s legal profession spans 15 years. He worked as a public prosecutor from 2004 to 2005, before becoming a private legal practitioner.
“I also worked as a lecturer at Midlands State University from 2009 to 2018. I was regional chair and national legal advisor for National Association of Non-Governmental Organisations from 2008 to 2012,” he chronicled.
MP Dube joined the opposition MDC in 2000.
“I joined the party in 2000 as ward 33 youth secretary in Mberengwa. I became engaged with MDC on campus at UZ from 2000 to 2004; I became Midlands youth provincial secretary for legal affair from 2010 to 2014. I was elected MDC national youths spokesperson at the 2014 congress and held the post until April this year,” he said.
“In all these years I have learned servant leadership, where I understand that leadership is not about privilege, but working. I have also learned humility because, every time I have been elected or appointed to a position, it’s not because I am the best, but that people have just given me a chance to serve. I do not take lightly the trust I am given and I try my best to listen to what people expect from me and do exactly that.”
Dube refurbished dilapidated schools, sought sponsorship for self-help projects for the unemployed and is currently building a state-of-the-art college in conjunction with several partners in Gweru urban.
He also implored government to refurbish Gweru General Hospital and provide funds to buy water pumping equipment. Dube is also pushing for house ownership schemes in Gweru.
Despite some stumbling blocks in his work, he continues to persevere.
“Financial resources and an irresponsible central government have been major challenges. On finances, I have resorted to engaging various stakeholders for development such as churches, development partners, the business communities as well as partnership with the community. On (the irresponsible) central government, I have employed the tactic of exposing the key areas so that government is forced to respond. For example, on Gweru General Hospital upgrade, I had to expose the issue through a well-researched question to the minister which compelled the ministry to act and release funds.”
“This is the same tactic I used on sourcing water equipment and infrastructure. The point is that as an MP I have to expose the challenges faced by the community so that they are attended to by the respective ministry.”
As a human rights lawyer, MP Dube has learnt a lot in the course of defending the vulnerable.
“I have had critical experience that human rights violations in Zimbabwe are wide spread and systematic and require dedication and great commitment to fight in court because there is a lot of fear and bias that can cause frustration if a lawyer is not committed,” he said.
Since the July 31, 2018 elections, the MDC has lost several court cases starting with the presidential election results challenge at the Constitutional Court to the recent blanket ban on demonstrations. As a member of the opposition’s legal department, MP Dube believes the problem leading to such developments is broad-based.
“There are many instances where decisions have not come our way from the presidential petition, to ban of demonstrations. A majority of the decisions were on technicalities as courts avoided dealing with the merits of cases. Going forward, we just need to continue litigating and possibly just attend to all details to the extent possible and plug on some technicalities.
“But, by and large, our legal team has been doing exceptionally well, but has faced, in many instances, a judiciary that has tried so hard to find fault and dismiss matters. It is something that we may need to continue polishing up. Remember court litigation is a practice where you need to learn every day,” said Dube
The energetic legislator believes key reforms must now be instituted in the justice system. His stance is in line with the opposition party’s stance that there is now “command justice” in the country as MDC officials such as organising secretary Amos Chibaya and deputy chairperson Job Sikhala have constantly been arrested and denied bail.
“The problem (of the judiciary) is institutional and the way forward is institutional reform of the military, police and judiciary. Zanu PF is isolating itself by continuing human rights violations against Zimbabweans. They must reform and stop violating human rights,” Dube said.
The legislator sits in the Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, and the Women’s Affairs Portfolio Committees.
Mugabe was the first leader of independent Zimbabwe and one of Africa’s longest serving leaders [Tendai Marima/Al Jazeera]
Kutama, Zimbabwe – A group of worshippers kneels in prayer on the lawn of the late former president Robert Mugabe’s homestead in Kutama, a village southeast of Zimbabwe’s capital, Harare.
The huddled semi-circle of women, some in sky-blue capes, sing hymns and say a special prayer for the 95-year-old, who died on Friday, to rest in peace as he leaves a nation divided; with some mourning a liberator and father figure, others bitter he clung to power and many bearing the scars of the brutality of his 37-year rule that ended almost two years ago.
In Kutama, a special mass was held on Sunday in honour of Mugabe, a seemingly devoted Catholic who regularly attended services at the rural parish until a few months before his death in Singapore where he had sought medical treatment.
At his family homestead, preparations are now under way for the arrival of Mugabe’s body later this week after President Emmerson Mnangagwa his successor, declared the veteran leader a national hero to be mourned until his burial.
Across Kutama, signs of Mugabe’s patronage run deep [Tendai Marima/Al Jazeera]
Born in Kutama in 1924 in what was then British-ruled Southern Rhodesia, Mugabe went on to campaign for Zimbabwe’s independence and spent a decade in prison after being arrested in 1964 by the colonial authorities for “subversive speech”.
Mugabe ruled Zimbabwe since liberation from white colonial rule in 1980 until he was overthrown in a de facto coup in 2017. One of the world’s longest serving leaders, he died at 95 with a checkered record, with many saying he was a liberator who turned oppressor.
However, his cousin, Josephine Jaricha, 72, has a different story to tell.
“He lived his life fighting for this country, he would always fight no matter how much the whites would try to silence him. I never thought he’d come out of prison, but he did and he did so much for so many people,” said Jaricha, recalling how she used to take regular train rides to visit Mugabe during his imprisonment.
“A time would come when God would take him just like he took Sabina, Bridget and Donato [Mugabe’s siblings],” she added.
“I’m thankful for what he did for us as family and in Kutama, but it’s a painful loss; he was a father to us. This country will never have another leader like him, we’ve really lost someone important.”
Jaricha remembers taking regular train rides to visit Mugabe in prison [Tendai Marima/Al Jazeera]
Some villagers had personal encounters and knew him personally; they speak of Mugabe, an oppressor feared by many, as a man who looked after his people.
Indeed, across Kutama, signs of Mugabe’s patronage run deep.
Many homes in the rural settlement have electricity and running water, an uncommon sight in Zimbabwe where, according to the World Bank, just over 40 percent of the total population of 14 million have access to electricity.
“I cried when I heard that Mugabe had died, he was a good man,” said Locardia Sande, 84, who was a former neighbour to Mugabe and a friend to his late mother, Bona.
“We were one people. Before our villages were relocated, we used to fetch water from the same well with his [first] wife, Sally and his sisters,” she added.
“There’s no person who was as nice as Robert, now we’re suffering without him,” she lamented, adding that many in Kutama were facing tough times since the end of Mugabe’s reign.
“Whenever he’d come here, we’d tell him our problems and every family would receive something like cooking oil, but now we don’t get much help, not even a packet of sugar, we’re really suffering here,” she lamented.
Jaricha said she was thankful for Mugabe’s support, but added that after a long life, her paternal relation needed to rest as his final months, mostly spent in wheelchair or in a hospital bed, were painful.
Mugabe died at 95 with a checkered record often viewed as a liberator-turned-oppressor [Tendai Marima/Al Jazeera]
Mugabe was forced to resign after a military intervention in November 2017 and was succeeded by Mnangagwa, his former ally and deputy.
After nearly four decades in power, Mugabe was accused of using political patronage to win the support of the rural majority while brutal state-backed operations were meted out against opposition parties.
Shortly after independence, at least 20,000 people in southwestern Zimbabwe were killed during Gukurahundi, a military operation launched in 1983 on the premise that the Zimbabwe African People’s Union (ZAPU), a liberation movement partner, was plotting to topple Mugabe’s ZANU.
A peace accord was signed with ZAPU in 1987 ending the ethnic conflict, but the wounds were rekindled after Mnangagwa replaced Mugabe. At the time of Gukurahundi, Mnangagwa served as minister of state security.
But despite the continued crushing of opposing voices such as the Movement for Democratic Change, the country’s largest opposition party, some in Kutama are reluctant to speak ill of Mugabe.
Father Fredrick Mabiri, the priest who conducted the special mass at the Kutama Parish where Mugabe worshipped on visits to his rural home, told Al Jazeera he recognised the late president’s achievements, but as a priest, it was not his place to speak on Mugabe’s vices.
“I see him as a president who was focused on uplifting the quality of life of the people, there are many things he succeeded in terms of education and health, but as a human being there are other things he was failed to do in his administration, but I cannot speak on those matters,” he said.
As the government prepares to repatriate Mugabe’s body, his birthplace is anxiously waiting to receive him with honour and dignity, in spite of the complex legacy of liberation and tyranny he bequeaths to Zimbabwe.
Locardia Sande wonders if the government will provide assistance Kutama
IOL|Johannesburg – City to City and Translux bus drivers have downed tool following the killing of their colleagues on Sunday.
Two drivers were shot in KwaZulu Natal within a few minutes of each other and the motive is unknown.
While one survived, the other died.
According to the South African Transport Allied Workers Union (Satawu) media officer Zanele Sabela, two Translux buses carrying 56 passengers were travelling to Johannesburg when they were shot at.
Sabela said one driver died immediately and the bus crashed into a barrier which brought it to a halt.
“The second driver was shot in the stomach and he managed to apply the handbrake and brought the bus to a complete stop. He was taken to hospital and is currently in ICU,”she added.
Sabela said the buses usually leave for the same destination 10 to 15 minutes apart and “this is likely why the two drivers were attacked one after the other.”
The passengers from the two buses were later transported to Park Station, Johannesburg.
Sabela said the unions were calling on authorities to leave no stone unturned in bringing the culprits to books.
She added that the drivers have embarked on a work stoppage citing safety concerns and are calling for the minister of transport and minister of police to come and address the situation.
According to Sabela, busses belonging to Eagle Liner and African People Movers (APM) were reportedly targeted at the same spot in July.
“Thankfully, the drivers were not shot at but all the buses’ windows were smashed and the two companies have since changed routes,” she said.
“We are also pleading with those who feel aggrieved to find ways to raise their concerns without sacrificing others’ lives or property. We have all seen the devastation caused in the trucking industry and across Gauteng communities in recent weeks.
“We call on all aggrieved transport stakeholders to come out from the shadow and express their concerns in a responsible manner so the can be addressed,” she added.
The buses fall under Autopax and The Star contacted Nana Zenani who asked that questions be sent via Whatsapp.
263chat|The opposition party, Movement For Democratic Change (MDC) says it will tomorrow meet to decide on whether to go ahead with the party’s 20th-anniversary celebrations slated for this Saturday, the same day the funeral service of the late former President Robert Mugabe will be held at the National Sports Stadium.
The opposition party was at the receiving end of Mugabe’s heavy-handedness with some of their key members being brutally killed, beaten and arbitrarily arrested.
The party has not come up with a clear position on whether they will attend the late former President’s burial and funeral service which is expected to bring together thousands of people from all walks of life including African head of states and other foreign dignitaries.
MDC Organising Secretary Amos Chibaya told 263Chat Monday morning that the Standing Committee will meet tomorrow to deliberate on the way forward.
“We have called a meeting as top leadership to discuss the issue but by tomorrow afternoon we would have come up with a decision on the way forward. We have so much respect for the late former President but we will see what comes out of the meeting,” Chibaya said.
The MDC celebrations came into question when government yesterday availed a funeral program for the late former president with a mass funeral service set for Saturday at the National Sports Stadium.
The MDC had booked Rufaro Stadium, a few kilometres away from the funeral venue, to commemorate their anniversary.
Nelson Chamisa and Tendai Biti, MDC’s President and Vice respectively, have, since the death of Mugabe, showered praises on the late liberation war hero with the latter saying; “I was tortured by Robert Mugabe but I’m not bitter, I’m not bitter at all, so rest in peace Robert Mugabe.”
Last week Chamisa sent a condolence message to the Mugabe family saying; “Even though I and our party, the MDC and the Zimbabwean people had great political differences with the late former President during his tenure in office and disagreed for decades, we recognise his lifetime as a nation’s founding President.”
The South African law enforcement agencies were nowhere to be found as the Johannesburg hostel dwellers held a march in “thousands” on Sunday demanding that foreign nation go back to their respective homes.
“Mugabe is dead, foreigners should go back home” – the protesters sang this as they marched along Jules Street in Johannesburg with their traditional weapons.
Since last month, South Africa has been a war zone hosting several attacks on foreign nationals whereby shops were looted in the name of ending the drug trade.
Gauteng has experienced the most of these attacks, with the province taking hits in all three major metros and at least ten dying from these events.
Two migrants were among the deceased people, President Cyril Ramaphosa confirmed in an address on Thursday. He also said that 423 people were arrested in Gauteng in response to the attacks.
Former Highlanders and Warriors striker Madinda Ndlovu is still in hospital after collapsing while at training at his club in Botswana over the weekend.
Gabone United management reports that, Madinda, is recovering and in a stable condition. The club has requested fans who have been flooding the hospital to give the coach a chance to recover.
Full Statement from the team management:
The club understands that supporters have been coming in large numbers to check on coach, Madinda Ndlovu in hospital.
The doctors have asked that we minimize the visits so that the coach gets enough time to rest. Visiting times will be restricted to family members and executive committee.
The coach is stable and we will give regular updates on the health of our beloved coach
The South African Football Association (SAFA) has released Bafana Bafana players to their clubs after Madagascar pulled out of the two sides’ scheduled friendly citing ongoing xenophobic attacks.
Bafana ought to have hosted Madagascar in a friendly on Saturday in Johannesburg but the islanders followed the foosteps of Zambia, who also cancelled a friendly with South Africa on account of violent attacks in the Rainbow Nation.
SAFA relased a statement last night confirming that the players were released to their clubs.
“The South African Football Association (SAFA) has taken a decision to release the players who had been in camp whole week to go back to their clubs after the withdrawal of Madagascar team from the friendly match against Bafana Bafana which was scheduled for Orlando Stadium on Saturday, 7 September 2019.
The decision to release the players was taken after the meeting with the players and technical staff.
SAFA has consistently and strongly condemned the xenophobic attacks and the criminal looting of foreign and South African businesses and wanton attacks on foreign nationals and South African citizens,” read the statement.
By A Correspondent- LEAD President Linda Masarira said there was a time when she felt like strangling the late former president Robert Mugabe for violating her human rights.
Masarira said she felt nothing about his death now and she had forgiven him after his ouster from power during the military coup in November 2017.
She said this while speaking about Mugabe’s death on the Identities Conversations, a platform for public debate and conversations.
She said:
“I don’t feel anything about the death of Mugabe. My life was so miserable during his era. I am not happy or even sad about his death because I got nothing positive to tell about him and his then government. I lived a life that I was always being followed by state security agents since becoming involved in activism in 2009.”
“I have been arrested and all the times I was beaten by police. The state has no right to assault people for demanding their rights. All these made me a bitter person to an extend that I thought to myself that if given the chance of meeting the ex-president I felt like strangling him. Later on, I managed to let go of the anger after his ouster from power, I felt relieved and I forgave him for no one is perfect.”
By Petina Gappah| Zimbabwe’s founding leader, Robert Gabriel Mugabe, has died. The widespread reaction to his death has revealed starkly the divided legacy he leaves behind. From one viewpoint he is Zimbabwe’s founding father, the man who led his comrades through an armed struggle for the liberation of Zimbabwe’s black majority from Rhodesian white-minority rule. His achievements in those early, heady years of independence were exemplary, with emphasis on health, education and women’s empowerment, thus opening up possibilities to many Zimbabweans, particularly the rural poor, who were shut out from Rhodesia’s opportunities.
From another viewpoint, he is the hero who became a villain, his 37-year rule characterised by massive human rights abuses, from the Gukurahundi massacres and persecution of supporters of the rival Zapu party of Joshua Nkomo just after independence, to the persecution of perceived enemies, both in the opposition and within his own party, whom he considered threats to his power. Even the land reform programme, much admired across Africa for restoring land to its rightful owners, was implemented amid chaos and violence.
This reform was meant to empower Zimbabweans, but it also isolated the country and impoverished the very people it was meant to support: swift sanctions soon followed from the west that, together with Mugabe’s own inconsistent economic policies and widespread corruption in his government, plunged the economy into an almost permanent recession for nearly two decades.
Mugabe’s legacy will continue to be contested between those who revere him and those who revile him, but what matters most now is how Zimbabwe’s new president handles that legacy. As Emmerson Mnangagwa prepares to bury his predecessor, he must also bury those aspects of the Mugabe presidency that polarised Zimbabweans, and those policies and attitudes that pauperised this once prosperous nation.
Mnangagwa has promised that his governance will bring a “new dispensation”, and has marked his era as that of the Second Republic. But if he is to avoid the fate of France’s Second Republic, in which the first citizen soon became the third emperor, Mnangagwa must bury the imperial presidency along with Mugabe.
The Gukurahundi massacres remain a sore wound that cannot be ignored. To end the violence, in 1987 Nkomo chose unity and peace over justice and entered into a political alliance with Mugabe. This political fix may have satisfied the establishment, but the wounds of Gukurahundi and other rights violations still fester. In 2018, Mnangagwa appointed a peace and reconciliation commission that before then had existed only in law, but he needs to expedite its work and to guarantee that its recommendations, however far-reaching, will be respected and that it will be transparent and free of political influence.
Burying Mugabe’s legacy also requires Mnangagwa to implement his own election promises. Zimbabwe needs constitutional reforms to make sure that future election results are not contested. Among the most urgent matters are the repeal of the laws that restrict the right to political expression and the freedom of the press. As recently as last month, Mnangagwa stated that these reforms mattered because they were demanded by the constitution and not because they were an external demand linked to sanctions.
A key feature of Mugabe’s rule was the conflation of party with government, and with state. This has meant outrages such as the selective application of the law and the abuse of food aid meant for the poor. Zimbabwe needs to adopt the principle common in advanced democracies that a president governs for his people, not just for his party. In particular, Mnangagwa has promised “zero tolerance” of corruption – but as long as some of his closest allies and top civil servants are shielded from investigation and prosecution, he will be considered no different to Mugabe.
The language of hate was a hallmark of Mugabe’s regime, along with crude propaganda. Particularly when Zimbabweans are suffering, as they have been from austerity measures, the president needs to find words of empathy and inclusiveness.
The one area in which Mnangagwa has shown a marked departure from his predecessor (and in which I was recently an external consultant on investment law policy and promotion) is in his outward-looking foreign policy. He has shown a willingness to open up Zimbabwe to all investors and to re-engage with even those nations with which Zimbabwe had disputes, both over land and over human rights. Yet without addressing corruption, human rights abuses – both past and continuing – and without engaging with compassion the millions of Zimbabweans who feel both disenfranchised and disenchanted, Mnangagwa will not succeed.
The president recently launched Vision 2030, an economic programme that aims to see Zimbabwe become an “upper-middle income economy” by 2030. Significantly, this programme will end after his own term in office, even if he runs again in 2023. If he is to succeed where Mugabe failed, Mnangagwa needs a vision that goes well beyond 2030.
The choice before him is clear: he can be Zimbabwe’s second Mugabe, with the same attitudes and policies, leading his country further down the path to isolation, internal division and economic misery. Or he can be the president who heals Zimbabwe, and puts it back on the path to prosperity and anchors it in real democracy, who guarantees the rights and freedoms of those who disagree with him, and who wins the grudging respect of even his bitterest opponents. As Mnangagwa buries Mugabe, he needs to look beyond the short-term temptations of power and instead focus on how history will remember him.
• Petina Gappah is an international lawyer and author
A plane has left Zimbabwe for Singapore carrying government officials and relatives to bring home the body of Robert Mugabe.
A plane has left Zimbabwe for Singapore carrying government officials and relatives to bring home the body of Robert Mugabe, but it was still not clear where the former leader would be buried, a family spokesman said on Monday.
Sources at the Robert Mugabe International Airport said the plane is the one which President Emmerson Mnangagwa has been using for his numerous domestic and international flights. The very expensive jet is hired from Asia on a very high daily rate.
Mugabe’s family is pushing back against the government’s plan to bury him at the National Heroes Acre monument in Harare and wants him to be interred in his home village, relatives have told Reuters.
Leo Mugabe, the late president’s nephew and family spokesman, said a charter plane left Harare for Singapore just after 9 a.m. (0700 GMT) on Monday.
Mugabe’s body was expected to arrive in Zimbabwe on Wednesday at 3 p.m. (1300 GMT), Leo Mugabe told Reuters.
But when pressed on where Mugabe would be buried, Leo Mugabe was non-committal.
“Mugabe was a chief and he will be buried in accordance with tradition. The chiefs have not told us where he will be buried, so it is not clear yet. I also don’t know,” he said.
In some parts of Zimbabwe, burials of chiefs are a secret affair and people are only told the resting place afterwards.
Mugabe died on Friday aged 95 in Singapore, where he had long received medical treatment. He had dominated Zimbabwean politics for almost four decades from independence in 1980 until he was removed by his own army in a November 2017 coup.
Revered by many as a liberator who freed his people from white minority rule, Mugabe was vilified by others for wrecking one of Africa’s most promising economies and ruthlessly crushing his opponents.
Mugabe’s resting place has been a topic of discussion since the Zimbabwe Independent newspaper reported last month that Mugabe would snub the offer of a burial at National Heroes Acre – a site reserved for the country’s heroes – because he felt bitter about the way he was removed from power.
The Zimbabwean government said in a memo sent to embassies that it planned to hold a state funeral for Mugabe in the National Sports Stadium on Saturday, with a burial ceremony on Sunday, but it did not say where the burial would be.
If Mugabe is buried in Kutama village, 85 km (50 miles) from Harare, it would be a major rebuke for his successor, President Emmerson Mnangagwa, and the ruling ZANU-PF party that Mugabe helped to found. Reuters
Farai Dziva|The Warriors face Somalia in the 2022 World Cup preliminary round second leg tie against Somalia at the National Sports Stadium tomorrow after suffering a 0-1 defeat at the hands of the small boys.
WARRIORS SQUAD
GOALKEEPERS
Elvis Chipezeze (Baroka),
Talbert Shumba (Chapungu).
DEFENDERS
Teenage Hadebe (Yeni Malatyaspor),
Macclive Phiri (Highlanders),
Peter Muduwa (Highlanders)
Alec Mudimu (CEFN Druids AFC),
Divine Lunga (Lamontville Golden Arrows),
Ian Nekati (ZPC Kariba).
Farai Dziva|Lead president Linda Masarira says she does not feel anything about Robert Mugabe’s death.
Speaking on the debate on Mugabe’s death on the Identities Conversations, an Identities Media Holdings platform for public debate and conversations, Masarira said:
“I don’t feel anything about the death of Mugabe. My life was so miserable during his era. I am not happy or even sad about his death because I got nothing positive to tell about him and his then government. I lived a life that I was always being followed by state security agents since becoming involved in activism in 2009.”
“I have been arrested and all the times I was beaten by police. The state has no right to assault people for demanding their rights. All these made me a bitter person to an extend that I thought to myself that if given the chance of meeting the ex-president I felt like strangling him. Later on, I managed to let go of the anger after his ouster from power, I felt relieved and I forgave him for no one is perfect,” said Masarira.
Farai Dziva|The Somalia men’s national soccer team arrived in Harare yesterday for their World Cup 2022 preliminary round qualifier return leg against the Warriors.
The Ocean Stars, who have a slender 1-0 advantage from the first leg in Djibouti, arrived at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe Airport yesterday afternoon ahead of their ecounter with Joey Antipas’ troops at the National Sports Stadium tomorrow.
Zimbabwe need to win the game by a two goal margin to progress to the group stages of qualifiers for the world’s greatest showpiece to be held in Qatar.
Should they (the Warriors) win 1-0, the game will go to extra time and potentially a penalty shootout.
Farai Dziva|Highlanders midfielder Denzel Khumalo was arrested and briefly detained at Bulawayo Central Police Station over the weekend after he allegedly got involved in a scuffle at a city night club.
According to Chronicle, Khumalo was in the company of his team-mate Brian Banda and a friend only named as Sitshela when the incident happened.
It’s reported that the midfielder, who was visibly drunk, stabbed two tyres of a BMW vehicle while his friend broke the windows of the car belonging to a Bosso supporter identified as Sidumisile Ntini.
Khumalo, however, denied the charges when he appeared at the station on Sunday.
When asked what happened, Banda confirmed there was an altercation but claimed that he is not aware about the damage to the car.
“I wasn’t there when the said vehicle was attacked. Of course, there was an altercation between Denzel and some guy who owes him money. I restrained Denzel and we left the club.
I was surprised to hear that there was a fight and a car was damaged.”
Farai Dziva|A Bulawayo man killed his son for breaking a neighbour’s window.
The man is recovering at Mpilo hospital after attempting to commit suicide.
According to Chronicle, Joseph Phiri from Sindiza Suburb in Bulawayo struck his Form 2 pupil son Adam with an iron bar after he learnt that he had broken a neighbour’s window.
The strike turned fatal as he soon discovered his son was not breathing and he then drank a pesticide in a suicide attempt move.
” It’s senseless how he attacked and killed his child.
We are told that his son had broken a neighbour’s window pane resulting in the neighbour approaching Phiri and telling him to reprimand his son. Phiri told the neighbour that Adam had been giving him problems and vowed to fix him.
He savagely attacked his son all over his body with an iron bar, killing him in the process,”a source told the state run paper.
Farai Dziva|Controversial Zimbabwean socialite and businesswoman, Olinda Chapel has vowed she will never fall in love again.
According to an online publication, the United Kingdom based social media celebrity who dated famous Zim musician Stunner and married Tytan Nkomo last year has decided to “quit love.”
“She’s so JADED that she will never fall in love again. She can’t, she sees through everyone and their intentions. Even her “friend”
… Now she has no faith in anyone, how could she?
No one has ever been there for her like she would be and has been for them. When she stumbles, she makes it part of the dance.
That’s how she will forever sit on her throne. It’s not how she falls, it’s always the how she rises you need to worry about.
The very vague post however highlights the fact that she was all alone during the hardships of the marriage and separation. For many this is assurance that the woman has decided to call it quits with the whole dating thing and spend some time with herself and daughter,” her friend told the online publication.
Farai Dziva|Controversial war veterans leader has vowed to attend former President Robert Mugabe’s funeral.
Addressing war veterans and church leaders at a Zimbabwe Amalgamated Churches (ZACC) meeting in Bulawayo yesterday, Matemadanda, who is also the Zanu-PF National Political Commissar, said while it was not a big issue to him, the family had no right to stop him from attending the funeral.
“For as long as the family has agreed that Cde Mugabe is a national hero, they can’t stop me because Government protocol allows me to attend the funeral. They don’t know what they’re talking about.
“I will not join a fight over a dead man. Where I come from we don’t brag over the dead but we mourn them,” said Matemadanda.
He said in African culture, it was taboo to fight before a family member has been buried.
“I don’t know what the elders in Cde Mugabe’s community in Zvimba say about this. But this person whose funeral they’re refusing to let me attend forgave the people who jailed and tortured him during the liberation struggle,” said Matemadanda.
He said he was convinced that whatever he told Mugabe when they disagreed was not based on gossip or hearsay but the truth.
“For those who may not know, when I started resisting what our leader was doing, I did not just do it. We actually spoke about it. Unfortunately he’s gone and he’s not here to testify.
“I booked an appointment with him and I told him that I was not in agreement with some of the things he was doing. We spoke at length,” said Matemadanda.
“I worked under Cde Mugabe for a long time and people who are saying I should not attend his funeral don’t know when I started working with him. Although I was low in the party, I worked with Cde Mugabe at critical stages of the revolution where they didn’t come themselves to defend their own. We could not by principle allow him free rein when we knew that we had not agreed on some of the things that were now happening in the party”.
“Even when we disagreed on some issues, we never doubted his capacity, leadership qualities and his contribution to the liberation struggle and the development of the country. But when the truth has to be said, we should not bury our heads in the sand,” Matemadanda said.
He said after all has been said and done, Mugabe remains his leader together with those who served under him.
Farai Dziva|Controversial war veterans leader, Victor Matemadanda is now singing a different tune and has suddenly begun to praise former President Robert Mugabe.
Addressing war veterans and church leaders at a Zimbabwe Amalgamated Churches (ZACC) meeting in Bulawayo yesterday, Matemadanda, who is also the Zanu-PF National Political Commissar, said while it was not a big issue to him, the family had no right to stop him from attending the funeral.
“For as long as the family has agreed that Cde Mugabe is a national hero, they can’t stop me because Government protocol allows me to attend the funeral. They don’t know what they’re talking about.
“I will not join a fight over a dead man. Where I come from we don’t brag over the dead but we mourn them,” said Matemadanda.
He said in African culture, it was taboo to fight before a family member has been buried.
“I don’t know what the elders in Cde Mugabe’s community in Zvimba say about this. But this person whose funeral they’re refusing to let me attend forgave the people who jailed and tortured him during the liberation struggle,” said Matemadanda.
He said he was convinced that whatever he told Mugabe when they disagreed was not based on gossip or hearsay but the truth.
“For those who may not know, when I started resisting what our leader was doing, I did not just do it. We actually spoke about it. Unfortunately he’s gone and he’s not here to testify.
“I booked an appointment with him and I told him that I was not in agreement with some of the things he was doing. We spoke at length,” said Matemadanda.
“I worked under Cde Mugabe for a long time and people who are saying I should not attend his funeral don’t know when I started working with him. Although I was low in the party, I worked with Cde Mugabe at critical stages of the revolution where they didn’t come themselves to defend their own. We could not by principle allow him free rein when we knew that we had not agreed on some of the things that were now happening in the party”.
“Even when we disagreed on some issues, we never doubted his capacity, leadership qualities and his contribution to the liberation struggle and the development of the country. But when the truth has to be said, we should not bury our heads in the sand,” Matemadanda said.
He said after all has been said and done, Mugabe remains his leader together with those who served under him.
Farai Dziva|War veterans leader, Victor Matemadanda has claimed former President Robert Mugabe had a forgiving heart.
Matemadanda, who described Mugabe as a traitor has suddenly shifted his stance.
Addressing war veterans and church leaders at a Zimbabwe Amalgamated Churches (ZACC) meeting in Bulawayo yesterday, Matemadanda, who is also the Zanu-PF National Political Commissar, said while it was not a big issue to him, the family had no right to stop him from attending the funeral.
“For as long as the family has agreed that Cde Mugabe is a national hero, they can’t stop me because Government protocol allows me to attend the funeral. They don’t know what they’re talking about.
“I will not join a fight over a dead man. Where I come from we don’t brag over the dead but we mourn them,” said Matemadanda.
He said in African culture, it was taboo to fight before a family member has been buried.
“I don’t know what the elders in Cde Mugabe’s community in Zvimba say about this. But this person whose funeral they’re refusing to let me attend forgave the people who jailed and tortured him during the liberation struggle,” said Matemadanda.
He said he was convinced that whatever he told Mugabe when they disagreed was not based on gossip or hearsay but the truth.
“For those who may not know, when I started resisting what our leader was doing, I did not just do it. We actually spoke about it. Unfortunately he’s gone and he’s not here to testify.
“I booked an appointment with him and I told him that I was not in agreement with some of the things he was doing. We spoke at length,” said Matemadanda.
“I worked under Cde Mugabe for a long time and people who are saying I should not attend his funeral don’t know when I started working with him. Although I was low in the party, I worked with Cde Mugabe at critical stages of the revolution where they didn’t come themselves to defend their own. We could not by principle allow him free rein when we knew that we had not agreed on some of the things that were now happening in the party”.
“Even when we disagreed on some issues, we never doubted his capacity, leadership qualities and his contribution to the liberation struggle and the development of the country. But when the truth has to be said, we should not bury our heads in the sand,” Matemadanda said.
He said after all has been said and done, Mugabe remains his leader together with those who served under him.
Jane Mlambo| Respected cleric and a key player in the negotiations between the late former President Robert Mugabe and the military element led by the now vice President Constantino Chiwenga during the November 2017 coup, Father Fidelis Mukonori has urged President Emmerson Mnangagwa to compromise saying failure will be a weakness.
In an interview with the Newsday, Mukonori said leadership required compromise saying those who do not compromise are not leaders.
“To be a leader is one who agrees to sit down with the others and talk, a leader who is uncompromising is not a leader. Leadership is to compromise. Compromise is not a sign of weakness, (but) it is a sign of strength,” Mukonori told NewsDay at the weekend
By A Correspondent- Zanu PF has changed the venue for the annual conference from Seke district to Goromonzi citing budget constraints.
This year’s annual gathering will be hosted by Mashonaland East province.
Addressing a provincial co-ordinating committee (PCC) meeting held on Saturday in Marondera, party provincial chairperson Joel Biggie Matiza said:
“We presented about four budgets with the highest going for more than $30m and the party said it was too high.
This year is characterised by massive hunger following a drought as well as things like the Cyclone Idai effects, hence the party channelled funds towards that.
Even if we are to raise the money it means we were going to host the conference next year.
We are now behind time, hence we looked for an alternative venue in Goromonzi, which is less expensive because of the availability of infrastructure.
Initially, the party had chosen Murape Secondary School in Seke district but later condemned the poor infrastructure at the school, the lack of a thicket to provide cover for security details, and the overhead electricity cables that cut across the school were considered a danger to the people.
Mandedza High School, also in Seke district was chosen but logistic challenges and other factors put paid to the two choices.
“There was a need to widen the Harare-Wedza Highway from Chikwanha up to the venue to allow a smooth flow of traffic. This is costly and needs time.
We were expecting that the Zimbabwe National Roads Administration would chip in, but they have no money for such a project hence we moved to Goromonzi where we can only pitch tents.-Newsday
Writes @Kudzie Sharara: “Imagine if we could do the same in constructing hospitals, schools etc…now we are doing it for parliamentarians who for years now have not done anything meaningful. we are deriving very limited benefit from parliamentarians. Useless!”
By A Correspondent- Former First Lady Grace Mugabe reportedly asked President Emmerson Mnangagwa to visit Singapore in former President Robert Mugabe’s final days so that she will be given safety guarantees.
According to sources, when Mugabe’s health deteriorated, the former first lady wanted Mnangagwa to visit so that he would guarantee her and her children’s safety after Mugabe was gone.
Said one of a local publication’s sources:
“In one of her calls, she was crying on the phone saying he (Mugabe) could no longer talk.
The former first lady wanted ED to be in Singapore and to also guarantee her and her children’s safety after the death of the former president.
Of course, she was guaranteed of her safety but was told that it was not possible for ED to be in Singapore because he was seized with preparations for the World Economic Forum (Wef) on Africa.”
Mugabe’s close relatives revealed over the weekend that Mugabe died a bitter man. He was not only bitter because of the coup that ejected him from the high office in 2017, but also Mnangagwa’s failure to visit him in Singapore and also to apologise for the coup.
Mugabe’s nephew, Leo Mugabe, told a local publication recently that the Mugabe clan expected Mnangagwa to at least visit the late Mugabe’s Borrowdale residence.
Said Leo:
“We expected President Mnangagwa to go there (Blue Roof) and say I am sorry so that there is forgiveness, there is repentance.
What I can say is that I have no doubt that he will have been happy if Mnangagwa had gone there to apologise.
What I know also is that given the late’s (Mugabe’s) Christian background, we expected him to have said ‘I forgive them what they did’.
We were bitter as family, but we are working with the government and the party. Maybe that is how they are showing remorse.
Mugabe died on 6 September 2019 at the age of 95. He was receiving treatment at Singapore’s famous Glen Eagles Hospital for some time.-DailyNews
RESPECTED Roman Catholic Church cleric Father Fidelis Mukonori has called on President Emmerson Mnangagwa to start talks with MDC leader Nelson Chamisa, joining a growing chorus for inclusive political dialogue to save Zimbabwe’s economy from total collapse.
Father Mukonori, a Jesuit priest who was a close friend to former President Robert Mugabe who died on Friday morning in Singapore, mediated a graceful exit for the former guerrilla leader after the military grabbed power in a coup in November 2017.
“To be a leader is one who agrees to sit down with the others and talk, a leader who is uncompromising is not a leader. Leadership is to compromise. Compromise is not a sign of weakness, (but) it is a sign of strength,” Mukonori told NewsDay at the weekend.
Mukonori said the violence and abductions that have characterised Zimbabwe’s political environment, need to stop.
“God had a clash with the devil, but God never destroyed the devil, he is still there. You don’t have to destroy your enemy; you don’t have to destroy your political competitor; you don’t have to destroy your business competitor, no! You don’t have to destroy someone who does not belong to your party, no! You collect the positives that these people have, which you realise you don’t have.
“That is what leadership is about. But if you just swing with your jacket and say I am not going to talk to nobody, then nobody will not talk to you and you will never run a country if you don’t talk to nobody. We are the buddies that make Zimbabwe. You don’t go around with pride and pomposity, no; if you do that you are not a leader.”
Mukonori added that because of poverty many had lost self-worth and dignity. “If you look at a person and you say that man is failing to go to hospital because she cannot pay, she cannot buy the drugs, the drugs will be there, but she cannot buy, that husband is failing to be a successful husband because he has not been employed for the last 15 to 20 years, he is embarrassed to be a husband; he is embarrassed to be a father. You listen to that person, you give that person something to do, assist that person to do something that is what, in my view, we mean running a country,” he said.
The cleric said Zimbabwe’s current leadership lacked empathy and common sense.
“My mother used to say don’t laugh or criticise those behind you because, tomorrow it will be you. She said instead help them. She never went to school, but she had a good work ethic, better than some people today who swing with half dozen certificates and degrees and fail to run a country,” he said.
He called on citizens to also play their part in extracting the country from the jaws of collapse.
“It’s not the job of the Head of State, it is the job of you and I, he has to lead us, and we have to follow. If you lead an unleadable nation you have a problem. We have to learn to be led and to learn to be led is not a sign that we are just sheep, we are not sheep we are people.
“But when you lead an intelligent people you have to be sure you talk to people as much as possible, you listen, even to the ones you think are simple no matter how simple you think they are they have something to say, something that is reasonable, something that is sensible,” Father Mukonori said.
“You may be surprised that the people you speak least to are the people who give you the best ideas and factual issues than people who become professional speakers; professional orators whose faces want to appear on TV every day. We have a great country, but we are making ourselves a laughing stock.”
Meanwhile, The Elders, an independent group of global leaders who advocate for peace, justice and human rights met with Mnangagwa, Chamisa and opposition leaders in Harare over the weekend and said only real national dialogue was the way forward for the country.
“The Elders today called on Zimbabwe’s political leaders and all figures in authority to commit to a truly inclusive national dialogue and prioritise the economic and social needs of ordinary citizens over party politics, factionalism and self-interest,” they said in a statement yesterday.
Ireland’s first woman President, Mary Robinson, who chairs the body, lamented the sad state of affairs in the country.
“Last year, I visited Zimbabwe on the cusp of landmark elections to find people determinedly optimistic about the future. Today, that optimism has gone amid a worsening economic crisis, entrenched political polarisation and a culture of fear, paranoia and State violence.
“Yet, I have been heartened by courageous women and church leaders from across society who are meeting to nurture dialogue and re-imagine their country’s future. They offer an example that all Zimbabweans should follow,” she said in the statement.
By Cherriel Dzobo| As schools open on the 10th of September 2019, it is proving to be one of the hardest for both School Development Committees (SDCs) and parents especially with the biting economy.
A random survey done by Vemuganga Community Radio Initiative paints a sombre atmosphere of desperation by parents who are afraid that their children may not go back to school.
Most of the parents are making last minute rush to pay fees and buy uniforms and food of which the prices are becoming unaffordable everyday. Parents with children going to boarding schools are the most stressed as they are expected to ensure that their children, some of whom are candidates,are well catered to start the most crucial term on the school calendar.
Everything has become expensive from fees and transport to stationary.
There are serious worries that this environment will lead to many school dropouts.In most rural areas and in particular Chipinge and Chimanimani districts,there is still reconstruction going on as a result of the devastation caused by Cyclone Idai.Third term also experience the raining season and most parents are fearful that this will also affect their kids in those schools in Chimanimani and Chipinge.
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education is being urged to support the school feeding schemes inorder to avert the drought induced hunger caused by Cyclone Idai.
Some of the teachers spoken to have indicated that they are aggrieved due to the paltry remuneration they are receiving as salaries.
The concerns by teachers are understandable and surely there is sympathy for these teachers and staff whose salaries are inadequate .However ,teachers are being encouraged to continue engaging with government for an amicable solution that allows our education system to remain the most admired in the region.
By A Correspondent- The South African Police Service (SAPS) has revealed that at least 12 people were killed in last week’s xenophobic attacks in Pretoria, Johannesburg and other places.
Though the nationalities of the deceased have not been revealed, SAPS said that the number may be reviewed later as investigations continue.
In a tweet, South Africa’s Eye Witness Report said:
“The police have now confirmed that 12 people have died as a result of the recent outbreak of xenophobic violence. This number may be reviewed later as investigations continue.”
By A Correspondent| The Hawks yesterday reportedly arrested a Businessman believed to be Zimbabwean who owns Sam Holdings for acquiring his citizenship fraudulently.
Trends Central wrote on their Twitter that Sam was arrested yesterday morning.
Sam Mshengu according to the Citizen is believed to be under investigations that were initiated by the home affairs surrounding his citizenship status.
Other reports are suggesting that he is actually from Zimbabwe and may have allegedly obtained his South African citizenship illegally.
Sam made headlines this year at the Durban July when he went to the event with a convoy of 72 flashy cars.
Trends Central Tweeted:
Zimbabwean born businessman Sam Mshengu of Sam Holdings has been arrested by the Hawks in South Africa for allegedly acquiring his South African citizenship fraudulently.
Jane Mlambo| Zanu PF National Commissar, Victor Matemadanda, yesterday said the late Robert Mugabe’s family had no right to bar him from attending the former leader’s funeral because Government protocol allows him to.
This comes after Mugabe’s family reportedly requested that Matemadanda and Defence and War Veterans’ Affairs Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri should not attend Mugabe’s funeral.
“For as long as the family has agreed that Cde Mugabe is a national hero, they can’t stop me because Government protocol allows me to attend the funeral. They don’t know what they’re talking about.
“I will not join a fight over a dead man. Where I come from we don’t brag over the dead but we mourn them,” said Matemadanda.
Thank you Zimbabwe, residents of Glen View for continuing to vote for your party, MDC. Congratulations to Hon Vincent Tsvangirai for being elected MP for Glen View South.The electoral system still fundamentally flawed. We need urgent electoral reforms & a credible ZEC! pic.twitter.com/Pa76vkYXFf
By A Correspondent| Retired leader of Inkatha Freedom Party, Prince Buthelezi on Sunday upset his long time followers who were violently protesting in the area around Jeppestown Hostels demanding for the immediate removal of foreigners in South Africa.
The once very respected traditional and political leader of the Amazulu biased party got the crowd angry when he told them that xenophobic violence seen in the past few days is unacceptable.
In his attempt to end the violence, which has left several foreigners dead and a trail of destruction in Gauteng, Prince Buthelezi addressed the unruly crowd of hostel residents in their Hostels in Jeppestown.
Earlier, the hostel dwellers had marched along Jules Street in Malvern, demanding that foreigners go home.
Buthelezi told the crowd:
“Lives have been lost and property damaged. There has been looting, burning and violence.
“The world is watching and we are being judged. What we have seen in the past few days is unacceptable. The attacks on foreigners and their businesses are purely xenophobic – a violation of human rights and our constitution. Looting and destruction of property is a crime, full stop. Assault is always wrong.”
Citing the targeting of MTN stores in Nigeria, Nigerian leaders’ boycott of the World Economic Forum on Africa and the cancellation of a soccer match against Bafana Bafana by the Zambian Soccer Association, he warned:
“Don’t think these things have no consequences. There will be sanctions against us for what we are doing.”
His words upset most of those in the crowd, who left in protest.
The group marched away from him towards Hillbrow suburb in Johannesburg Central which houses about a million people predominately foreigners from across Africa and Asia.
The group was eventually blocked by a heavy police presence. The protesters demanded police to invite President Cyril Ramaphosa to address them within the next twenty four hours on how he is going to solve their problem with foreigners.
Sowetan|Gospel star Hlengiwe Mhlaba was involved in a serious car accident on Saturday afternoon.
The accident happened in Melmoth, northern Zululand. The singer, who is known for her powerful voice was travelling to Mpumalanga where she was booked to perform.
According to her spokesperson Nkululeko Khanye, the singer’s car rolled when she tried avoiding an oncoming car that was driving towards her.
Mhlaba sustained serious internal injuries and was admitted at a hospital in Empangeni, Kwa-Zulu-Natal, where she is under doctors supervision.
“On Saturday it was very wet when the incident happened. Hlengiwe saw a car that was driving straight towards her and tried to avoid it but lost control and the car rolled.”
“We ask the nation to continue to pray for her speedy recovery as well ,” Khanye said.
Opinion By Margaret Owen|Robert Mugabe’s first wife did a lot of good work for Zimbabwe’s women and children.
I am saddened that your obituaries for Robert Mugabe omit any reference to the work of his wonderful first wife, Sally (though they just mention her name).
She was secretary general of the Zanu-PF women’s league, founder of the Zimbabwe Child Survival Programme and a backer of the pan-Africa consortium Akina Mama wa Afrika.
She also launched the Zimbabwe Women’s Co-operative in the UK. She was a great feminist, inspiring many of us women’s rights activists and NGOs around the world, and died far too young.
How different she was from her successor, Grace. But why are her unique initiatives for Zimbabwe’s women and children omitted in all these eulogies? More gender bias? She should never be forgotten.
Margaret Owen
Director, Widows for Peace Through Democracy
By A Correspondent| Gospel star Hlengiwe Mhlaba was involved in a serious car accident on Saturday afternoon.
The accident happened in Melmoth, northern Zululand. The singer, who is known for her powerful voice was travelling to Mpumalanga where she was booked to perform.
According to her spokesperson Nkululeko Khanye, the singer’s car rolled when she tried avoiding an oncoming car that was driving towards her.
Mhlaba sustained serious internal injuries and was admitted at a hospital in Empangeni, Kwa-Zulu-Natal, where she is under doctors supervision.
“On Saturday it was very wet when the incident happened. Hlengiwe saw a car that was driving straight towards her and tried to avoid it but lost control and the car rolled.”
“We ask the nation to continue to pray for her speedy recovery as well ,” Khanye said.-Sowetan
The Zanu PF Youth League made clear their position on former President Robert Mugabe’s decision that he should not be buried at the National Heroes Acre in Harare when he died.
The youth league made their position clear and announced it to Mugabe even before he died.
Speaking to the media shortly after reports of Mugabe’s decision, the youth league deputy secretary Lewis Matutu said the ruling party would not lose sleep over Mugabe’s decision indicating that the former President had denied numerous other people who deserved the status.
“That has got nothing to do with us and Mugabe is just an individual. Perhaps in my view, it is because he understands that he barred a lot of deserving heroes to be buried at this shrine.
“Talk of comrade Chinx (Dickson Chingaira) who amongst many other war veterans deserved to be laid to rest here, are lying elsewhere. I hope that the leadership will consider and perhaps rebury that fellow comrade who was working dearly for his country,” said Matutu.
“So, it’s not an issue that the former President says he does not want to be buried here. Neither is there anyone who is willing to see him buried here against his will,” he said.
File Picture of Grace Mugabe getting married to Mugabe
The family of former Zimbabwean leader Robert Mugabe does not want the late liberation war hero buried at the country’s National Heroes Acre, preferring a family shrine in keeping with his last wishes.
According to a government memo sent to diplomatic missions, Mugabe’s funeral will be in Harare’s National Sports Stadium on Saturday, though it didn’t specify where the burial would be on Sunday.
Mugabe, who died aged 95 in Singapore on Friday, did not want people behind his political downfall in November 2017 playing a role at his funeral, a relative said on Sunday.
Mugabe was removed from power in a coup after he fired Emmerson Mnangagwa as vice president at the instigation of his wife, Grace, and a faction of ambitious and young politicians loyal to the late leader.
Funerals for national heroes are officiated by a sitting president, which would be Mnangagwa, who is now Zimbabwe’s leader.
A close family member told international news agency, Al Jazeera, that discussions between top government officials and the family to change Mugabe’s final resting place were under way.
The relative, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Mugabe’s relationship with his protege Mnangagwa had soured after the coup.
“He was not happy with the fact that Mnangagwa had not come to see him. He believed in dialogue and people finding each other. This did not happen. I believe this would have turned out differently if this meeting had happened,” the source said.
‘A people’s decision’
Close family members in Singapore were left with clear instructions on where he would be buried, and that was at his village of Zvimba, about 100 kilometres northwest of Harare.
“Grace can’t go against the wishes of her husband. It would be a dishonouring of his memory. As of two weeks ago, I heard expressions such as ‘principles cannot be sacrificed for political expedience’,” the relative said.
“He did not have a problem with being afforded hero status. He felt that this was a people’s decision and not his. He had a problem with who would officiate at the funeral after everything that had happened.”
An aircraft was chartered from Harare to pick up Mugabe’s body. According to the family, Vice President Kembo Mohadi is going to lead the delegation to Singapore along with selected relatives.
His nephew, Leo Mugabe, said he expected the body back in Harare on Wednesday.
A relative of the late Zimbabwean nationalist, Adam Molai, who is in Singapore with the Mugabes, told The Straits Times newspaper that Mugabe died peacefully surrounded by his family.
Grace, daughter Bona and grandchildren, and his niece, Sandra Molai, and her husband, Adam, were with him when he died.
Mugabe was conferred national hero status after his death by Mnangagwa, the highest posthumous honour in the southern African country, for his role in the liberation struggle against colonial ruler Britain and leadership after independence in 1980.
Albert Mugabe, a nephew of Mugabe, said there was a meeting at Mugabe’s rural home of Zvimba on Saturday night.
Ruling ZANU-PF party spokesman Simon Khaya Moyo would not comment on the disagreement of the burial site.
“If they are differences, we don’t get involved in such matters as a party. We stick with the statement we issued that he was a liberation icon and our leader. He led from the front,” said Moyo.
THE Deputy Minister of Defence and War Veterans’ Affairs, Victor Matemadanda, yesterday said Robert Mugabe’s family had no right to bar him from attending the former leader’s funeral because Government protocol allows him to.
This comes after Mugabe’s family reportedly requested that Matemadanda and Defence and War Veterans’ Affairs Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri should not attend Mugabe’s funeral.
Mugabe passed away in Singapore at the age of 95 on Friday last week and will be buried at the National Heroes’ Acre on Sunday.
Addressing war veterans and church leaders at a Zimbabwe Amalgamated Churches (ZACC) meeting in Bulawayo yesterday, Matemadanda, who is also the Zanu-PF National Political Commissar, said while it was not a big issue to him, the family had no right to stop him from attending the funeral.
“For as long as the family has agreed that Cde Mugabe is a national hero, they can’t stop me because Government protocol allows me to attend the funeral. They don’t know what they’re talking about.
“I will not join a fight over a dead man. Where I come from we don’t brag over the dead but we mourn them,” said Matemadanda.
He said in African culture, it was taboo to fight before a family member has been buried.
“I don’t know what the elders in Cde Mugabe’s community in Zvimba say about this. But this person whose funeral they’re refusing to let me attend forgave the people who jailed and tortured him during the liberation struggle,” said Cde Matemadanda.
He said he was convinced that whatever he told Mugabe when they disagreed was not based on gossip or hearsay but the truth.
“For those who may not know, when I started resisting what our leader was doing, I did not just do it. We actually spoke about it. Unfortunately he’s gone and he’s not here to testify.
“I booked an appointment with him and I told him that I was not in agreement with some of the things he was doing. We spoke at length,” said Matemadanda.
“I worked under Cde Mugabe for a long time and people who are saying I should not attend his funeral don’t know when I started working with him. Although I was low in the party, I worked with Cde Mugabe at critical stages of the revolution where they didn’t come themselves to defend their own. We could not by principle allow him free rein when we knew that we had not agreed on some of the things that were now happening in the party”.
“Even when we disagreed on some issues, we never doubted his capacity, leadership qualities and his contribution to the liberation struggle and the development of the country. But when the truth has to be said, we should not bury our heads in the sand,” Matemadanda said.
He said after all has been said and done, Cde Mugabe remains his leader together with those who served under him.
Matemadanda was in 2016 arrested with other war veterans on charges of undermining the authority of the then President Mugabe.
This was after he had shown solidarity with the then association’s spokesperson, Douglas Mahiya, who was facing similar charges.
In 2017, Cde Matemadanda told Mugabe to respect war veterans after the former President said that former freedom fighters were not special in the ruling Zanu-PF party.
Matemadanda said Mugabe and his wife Grace had no prerogative to “disrespect’’ other people, including the former liberation fighters and cautioned the leader not to divide people in the country through “insults.”
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