News Agencies|Two Nigerian men that deal on drugs have lost their lives after the drugs they swallowed burst during a flight from Brazil to Ethiopia.
The deceased, identified as Chigozie Pascal Aniagbado and Chijioke Chidioka Ogbuefi, died before an emergency landing, despite the fact that emergency first aid was performed on them.
Narrating how it happened, an eyewitness said: “I was in an Ethiopian Airline from Brazil to Ethiopia. My seat number falls at the middle of two men.
The flight was 12hrs. The young man at my right asked me to check the flight map to know how far we had gone which I did. We were already half the journey.
Then he said to me “do you speak Igbo,” I said “yes.” He said he doesn’t know if he would make this journey that it seems the drugs he swallowed must have exceeded its stay in his system.
Then my mind sank. I began to shiver. He said ‘don’t be scared, it’s not in the bag, it is inside my body.’ He said I should stand and get him water, but I refused because I was scared he might insert something in my bag.
I had to wave for the air hostess to come. She came and served him water. He demanded for food, he was given. He became calm. Few minutes later, he brought an olive oil from his bag and drank.
Then he started shivering and fell down. That was when all the doctors in the plane assembled, questioning, asking his country and tribe.
He was able to open up that he swallowed drugs. The doctors had to put him on oxygen, then the other also started shivering.
Because of them, we were to have an emergency landing. The pilots said no matter their crime, it’s their priority to keep them alive. However, eventually lost the battle.”
AFRICAN leaders on Saturday converged at the National Sports Stadium to mourn Zimbabwe’s late former President Robert Mugabe whom they described as one of the greatest leaders of all time.
Both current and former presidents from Africa and beyond acknowledged that the Mugabe wrestled for African freedom during the liberation struggle in the 1960s till the time of his death.
Mugabe, who ruled Zimbabwe for 37 years, died aged 95 on 6 September, 2019.
Former Ghanaian President Jerry Rawlings told mourners that Mugabe was one of the greatest leaders of Africa and nationals from his country.
He remembered him for his contribution in Africa’s struggle for freedom, justice and dignity and his moral values.
“Mugabe was not only a teacher but most of all his impressive moral values. Our enduring affection for Mugabe was equally rooted from not only growing up as brotherhood but by marrying Sarah Francesca Hayfron, the wife of his youth now buried at the National Heroes Acre who supported him with her energy.
“Mugabe never lost his sharpness and direction,” said Rawlings.
Kenya’s Uhuru Kenyatta also spoke highly of the man who Zimbabweans wanted out of power for failing to run the economy.
“An intellectual giant, firm and steadfast in solving African problems. He was unwavering in finding solutions. A Pan-Africanist and a great icon of the African continent and visionary leader who was a relentless champion of freedom,” Kenyatta said.
He reminded fellow African leaders that the onus was now on them to keep the light on.
Kenyatta urged regional leaders to be united and safe-guard against negative influence and manipulation that may erode the continent’s common values.
Saharawi Republic President Ibrahim G thanked the late President for his effort to have Africa occupy its rightful place in the world.
“One of the leaders of Africa Mugabe was a freedom fighter who supported Saharawi people to get their freedom and fought for unconditional contribution to the continent’s liberation struggle,” he said.
Mugabe’s best friend Equatorial Guinea President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo said, “Today the whole of Africa is mourning the loss of a great fighter. It is true, he was the African icon against apartheid, colonialism and neo-liberalism.
“Mugabe was a defender of human dignity worldwide, defender of sovereignty rights of the people of Zimbabwe.”
South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa was booed as he tried to express his condolence message and had to be forced to apologise for the xenophobic attacks in South Africa that have resulted in 12 deaths foreign nationals.
MDC president Nelson Chamisa has condemned the kidnapping of the Zimbabwe Hospital Doctors Association (ZHDA) Acting President Dr Peter Magombeyi.
Dr Magombaeyi was abducted around 10 PM on Saturday night and has not been seen since.
In a statement, Chamisa bemoaned the abduction and called for the implementation of political reforms to prevent such acts from happening. He said:
It breaks my heart knowing that the family of Dr Peter Magombeyi is terrified of what is happening to their loved one.
Dr Magombeyi’s crime is only to ask for a living wage for his profession.
This is a reflection of the troubles born out of the refusal to implement Political Reforms.
Meanwhile, doctors have vowed to embark on demonstrations in all public hospitals in protest over the forced disappearance of Dr Magombeyi. ZHDA secretary-general, Mthabisi Bhebhe said:
Tomorrow all government hospitals will be operating without a single doctor. There are scheduled mass protests against the BRUTAL DISAPPEARANCE of Dr Magombeyi who has gone missing for close to 24 hours now. Demonstrations will start at 1000AM in all Central Hospitals.
State Media|News that the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) has decided to inject more cash into circulation is good for all and sundry. It is also good for industry and the country, given current illicit deals involving cash.
Currently, there is $15 billion in circulation in the country and that is not enough, as confirmed by how dealers are taking advantage and selling cash as a commodity on the market.
We greatly take it that RBZ Governor Dr John Mangudya has realised what we discovered long back, that people are being swindled of their hard earned cash by dealers who are charging up to a 40 percent premium to get cash from plastic money transactions.
In fact, people with plastic money are being sold cash, at extremely high premiums, disenfranchising them of their buying power.
Worse still, most of the shops now have a two-tier pricing regime, having different charges for goods purchased in cash and those purchased with plastic money. Some shops have even designated some goods for cash only and others for both plastic and cash sales. There is no doubt that this is a major cause for inflation and distortion of prices.
How one ends up being sold money is a complex conundrum for the ordinary person. Among the goods sold strictly on cash are the very basic commodities, which the dealers know you cannot do without.
Admittedly the country needs to move away from over-dependence on cash transactions in line with world economic and trade trends, but there are certainly many instances, incidences and services that need to be transacted in cash. We cannot take that away.
The private commuter omnibus sector is a case in point. It is still largely running on cash basis.
While the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe is moving to curtail cash shortages by releasing more cash into the market, it is a national responsibility for all to deal fairly and avoid abusing the cash.
EcoCash, the host of the main platform outside the use of banking cards, has been abused by many businesspeople and entities and we think Econet Wireless should put in place mechanism to thwart those abusing their facility.
The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission should also descend on those who abuse the finance system. It is fact not fiction that big retailers, wholesalers, fuel service stations supermarkets, individuals who are fluid with cash and other companies with access to cash are the ones fuelling the selling of cash. Many people dealing with the selling of cash at the high premium are actually sponsored by big companies and this is now common practice.
There is need for a blitz involving ZACC and police.
Yes, the RBZ can increase the circulation and soon we run into the same trap. There is need to come up with punitive measures for those buying and selling cash at a premium.
We know as a matter of monetary policy that cash and plastic money have the same value.
But the unscrupulous among us have abrogated themselves the powers to give different value to plastic money and cash.
We are sure that as a country we should not afford that pricing regime. In fact, we do not need it.
We also know that the current two tier pricing regime has worked against the elderly, the pensioners and most rural communities, among other groups that have been excluded from fully participating in the national economy because of proximity.
Suffice to say, what is happening will lead to a national economic disaster if it is not nipped in the bud, urgently.
For starters it undermines the confidence of the national legal tender that was introduced recently and at the same time promotes illegal dealings. We shudder to think where the two-tier pricing regime can help this country given the 40 percent gap it has created on the pricing regime.
We therefore, call for RBZ to work very closely with ZACC, the police, Econet Wireless, Zimbabwe and all other stakeholders to deal with this problem.
News24|While the Zimbabwean government and former president Robert Mugabe’s family had indicated plans to take his remains to Zvimba, his home village following his Saturday funeral, this was ditched on Sunday morning.
His nephew Leo Mugabe confirmed this, amid reports that former First Lady Grace Mugabe was feeling unwell.
“The information that I have coming from the chiefs in Zvimba is that the coming of the president has been postponed for tomorrow ten o’clock,” he told journalists, adding there must be a good reason for the postponement.
Meanwhile numerous Zimbabweans said they did not attend Mugabe’s funeral because of other commitments but that they had taken other opportunities to honour the former liberation hero.
Scenes of a near-empty 60 000 capacity national sports stadium shocked many across the continent as Zimbabwe bid its final farewell to the man who led the country for 37 years. His nephew expressed some disappointment, saying he did not “expect it to be this empty”.
Mugabe died last week in Singapore where he had been receiving medical attention for around three months.
“I work at a place that is open every single day. I couldn’t make it to the sports stadium because of that but I went to Rufaro to pay my respects to our father on Thursday,” said one Zimbabwean, who asked not to be named.
Mugabe’s remains arrived in Zimbabwe on Wednesday and laid in state at Rufaro Stadium for two days so members of the public could pay their respects.
“No, I didn’t go to his funeral. I had to attend to my work, in this economy I cannot afford to take time to go to the stadium,” said a woman, who wanted to remain anonymous.
Several Zimbabweans refused to be named claiming they could become targeted by their own government but insisted they did not stay away from the memorial service because they had any animosity towards Mugabe.
“We were told this was for just the heads of state, so we understood to not have been really wanted there,” said a lady who lived a stone’s throw from the national sport stadium.
There has also been tensions between the Mugabe family and the Zimbabwean government, with the family publicly rebuking President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government for planning the former leader’s funeral without consulting them, in a statement.
The standoff was resolved just hours leading up to the planned funeral, with Mugabe’s nephew telling journalists the leader would be buried after thirty days at Heroes’ Acre, but in line with the wishes of village elders of where he came from.
This after the family and the chiefs from his home village of Zvimba said he wished to be laid to rest in his home village where his mother had been laid to rest.
There have also been questions about his widow’s future, with some unsure whether she would remain in Zimbabwe without her beloved husband. Grace had previously been accused of using Mugabe to attack Mnangagwa and had labelled the current president a coup plotter in 2017, when her husband’s reign crashed, and he took over.
Mnangagwa hailed her and told her that he would always support her.
“Be rest assured that you will continue to have my support and that of my government, in these moments of grief,” said Mnangagwa.
According to reports some of the Mugabe family’s allies have refused to return to their homeland to bury the former statesmen out of fear of being targeted by Mnangagwa’s government.
Numerous heads of state attended the Saturday government memorial service including South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa and two former presidents Thabo Mbeki and Jacob Zuma.
South Africans have come out en masse to ask for forgiveness following xenophic attacks in the county in the last two weeks.
According to a video making rounds on social media, the South Africans carried banners asking for forgiveness from other African countries after weeks of Xenophobic attacks.
Here is the social media video below:
The South Africans sang as they marched through the streets and also held up a banner which called for unity among Africans, weeks after the attacks which led to destruction of properties and looting of shops owned by foreigners.
This is coming after the President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa dispatched a special envoy to seven African countries to deliver a solidarity message and also brief each country’s government on the South African government’s effort to address the xenophobic attacks.
A MAN from Fort Rixon in Insiza District, who chopped off his father’s head with an axe for allegedly stealing his mangoes, escaped the agony of a lengthy custodial sentence or death sentence after the High Court declared him insane.
Clemence Hove (38) of Maturi village, under Chief Jahana area struck Mr Hlupho Chibaro (73) with a log before chopping off his head with an axe in January last year.
He appeared before Bulawayo High Court judge, Justice Maxwell Takuva, facing a murder charge.
Justice Takuva ruled that Hove could not be held legally responsible for his actions as he was mentally disturbed at the time of killing his father.
The judge returned a special verdict of not guilty to the charge because of insanity in terms of the Mental Health Act.
“The psychiatrists’ reports depict a disturbing background of the accused person. Although the reports say you are fit to stand trial, they highlight that the accused has a mental disorder and from the evidence before this court, we are satisfied that you committed the murder because of insanity.”
Justice Takuva said Hove was a danger to his family and society and ordered him to undergo further treatment at a mental health institution.
“The court therefore returns a special verdict of not guilty in terms of section 29 (2) of the Mental Health Act. Accordingly, it is ordered that the accused person returns to prison for transfer to a special institution for treatment. You are a danger to your family and society in general,” ruled the judge.
The prosecutor, Mr Khumbulani Ndlovu said on January 25 last year at about 6AM, Hove went to his father’s homestead and upon arrival found his sister-in-law, Ms Fortunate Hove who told him that Mr Chibaro had gone out in the bush to look for his missing cattle.
The court heard that Hove decided to wait for his father to return.
“When the deceased returned home six hours later, the accused person confronted him and started accusing him of stealing mangoes from his orchard,” said Mr Ndlovu.
The court heard that an altercation ensued between the two men resulting in Hove picking a wooden hoe handle which was lying on the ground.
He struck the deceased three times on the head and he fell down.
While the deceased was lying on the ground, Hove took an axe and chopped off his father’s head leading to his death.
According to the post mortem report the cause of death was decapitation, subarachnoid haemorrhage, assault and chop wounds.
The matter was reported to the police leading to Hove’s arrest.
In his defence through his lawyer Ms Abigail Masawi of Abigail Masawi Law Chambers, argued that he was mentally unstable at the time of committing the offence.
6“The accused person was incapable of appreciating his own act and thus lacked the prerequisite mental element for a person to be held guilty of a crime due to insanity, which had somehow been exacerbated by a prolonged use of alcohol and cannabis from an early age,” she argued.
A BULAWAYO man who was arrested two weeks ago for allegedly beating up his son to death before attempting to commit suicide has been released after a postmortem report concluded that the boy died from drinking poison.
Joseph Phiri from Sizinda suburb hit headlines last week allegedly for fatally assaulted his Form Two son Adam Phiri to death before attempting to commit suicide.
Phiri has since been released from police custody following the postmortem report.
“What we have is information obtained through a post-mortem report whose findings concluded that the boy died from consuming a poisonous substance. There were no visible marks that he could have been assaulted. Even the police officers who attended the scene did not observe any marks pointing to the fact that he was assaulted. However, we are still investigating a case of sudden death. At the moment his father has been released from police custody,” said Asst Insp Msebele.
Sources said Phiri’s release has sparked outrage from residents who believed that he killed his son.
A resident who spoke on condition of anonymity said most of the residents boycotted the boy’s burial last Thursday.
“Those who attended the burial refused to eat the family’s prepared meal as per custom associated with burials. They are also questioning why Phiri tried to commit suicide by drinking a poisonous substance if he had nothing to answer?” said a resident. “Some of residents still believe he has a case to answer as was claimed before. They are others who still believe that he killed his son.”
Phiri’s family refused to comment on the matter when The Chronicle approached them for comment.
“I only came here when everything had happened. So I don’t know what really transpired. As such I cannot comment on the matter,” said one of the relatives.
Ward 21 councillor, Tinevimbo Maposa, whose area covers Sizinda suburb said he is aware of the confusion regarding the boy’s death.
“I wasn’t around when it happened but yesterday (Thursday) I met the family who revealed that the post-mortem report concluded that the boy died from poisoning. I’m also aware that residents seem to be unhappy that he (Phiri) was released by the police. As a result they protested the decision in various ways,” said Clr Maposa.
A source last week said Phiri allegedly beat up his son after he broke a neighbour’s window pane.
ZANU-PF has expressed gratitude to world leaders, other foreign dignitaries and the generality of Zimbabweans for paying tribute to the country’s late former, President Robert Mugabe, during a State funeral service in Harare.
The party also welcomed the statement by South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, denouncing the barbaric attacks on other African nationals by citizens of his country.
Sitting and former presidents from various African countries, diplomats and special envoys on Saturday attended the funeral service of the late icon of the liberation struggle at the National Sports Stadium.
In a statement yesterday, Zanu-PF national spokesperson Simon Khaya Moyo said the huge turnout by the Heads of State and former presidents and special envoys from across Africa and beyond, demonstrated the works of Mugabe, which had illuminated the world, notably the land reform programme and indigenous economic empowerment.
“The revolutionary party Zanu-PF extends great appreciation to world leaders, special envoys, international delegations, local political players and the generality of Zimbabweans across the divide who graced the momentous State send-off service for our dearly departed, Zimbabwe’s founding father, liberation war luminary of record, an unflinching international towering giant and former President Cde Robert Gabriel Mugabe at the giant National Sports Stadium on 13th September 2019,” he said.
“The strong attendance by Heads of State, their predecessors, Prime Ministers and special envoys from across Africa and beyond, demonstrate how the life and works of former President Mugabe had illuminated the world and awoken African consciousness through his policies on land reform and indigenous empowerment.”
Khaya Moyo said the outpouring of grief from the leaders at the ceremony reflected respect, excellent fraternal and cordial relations both present and past global leaders shared with Mugabe during his tenure of office.
“The scene at the Rufaro Stadium on the 12th and 13th of September 2019 where multitudes of people stampeded to bid farewell to the late Cde Mugabe and the subsequent crowds at the giant the National Sports Stadium attests to the fact that he was a great revolutionary of impeccable liberation credentials,” he said.
Khaya Moyo said the ruling party also extends its profound gratitude to President Mnangagwa for the exemplary leadership he demonstrated since the death of Cde Mugabe including the assistance he rendered to him and his family throughout his illness.
“Zimbabwe will forever cherish the overwhelming show of sympathy from our brothers and sisters at this moment of grief and their acknowledgment of the sacrifices of the late Cde Mugabe in dismantling colonialism in its various manifestations, not only in Zimbabwe but beyond. The attendance at the send-off service was indeed befitting of the stature of a statesman,” he said.
Khaya Moyo said the late national hero’s name will be remembered as that of a fearless and committed leader who espoused unflinching Pan African values and quest to see a free and emancipated Africa.
“His name will always be mentioned in the same breath as Samora Machel, Julius Nyerere, Kenneth Kaunda, Sam Nujoma and many other great names of our struggle for political and economic emancipation,” he said.
The family of the late former President Mugabe has also thanked Zimbabweans for commiserating with them during the loss of the country’s founding father.
Mugabe (95) died in Singapore on Friday, September 6 and has since been declared a national hero.
CIVIL servants have called on the Government to set a framework that safeguards the value of salaries following the latest adjustments that have triggered significant price increases.
Government last month increased civil servants’ salaries by a massive 76 percent, a development that saw the lowest paid worker earning $1 023 up from $582.
However, the development saw prices of basic commodities being increased by up to 100 percent last week, thereby pushing the prices beyond the reach of many.
Apex Council president, Mrs Cecilia Alexander, called on the Government to intervene and to protect civil servants.
She said while they appreciated Government’s efforts to improve their conditions of service they were concerned about the tendency by the business sector to hike prices immediately after salaries are increased.
“What is happening in the market is unacceptable and Government must step in. When civil servants receive increments, prices of basic commodities and services shoot up.
“Retailers and service providers don’t even care how much increment was received, they simply review their prices upwards,” said Mrs Alexander.
She said the price increases were defeating the purpose of them receiving salary increments.
She added that salary negotiations between the Government and the Apex Council would continue, with the civil servants’ umbrella body expecting salaries that match the prevailing exchange rates.
“We didn’t conclude the salary negotiations. We don’t have dates yet but we’ll continue and we hope that the Government will consider our requests.
“Our position is that salaries should be matched by the current interbank market rates because all prices have gone up by that factor,” said Mrs Alexander. Last month, civil servants pegged their demand at $4 750 for the least paid worker but Government offered $1 023 and agreed to come back to the negotiating table.
Apart from the various monetary incentives to cushion the civil servants, Government introduced non-monetary incentives such as affordable medical aid and pension schemes and housing facilities.
State Media|THE body of the former President Robert Mugabe is expected at his rural home in Zvimba today to afford people to bid farewell to him, family spokesperson Mr Leo Mugabe has said.
The body was initially set to be taken to Zvimba yesterday, but the programme changed due to other pressing issues.
In an interview at Mugabe’s rural homestead in Zvimba yesterday, Mr Mugabe said the body leaves Harare at 10am.
“We have been informed by Chief Zvimba, that the programme has changed. So I was told to inform the gathering of the changes to the programme.
“However, we were not informed of the reasons for the postponement. The body was supposed to be here today. As you can see, thousands of people have already gathered here to bid farewell to their own son.
“I am not sure what caused the postponement. I heard the former First Lady Grace Mugabe wanted to rest. Like any other human being she needs a rest,” he said.
Mr Mugabe said the body might go to Zvimba by road as requested by Norton residents and people from other surrounding areas.
“We will inform those leading the proceedings on the latest development. Our plan was to have his body come by road to enable people from Norton and other surrounding areas to pay last respects to their former President.
“Some might not get transport to ferry them to Zvimba, so we are organising that the body passes through by road,” he said.
Mr Mugabe said after the rural proceedings, the body will be taken to a mortuary, where it will lie in state for about 30 days to pave way for the construction of a mausoleum at the National Heroes Acre.
Former President Mugabe will be buried in the mausoleum that is being constructed on top of a hill at the national shrine.
Government, on Friday, conferred the leader the special honour, a first at the national shrine.
“Thereafter, we will take the body, on Tuesday, back (to Harare) and take it to the mortuary for preservation for roughly 30 days until the Heroes Acre is ready” he said.
Mnangagwa in the Mugabe colonial bling on way to parliament opening
State Media|President Mnangagwa will officially open the Second Session of the Ninth Parliament on October 1 and layout the legislative agenda.
The opening of the Second Session marks the end of the First Session of the Ninth Parliament, which saw at least 15 Bills out of 30 Bills presented.
In a statement, Parliament of Zimbabwe said the Head of State and Government and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, President Mnangagwa would unveil a new legislative agenda next month.
“His Excellency, President E.D Mnangagwa will officially open the Second Session of the Ninth Parliament on October 1, 2019 at noon in the National Assembly,” said Parliament.
At least 30 Bills were expected to be tabled in the First Session of the Ninth Parliament.
The legislative agenda that had been set out by President Mnangagwa mainly focused on improving the business climate in the country and entrench democratic values.
Movers of the Bills will have to seek Parliament to reinstate outstanding Bills at the stage they were by the end of the First Session.
Five Bills were passed by Parliament and two of them were signed into law while the other three are still waiting for Presidential assent.
Laws that were assented to are; the Shop Licence Amendment Act and the Tripartite Negotiating Forum Act; while the Consumer Protection Bill, Microfinance Amendment Bill and the Maintenance of Peace and Order Bill are still awaiting assent.
The TNF Act establishes the Tripartite Negotiating Forum that brings together Government, business and labour in a formal setting to discuss pertinent issues affecting the economy with the aim of preventing clashes that characterised relations of the three in the past.
The Shops Licence Act reduces bureaucracy in the establishment of businesses including creation of electronic platforms for applications of business licences while the Consumer Protection Bill seeks to protect consumer rights from unscrupulous businesses bent on profiteering at their expense and provides them mechanisms to seek recourse.
If passed into law, the Microfinance Bill will streamline the institutions from the current four recognised by the law to two that is credit-only micro-finance and deposit-taking micro-finance institutions. MOPA will repeal the Public Order and Security Act and open up democratic space and management of gatherings and demonstrations.
Some of the Bills that are at various stages of debate in Parliament include the Education Amendment Bill, Zimbabwe Investment Development Agency Bill, Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime (Amendment) Bill, Coroner’s Office Bill, Freedom of Information of Bill and the Marriages Bill.
BULAWAYO-based female referee, Blessing Mpande, failed the rigorous fitness test in the elite one-week referees’ course that was conducted by Fifa instructors Felix Tangawarima and Gregory Krzosek from Poland, who is also a fitness expert.
The course, that attracted 35 top referees was held at Elangeni Training Centre in Bulawayo and is a mandatory course for referees to undergo before nominations for the next batch of Fifa referees is announced.
Other referees that fell by the wayside include Hardley Ndazi, Tinashe Marange and the Fifa panel listed, Pilan Ncube.
Mpande, who had been handling matches almost on a weekly basis, will now have to wait for six weeks on the sidelines before undergoing the same test. In the meantime, she will not officiate any games.
“We were surprised when we read about the other three referees who failed the test, but didn’t see Mpande’s name.
“Maybe the officials wanted to shield her from publicity since she seems to be a favourite with some of them.
“She is a good referee, young and promising, and I’m sure her failure embarrassed the officials,” said an official.State media
President Mnangagwa yesterday passed good wishes to MDC-ALLIANCE on its 20th anniversary, adding that disagreements between his party and the opposition outfit bore testimony to the existence of democracy in Zimbabwe.
MDC was formed in September 1999 with former Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) secretary-general, the late Mr Morgan Tsvangirai, as founding president.
Writing on his Twitter handle yesterday, President Mnangagwa said; “Congratulations to @mdczimbabwe on your 20th anniversary this week. Though we have our differences, this is what democracy is all about. I look forward to many more years of debate and dialogue. Makorokoto! Amhlophe! “Wishing all the people of Zimbabwe a blessed Sunday.”State media
Police are treating seriously a report that a leader of the Zimbabwe Hospital Doctors’ Association (ZHDA) was abducted by three unidentified armed men from his home at the weekend.
According to reports Dr Peter Magombeyi, president of ZHDA was allegedly abducted by three men, days after receiving threats on his phone. The incident allegedly occurred in Budiriro, where he stays.
Police have confirmed receiving the report, which it said was filed at 10.20am yesterday.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police is investigating a report received from an informant that the Acting President of the Zimbabwe Hospital Doctors Association (ZHDA), Dr Peter Magombeyi, was last night abducted by three armed unidentified men in Budiriro, Harare,” said national police spokesman Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said in a statement.
He said police are appealing to members of the public with information to contact any nearest police station or the National Complaints Desk on 0242 703 631 or WhatsApp number 0712 800 197 or Harare Operations telephone number 0242 748 836.State media
ZANU-PF has title to former President Robert Mugabe’s houses — the imposing Blue Roof mansion in Borrowdale and a Mount Pleasant property occupied by his daughter, Bona, details have emerged.
Mugabe family spokesperson Mr Leo Mugabe confirmed yesterday that Zimbabwe’s late founding father did not own the houses.
President Mnangagwa is now working on modalities to transfer the title deeds of the two houses to Mugabe’s family.
Addressing journalists in Zvimba yesterday, Mr Mugabe said: “The issue of properties is being handled by the President. He is handling the issue to ensure the family is safe.
“I was told by President Mnangagwa that the party will help to transfer the title deeds of the properties to the former President’s family. I do not want to jeopardise the process.”
Mr Mugabe said ZANU-PF owned the land on which the two houses were constructed.
“It’s so funny. The party (ZANU-PF) is the one that bought the first house in Mt Pleasant and the land for the Blue Roof property. It leaves the former President Mugabe without a house in Harare,” he said. ZANU-PF secretary for Administration Dr Obert Mpofu confirmed the development, saying the party was doing the paperwork to transfer the properties.
“The process is currently underway to transfer them to the (Mugabe) family,” said Dr Mpofu.State media
Kaizer Chiefs suffered their first defeat of the ABSA Premiership when they were beaten by Polokwane City at home today.
Ernst Middendorp’s charges had not lost this season in the league but the German coach’s decision to leave Zimbabwean winger Khama Billiat on the bench once again sparked debate.
Jabulani Maluleke’s early spot kick proved to decisive for Rise and Shine in handing Amakhosi their first lose of the 2019-20 campaign.Soccer24
The country’s success is inevitable owing to the rich and enduring legacy of “solid education”, the land reform programme and economic empowerment initiatives laid by Robert Mugabe, President Emmerson Mnangagwa has said.
The onus of the new crop of leaders, he said, was to continue the rich heritage of the continent’s founding fathers through “challenging an unfair world, opposing injustice, racism and all forms of oppression of man by man”.
In his tribute to the country’s founding father at a State Funeral held at the National Sports Stadium in Harare yesterday, the President said Mugabe’s legacy is a springboard for economic development.
“As Zimbabwe, we shall ride on the education and high literacy levels bequeathed to us by our late great teacher and educator.
“As a visionary, he understood the importance of solid education, as well as science and technology in the future world. As Africa, let us find our niche within the fast unfolding Fourth Industrial Revolution, leveraging in our youthful population, abundant, untapped natural resources and expansive combined market,” said President Mnangagwa.
“As Africa boldly operationalises the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), let us be emboldened by the ideas of the late Cde Mugabe, who was one of the consistent champions of African unity, industrialisation, intra-Africa trade, as well as regional and continental integration.”State media
Farai Dziva|Emmerson Mnangagwa has described his former boss Robert Mugabe as a giant African tree that has fallen.
“There is no place in our modern world for unilateral punitive sanctions imposed in pursuit of selfish interests, undue influence and colonial-time expansionism.
As we mourn our revolutionary icon, we call for the unconditional and immediate lifting of the sanctions imposed on us.
“We invite the world to work and walk with us into a brighter future for our people, our region and the continent. A Zimbabwe free of the albatross of sanctions is indeed of greater benefit to the world,” he said.
In his moving tribute to his predecessor, Mnangagwa described Mugabe as a “giant African tree that has fallen”.
“He taught a generation, led a nation, inspired a continent, spoke for the oppressed and defined the politics and economics of an epoch. The man who lies before us was for years our leader, our commander, mentor and President, both in the party and Government.”
CHARLES MANYUCHI’s head might have endured hundreds of punches since his professional debut a decade ago, but only one date is etched in the boxer’s memory.
Four years ago, on July 30, 2015, Manyuchi realised his long cherished dream of meeting former President Robert Mugabe, when he was treated to a royal bash, before walking out of State House US$50 000 richer.
The State House bash was organised after Manyuchi had knocked out Gianluca Frezza of Italy to retain the World Boxing Council International welterweight title in Sequals on July 17, 2015.
Manyuchi was 26 at the time and his career was on an upwards trajectory.
Manyuchi is now 30 and in search of a road to recovery after losing his WBC belts.
Former President Mugabe is also gone and the boxer is seeking a way to appease the spirit of Zimbabwe’s founding father, who passed away on September 6.
Manyuchi has a crucial fight on September 28. The bout could enhance his status on the international boxing arena.
He takes on Diego Diaz Gallardo of Argentina for the vacant World Boxing Federation world middleweight title at the Harare International Conference Centre in a fight that he is dedicating to the late former President Mugabe.
“Everyone knows how the late former President Mugabe appreciated my boxing talent. At one time, I was invited to the State House and got a whopping US$50 000, that was a lot of money.
“So, as I prepare to take on Gallardo, I am motivated by the need to do it (win) in remembrance of the late former President Mugabe.
“The good thing is that President Emmerson Mnangagwa is also very supportive of my boxing career, he has often given me words of encouragement and my wish is that, if time permits, may the President be present at Harare International Conference to witness the demolition of Gallardo.
“I was down yes, but I am certainly not out.
Manyuchi is rising again and I am doing this for the pride of my beloved nation,” Manyuchi said.State media
SIX men from Ngundu in Masvingo have been arrested, while one is on the run after they allegedly beat up a suspected burglar with switches until he died.
Masvingo police spokesman Chief Inspector Charity Mazula said the six men assaulted Doubt Bhusvumani (44) of Gudo Village under Chief Neshuro at Musvure Village with switches until he passed on last week.
She said the body of the deceased was taken to Masvingo General Hospital mortuary for post-mortem.
“I can confirm the murder of a man from Neshuro in Mwenezi who was assaulted to death by seven men around Ngundu area in Chivi. We have since arrested six of the suspects and one is still at large. The deceased was killed over burglary allegation,” said Chief Insp Mazula.
Chief Insp Mazula said the six that have been arrested are Edwin Mikia (29), Malvin Kabenge (28), Bright Bumhudza (32), Tapiwa Kuipa (35), Lazarus Ngwenya (53), John Makufa (53) and Tranos Chapanda.State media
The row between feuding Apostolic Faith Mission (AFM) groups has escalated with congregants at the church’s branch in Avondale, Harare, reportedly threatening to lock out their pastor who stays there.
The group is also threatening to disrupt church services.
Some of the AFM members are said to have locked out Pastor Vitalis Panganai Makarichi from the church premises at No. 38 Aberdeen Road, Avondale.
A group believed to be led by John Gotora stormed the church premises on September 8 and demanded that Pastor Makarichi vacate the premises, claiming they were the rightful persons to conduct business at the church.
They are said to have also disrupted a church service that was being conducted on the day in question and threatened to lock all the premises “until further notice’’, saying no church business should be conducted at the place.
Irked by the group’s actions, Pastor Makarichi made an urgent chamber application at the High Court, seeking a spoliation order against Gotora and his followers.
Pastor Makarichi cited Gotora, Flex Nyabadza, Oliver Mutasa, Rangarirai Machemedze and Levi Hoja as respondents in the matter.
In his application, Pastor Makarichi claimed he has been presiding over church services and other related programmes at the church since 2006.
“The respondents were once congregant members of the church that I pastor. Due to differences, factions developed in the church and the respondents joined a faction which decided to move out of the premises and conduct church business from a different location.
“The respondents moved out of the church premises and started attending church at one of the recreational parks in Avondale. In the meantime, there was a pending litigation between leaders of the two factions. The judgment was handed down in favour of the leaders of the faction whom the respondents belong to.
“As a result of the said judgment and the letter from the respondents’ leadership dated September 6, 2019, the respondents invaded the church premises on the 8th of September 2019 and alleged that they were the legitimate owners of the premises and had the right to use the same to the exclusion of the applicant and his congregants,” he said.
Pastor Makarichi said only a court order will remove him from the church premises or stop him from conducting church business.
His application added that on September 8, Gotora and other congregants stormed the church and ordered him to suspend church services.
“The directive was given by law enforcement agents and as a law-abiding citizen I was compelled to act accordingly, though I was not entirely in agreement as to its correctness,” he claimed.
In a related matter, a group led by Bishop Aspher Madziyire has also filed an urgent application for leave to execute the judgment made by judge Justice David Mangota that nullified the resolutions of last year’s council meeting.
This was after another group led by Rev Cossam Chiangwa filed a notice of appeal at the Supreme Court, against the High Court judgment.
The AFM church was cited as the first applicant while Amon Dubie Madawo, Clever Mupakaidzwa, Briton Tembo, Christopher Chemhuru, Aspher Madziyire, Tawanda Nyambirai and Munyaradzi Shumba were the other applicants.
Chiangwa, Amon Chinyemba, Nathan Nhira, Donald Ndoni, Arthur Nhamburo, M. Shumba and Shepherd Sebata were cited as respondents. – state media
The Zimbabwe Republic Police has suggested that the abductors of of the president of the Zimbabwe Hospital Doctors Association president Peter Magombeyi are a mere Third Force.
In a statement yesterday, National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said they received a report from an informant yesterday morning. “The Zimbabwe Republic Police is investigating a report received from an informant that the acting president of the Zimbabwe Hospital Doctors’ Association (ZHDA), Dr Peter Magombeyi, was on last (Saturday) night abducted by three armed unidentified men in Budiriro Suburb. The report was made at 10.20AM this (yesterday) morning,” he said,
Asst Comm Nyathi said while they were seized with the matter, they have however, noted that there was a possibility that the alleged abductions could be for political expedience.
He said they could not rule out the possibility of a third force behind the alleged abductions aimed at tarnishing the image of the country.
“We have noted with concern that previously there were a number of alleged abductions ahead of the Sadc Summit recently held in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania. The possibility of a third force being involved in the alleged abductions for political expedience and to sustain the human rights abuse narrative ahead of the forthcoming United Nations General Assembly cannot be ruled out,” he said.
Asst Comm Nyathi expressed concern over the constant abuse of social media and warned that those who peddle falsehoods through social media would face the wrath of the law.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police further notes the continued abuse of social media to propagate falsehoods including the unconfirmed reports of abductions with a view of tarnishing the image of the country and in the process compromise the security and safety of Zimbabweans. The above notwithstanding, the police assures members of the public that a team is investigating the report which has been made by a ZHDA representative,” said the police spokesperson.
Former Dynamos goalkeeper Tatenda Mkuruva reportedly made an unobserved move to the U.S from Zambian side Buildcon FC and is even now captaining his side Michigan Stars.
The 23-year-old, who at some point was the Warriors first choice goalkeeper and even played for Zimbabwe at AFCON 2017, reportedly made the move in March.
Michigan Stars play in the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) which is the fourth tier league, behind the Major Soccer League (MSL) the USL Championship (USLC) and the USL League One (USL1).
According to The Standard, Mukuruva has even been given the armband at his team due to good perfomances and exemplary behaviour.Soccer24
By Own Correspondent| Zimbabweans who are some of the victims of xenophobic attacks currently stranded at Tsolo Hall in Joburg, yesterday said they have been threatened with eviction.
This came as a Monday (today) deadline approached.
South African Home Affairs as well as embassy officials are expected here today to issue oapers to the last batch of victims.
ZimEye had to plead with a council official on Sunday afternoon to allow Zimbabweans a few more days stay as their travel papers are prepared.
” I really dont know what to do now because we have been told that we have to be out of this place by Monday,” a female victim told ZimEye. The council worker assured ZimEye, noone would be kicked out.
Over 54 Zimbabweans have requested assistance to return home. The Zimbabwean embassy has said they will be there today to attend victims. The list includes children and their mothers.
Aside the Zimbabweans, there are hundreds of other Aftican nationals housed over about 10 days ever since the attacks began.
Zimbabwe’s acting Consul General to South Africa, Mr Murahwa told ZimEye, “We are scheduled to return there tomorrow as a follow up; We will assess the situation and update you.”
Last week Thursday the embassy assisted over 96 Zimbabweans to return home. Zimbabweans is reliably told there are many others not part of the batch at Tsolo Hall who would like to return home.
Below were the LIVE scene as ZimEye carried out engagement interviews:
ORIGINAL LIVE FOOTAGE:
VIDEO LOADING BELOW….
JUST IN – in 10 min: Following the evacuation of xenophobia victims from SA on Thursday, more Zimbabweans are now coming up asking for assistance. We shall be going LIVE in JoBurg shortly as we hear from them, what their opportunities, challenges, and fears are … @InfoMinZW
Norman Mapeza has revealed his next move following his departure at FC Platinum.
The Zvishavane-based club announced on Thursday that their long-serving coach is leaving through a mutual separation agreement.
Mapeza had spent five years at the Platinum Boys, winning two successive league titles and reaching the group stages of the prestigious CAF Champions League.
According to Herald journalist Robson Sharuko, the coach will not take any offer until the end of the year.
“I have spoken to Mapeza, he says it was his decision he needed a rest, won’t take a job until the end of the year, no bad blood between him and FC Platinum, and will only consider offers in January,” Sharuko said on Twitter.Soccer 24
Farai Dziva|The coach of ZPC Kariba has accused Dynamos of using “bully boy” tactics in yesterday’s Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match.
“These guys (Dynamos), like last time in the reverse fixture, they never came to play football.
We played well in their second half but we wasted numerous chances. Credit to their keeper, he saved their penalty.
“As for the title, it’s one game at a time. We are moving in the right direction. The title issue is not what we discussed at the start of the season.
“On the penalty issue, that was not controversial at all, that was a clear penalty, my keeper retaliated stupidly,” the coach told The Sunday Mail.
Dynamos coach Tonderai Ndiraya, who has now guided the Mbare side to 11 games without a defeat, also heaped praises on ZPC but thinks it is still too early to talk about which teams are favourites for the title.
However, Ndiraya questioned ZPC’s penalty and Tigere’s red card.
“We were on the back foot after that red card, which I think wasn’t justified. A yellow card was young to be sufficient.
“Playing a man down against ZPC Kariba becomes difficult, butUl credit to the boys, they fought for the point. We were not in a good physical condition.
“I thought the last one wasn’t a penalty, credit to Chinani for saving it. It’s difficult to come here and get a point, like I said you are playing against the distance.
I think ZPC Kariba have done well given that they have travelled longt distances every two weeks,” Ndiraya told the publication.
Ndiraya said he will only start talking about the title once his team wins three games on the trot..
Over 54 Zimbabweans running away from xenophobic attacks submitted their names on Sunday seeking to return home.
They spoke over Simba Chikanza’s live program this afternoon and below were some of the engagements:
EDITED FOOTAGE:
ORIGINAL LIVE FOOTAGE:
VIDEO LOADING BELOW….
JUST IN – in 10 min: Following the evacuation of xenophobia victims from SA on Thursday, more Zimbabweans are now coming up asking for assistance. We shall be going LIVE in JoBurg shortly as we hear from them, what their opportunities, challenges, and fears are … @InfoMinZW
By A Correspondent- The government has condemned the abduction of Zimbabwe Hospital Doctors Association Acting President (ZHDA), Dr Peter Magombeyi, saying it has engaged the police to immediately institute investigations.
Dr Magombeyi was allegedly abducted on Saturday night by three men and has not been seen since.
Minister of Health and Child Care Minister, Obediah Moyo said:
“We have been made aware of the reported disappearance of Dr Peter Magombeyi the Acting President of the Zimbabwe Hospital Doctors Association and our employee at Harare Hospital in the case of a reported kidnapping. As the Ministry of Health and Childcare, we are alarmed by this.
I have therefore personally engaged the State Security agencies who have undertaken to deploy resources to look for Dr Magombeyi and they are seized with this matter with no stone left unturned.
As the Minister responsible, my Ministry is concerned about the welfare, safety and well-being of all its cadres. We are taking this matter very seriously and we condemn any illegal acts by whosoever with the revulsion it deserves.
I appeal to all concerned, and his workmates to remain calm and direct all efforts towards assisting the police with information with a view to a quick and successful closure of this matter resulting in Dr Magombeyi’s safety and return to his family.”-StateMedia
VOA|Dozens of doctors marched at Zimbabwe’s biggest hospital on Sunday, demanding the release of a union boss believed to be abducted after calling for a pay strike.
Several government critics, including a comedian and a teachers’ union leader, have in recent weeks been abducted from their homes, tortured and warned by suspected state security agents to back off from anti-government actions.
The Zimbabwe Hospital Doctors Association (ZHDA) says their president, Peter Magombeyi, was abducted on Saturday, just days after he received threats on his phone.
His Vice President, Masimba Ndoro, said Magombeyi had alerted colleagues that three unidentified men were forcibly taking him away.
Senior ZHDA member Tapiwa Mungofa lead protesters in chants, saying: “No Peter, no work, we will not go back to work.”
The association represents hundreds of newly-qualified doctors who are doing their residencies.
The doctors, who earn less than $40 a month, want a review of their salaries and allowances.
Magombeyi had expressed concerns to journalists about the poor state of Zimbabwe’s hospitals.
Police spokesman Paul Nyathi says he has yet to receive details of the case.
By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN) joins Zimbabwe and the World at large in commemorating the International Day of Democracy on this 15th day of September 2019 running under the theme, “Participation.”
This day comes amid continued calls by civic society and institutions supporting democracy for multi-stakeholder efforts towards the promotion of inclusion, equal treatment, and participation in democratic governance issues by citizens to ensure sustainable peace and development.
Participation is perhaps the most critical tenet of democracy implied in the popular definition of democracy “rule of the people, by the people, for the people”.
In connection with this, Zimbabwe is signatory to a number of International and Regional Human Rights instruments and protocols, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights whose article 21 (3) particularly states that: “The will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of government; this will shall be expressed in periodic and genuine elections which shall be by universal and equal suffrage and shall be held by secret vote or by equivalent free voting procedures”.
Consistently, Section 3 (2) (f) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, under Founding Values and Principles reposes the authority to govern in the people of Zimbabwe. Section 2 (b) elaborates on the elements of the electoral system that include universal adult suffrage and free, fair, and regular elections.
This day presents ZESN with the opportunity to reiterate its calls for measures to ensure inclusive participation in elections, especially of women, People with Disabilities (PWDs), and youths in Zimbabwe.
Despite the fact that women constitute the demographic majority, and youths account for the largest voting population, their participation, especially as candidates, in elections has been very low.
This has resulted in the limited representation and participation of these important constituencies in the governance of the country.
ZESN is concerned with the civic space that is shrinking and therefore calls upon the Government to have meaningful Social Dialogue with Civic Society, Churches, and Media among others to ensure participation of all stakeholders in democratic electoral and governance issues.
The main goal of social dialogue is to promote consensus and building democratic involvement among main electoral stakeholders.
The Network has also petitioned Parliament on electoral reforms as part of efforts to lobby government to promote and enhance democracy, transparency, and an effective democratic electoral system by addressing gaps in the legal framework of elections.
The gaps include non-alignment of the Electoral Act with the Constitution with only amendments that have been piecemeal, diaspora voting; legal provisions in relation to political parties’ regulation and funding; electoral dispute resolution and mechanisms; political environment reforms, and the independence of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission among others.
ZESN remains committed to promoting democratic elections in Zimbabwe that are free and fair elections in line with international best practices and respect for human rights.
Mozambique’s national electricity firm will sell 50 megawatts of electricity to Zimbabwe, it was announced in Maputo on Thursday.
A memorandum on the deal was signed by the Mozambican company, EDM, and the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) in the Mozambican capital.
The EDM, which will get 4.6 million U.S. dollars a month under a two-year contract, will start providing the power within two weeks, EDM chairperson Ali Sicola said.
The deal will help ease Zimbabwe’s power shortage, and the two companies will look for additional sources of power, because the EDM cannot sell more than 50 megawatts, Sicola said.
“The entry of more electricity generated from renewable sources in the country, the photovoltaic plants, will help the country increase availability and improve conditions for increasing commercial responsiveness,” he said.
Patrick Chivaura, chairman of ZESA, said the agreement is a great relief for Zimbabwe, which is going through tough times.
The Zimbabwean company also announced the settlement of a 9 million dollar debt of a previous contract that expired in 2017. Enditem
Zimbabwe Hospital Doctors Association Acting President, Dr Peter Magombeyi
Artuz condemns in strongest terms the abduction of ZDHA President Peter Mugombeya. As a Union, we strongly feel and suspect that the abductors are State apparatus targeting the leadership of ZHDA for demanding a living wage.
ARTUZ Leadership has also been a target of abductions and torture at the hands of State agents.
As a Union, we are not going to fold hands as the State continues to abduct Activists and perceived Government opponents as such we are calling on all our members to join the Demonstration that has been called by ZDHA at Parirenyatwa Hospital today.
Injure one Injure all. (Solidarity shall remain a key component of our Struggle)
Robert Mugabe died a “sad man”, his nephew told a state funeral service attended by two dozen current and retired foreign leaders in Harare on Saturday.
Walter Chidakwa fought back tears as he reflected on the former Zimbabwe president’s final days which were coloured by bitterness against his former deputy Emmerson Mnangagwa, the man who conspired to topple him with the help of army generals in 2017.
Mnangagwa spoke at Saturday’s service describing Mugabe as a “hero”, but he offered no apology for the coup which Mugabe’s family says took a toll on his health leading to his death in a hospital in Singapore on September 6 at the age of 95.
“Towards the end of his life, he was a sad man. Sad, sad, sad man. He recalled quietly the journey that he had walked. A profound journey, a hard and excruciating journey,” Chadakwa said.
Mnangagwa told Mugabe’s widow, Grace, that she would “continue to have my support”, but offered no window into his strained relationship with Mugabe which he took no visible steps to repair.
Mnangagwa said “Africa weeps, is grieving over the loss of a true Pan-African hero… a visionary and champion of our empowerment.”
Mnangagwa’s Zanu-PF party labelled Mugabe a “traitor” and a “sell-out” when he backed opposition rival Nelson Chamisa in elections last year. On Saturday, Mnangagwa blamed others, unnamed, for “falsely framing Cde Mugabe, giving him false names, routinely and systematically vilifying him.”
He hailed Mugabe’s policy of land redistribution. Zimbabwe would not renegotiate on its land, describing the programme as “complete and finished”.
South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa, Kenyan leader Uhuru Kenyatta, former Namibian President Sam Nujoma and Jerry Rawlings who was president of Ghana for 12 years were among the speakers.
Mugabe, who led Zimbabwe for 37 years from independence, was a “pan-Africanist and a great icon of African liberation,” said Kenyatta, who along with former Zambian leader Kenneth Kaunda got the loudest cheer.
“He was a visionary leader and a relentless champion of African dignity… an embodiment of the pan-African spirit, offering immeasurable assistance and solidarity to other countries,” Kenyatta said in his tribute.
The Kenyan leader said Mugabe was an “intellectual giant, firm and steadfast regarding Africa’s quest to address the challenges facing the African continent.”
“He spent a lifetime challenging Africa to find its space and voice in the community of nations and remained faithful to this calling until his last breath,” Kenyata continued.
Mugabe had championed the “ownership and prudent utilisation of African resources for the benefit of African people”, Kenyatta said as he urged African leaders to “continue to champion African interests as an endearing tribute to comrade Mugabe.”
Mugabe’s first wife, Sally, was from Ghana, which sent its former president Rawlings.
Mugabe was “one of the most formidable warriors on this continent”, Rawlings said, as he paid tribute to “one of our continent’s most inspiring liberation fighters.”
“He was not only a liberation fighter and a teacher, but most of all, most of all, an impressive moral compass,” Rawlings said.
Mugabe was noted for his “eloquent speeches” and “never lost his oratory skills and sharpness of wit” right till the end, Rawlings said.
Mugabe’s stance against colonialism and his policy of land redistribution “earned him the wrath of foreign interests” who are “responsible for destabilising progressive African leaders,” he added.
“He was a pioneer of black assertiveness and an impeccable opponent of neo-colonialism,” said Rawlings who ruled Ghana from 1981 until 1993.
Mugabe’s body will be taken to his rural home in Zvimba on Sunday before it is returned to Harare before interment in a mausoleum at the National Heroes Acre in about 30 days, his nephew Leo Mugabe said on Friday.
Mnangagwa said late on Friday that building the mausoleum would delay the burial of the man who was once his mentor.
On Saturday, Mnangagwa walked behind the casket carrying Mugabe’s body as it was wheeled into the centre of the National Sports Stadium and placed on a podium decorated with flowers so that ordinary Zimbabweans could say their farewells. Senior army generals and Mugabe’s wife and children followed, as a brass band played.
Banners at the stadium read “Hamba kahle, Gushungo,” (go well, Gushungo)”, a reference to his clan name, and “Pioneer of nationalist politics”.
Cleo Mapuranga, a caterer, said: “I feel low because Mugabe fought for us. I remember him for land to the blacks, economic freedom and higher education which was non-racial.
“Now, people are suffering. No-one is controlling the prices in the shops. Our finance minister is trying to implement first-world policies which don’t work in third-world countries.”
Mugabe’s death has made some Zimbabweans question what Mnangagwa has achieved in his two years in power.
His government has taken steps to cut the budget deficit, remove subsidies on fuel and power and repeal laws curbing public and media freedoms, but those reforms and austerity measures have compounded ordinary people’s hardships.
Mugabe was feted as a champion of racial reconciliation when he came to power in 1980 in one of the last African states to throw off white colonial rule.
By the time he was toppled in 2017 to wild celebrations across the country of 13 million, he was viewed by many at home and abroad as a power-obsessed autocrat who unleashed death squads, rigged elections and ruined the economy to keep control.
Chinese leader Xi Jingpin said “Chinese people had been deprived of an old and good friend,” in a message read on his behalf by a special envoy.
Former Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe was a dictator, Professor Makua Mutua has said.
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In an opinion piece, Mutua said that there is no reason to paint Mugabe as a good man when he made the people of Zimbabwe suffer during his reign in power.
Mutua, who is based in the US, said that the three-decade leadership of Mugabe was defined by brutality and human suffering.
He reiterated that he will be remembered because of his bad deeds, adding that it was unfair for Kenya and other world leaders to praise him.
He also said that Mugabe will not see the gates of heaven for those who understand the true meaning of religion.
He compared his actions to Uganda’s Idi Amin, Congo’s Mobutu Sese Seko and Libya’s Muamar Gaddafi.
“Let me give it to you straight – if you are a believer in the gospel, rest assured Mr Mugabe will never see the gates of heaven. He’ll get a one-way ticket to hell to join Mobutu Sese Seko, Adolf Hitler, Benito Mussolini, Augusto Pinochet, Winston Churchill, Francisco Franco, Muamar Gaddafi, Idi Amin, Ferdinand Marcos, Josef Stalin, and their ilk. He was a freedom fighter who ironically fought for, and against and freedom,” Makau Mutua said
Mugabe died at the age of 95.
Several leaders attended his Memorial service on Saturday including President Uhuru Kenyatta. Uhuru urged leaders to embrace unity in memory of the fallen liberation hero.
“The onus is now on us, to keep the hope alive, and deliver on the dream of a truly free and prosperous Africa. That is the most befitting tribute we can to departed Africa’s statesman,” Uhuru said.
A move by a Binga chief and a local councillor to evict illegal settlers, believed to have come from outside the district, from the Mucheni Community Conservancy has started paying dividends as council is now generating income from hunting activities.
Chief Sinasengwe and councillor for Ward 4, Elmon Mudenda, were instrumental in the eviction of the settlers two years ago after realisation that the occupation of the concession was having a negative impact on Binga Rural District Council’s revenue inflows.
Council lost millions of dollars in potential revenue as hunters started shunning the conservancy, but indications are that money is now trickling in.
The conservancy declared a dividend of $9 800 from the concession last year.
Chief Sinansengwe and Mudenda were roped in after council’s legal route turned out to be fruitless.
“Council had not managed to remove the settlers from the five conservancies they were occupying for the past 10 years and in our conservancy area in Sinansengwe, I had to team up with
my chief and we managed to evict the settlers,” Mudenda said.
“So far we have been working very well with our safari operator who is operating in our conservancy.”
“Last year we received our dividend of ZWL$ 9 800.”
“We are operating very well.
“It’s been over two years now and things are moving fine.”
The conservancy was among many in the district that were invaded by illegal settlers in the last 10 years.
According to officials, illegal settlers in six wards, namely Sinakoma, Sinansengwe, Sinampande, Siabuwa, Chunga and Kabuba, are hampering hunting activities.
In 2014 councillors passed a resolution to evict all the illegal settlers after hunters threatened to pull out.
Council obtained a court order to evict the settlers, but they appealed to the High Court and the case has since been struck off the roll.
The local authority mainly gets its revenue from taxes paid by hunting companies.
ZINARA wishes to advise the motoring public that we are experiencing serious network challenges for mobile, debit card and ZINARA pre-paid card payments, due to the present power challenges.
This has seen long queues surface at most of our tollgates due to network fluctuations on point of sale machines and mobile money payments.
We hereby encourage our motorists to travel with optional methods of payment to avoid being inconvenienced and inconveniencing fellow motorists.
We are presently engaging the relevant authorities to assist.
In the meantime, we are also encouraging our valued motorists using electronic payment methods not to congest the Express cash lanes at tolling points.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has lashed out at those perpetrating violent attacks against foreign nationals.
Ramaphosa on Sunday also came down hard against those unleashing gender-based violence as well as those demolishing public and private property when demonstrating.
His address at Grace Bible Church in Pimville, Soweto, came after he was booed when he spoke at the funeral of former Zimbabwe president Robert Mugabe on Saturday.
He said the nation should reflect deeply about the attacks targeting foreign nationals, which have thus far claimed the lives of 10 South Africans and two foreign nationals.
A number of businesses belonging to South Africans and foreign nationals have also been destroyed in attacks that started a month ago in Soweto when shops belonging to foreign nationals were looted.
The attacks escalated three weeks ago after the death of taxi driver Jabu Baloyi, who was shot dead by a suspected drug dealer. The taximen in Pretoria were demonstrating against those selling drugs in the capital city.
Trucks being driven by foreign nationals have been gutted, especially in Durban.
Ramaphosa said South Africans needed to display leadership as this was the expectation from the continent.
“I am even ashamed to call it xenophobia because as South Africans we are not xenophobic,” he said.
He said the country should take a stand against the attacks as they could mutate into tribalism. “We must defeat the demon of tribalism. We must defeat the demon xenophobia and say Sourh Africans are not xenophobic, South Africans are not tribalism,” he said.
After delivering the speech Ramaphosa, belted out the hymn The Holy Spirit must come down then Africa will be Saved. When the choir climbed onto the stage, Ramaphosa even went to lead the choir.
“I didn’t know you could sing Mr President. I also didn’t know you could conduct a choir as well Mr President,” said Grace Bible Church presiding Bishop Mosa Sono.
The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) said on Friday it had raised its overnight borrowing rate from 50% to 70% after a surge in inflation and a steep fall in the domestic currency.
Zimbabweans face triple-digit annual inflation as the government has taken steps to relaunch a national currency.
RBZ governor John Mangudya said in a monetary policy statement that increasing interest rates would stabilise inflation, last published at 175% in June, and ease pressure on the exchange rate.
The bank renamed the interim RTGS currency the Zimbabwe dollar on June 24. Since then it has lost 51% of its value to trade at 12.8878 to the US dollar on Friday, according to central bank data.
“The Bank expects inflation to start declining after the current high inflation cycle ends, as attested by ebbing exchange rate depreciation pressures, following the removal of the
multicurrency system,” Mangudya said.
The central bank added that it was introducing dollar-denominated savings bonds with a 3-year tenure and an interest rate of 7.5% to try to stimulate greater saving.
Finance minister Mthuli Ncube on Wednesday announced the appointment of a monetary policy committee at the central bank as part of a set of reforms aimed at removing economic
distortions and boosting confidence in policymaking.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government has taken steps to cut the budget deficit, remove subsidies on fuel and power and repeal laws curbing public and media freedoms, but those
reforms and austerity measures have compounded ordinary people’s hardships.
Standard|Former president Robert Mugabe’s family yesterday said the nation should now just celebrate the life of the former Zanu PF leader and stop mourning him as he lived a long life.
“We must stop mourning and start celebrating his life,” family spokesperson Leo Mugabe (pictured) said of his uncle, who died at the age of 95.
Mugabe, who was declared a national hero at the announcement of his death, will be buried in about 30 days at the National Heroes’ Acre.
A low turn-out characterised the funeral service in Harare yesterday.
Several bays at the giant National Sports Stadium were empty in sharp contrast to the huge turnouts at Rufaro Stadium on Thursday and Friday where there was a stampede to view Mugabe’s body.
Yesterday’s ceremony was attended by several presidents and former leaders from Africa.
“A giant tree of Africa has fallen,” eulogised President Emmerson Mnangagwa of the man he called a mentor and father figure, before their fallout.
He said: “…The bold, steadfast and resolute revolutionary, Comrade Robert Gabriel Mugabe, is no more.”
Mugabe’s widow and former first lady Grace Mugabe, dressed in black with a veil covering her head, did not address the gathering, but has been present at all occasions, accompanied by her children.
The foreign heads of state in attendance included South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta and President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial
Guinea. Former presidents who attended included Kenneth Kaunda of Zambia, Festus Mogae of Botswana and South Africa’s Thabo Mbeki and Jacob Zuma.
Ramaphosa was heckled by the mourners when he took to the podium to deliver his speech.
He apologised for xenophobic attacks where Africans, including Zimbabweans, have been targeted in South Africa.
Ramaphosa described Mugabe as a friend of South Africans who was instrumental in that country’s liberation.
“President Mugabe was a friend of the African National Congress, and the people if South Africa and he stood by us in our darkest hour,” he said.
“He was unwavering in his support for our liberation. Under his leadership, Zimbabwe and especially Zanu PF gave both moral and material support at a time when our leadership wasforced into exile and out people were suffering under the yoke of apartheid.”
Mugabe’s body will be flown to Murombedzi in Zvimba, his rural home, today where he will lie in State.
Striking government hospital doctors have gone on an immediate action demanding the return of their abducted Doctors Association President, Dr Peter Mugombeyi.
Doctors spent Sunday morning conducting a march at Parirenyatwa Hospital. They have declared that without his release, they won’t be working.
Watch video downloading below.
“No Peter No Work…a total shutdown of hospitals,” they said.
THE bitter fallout between President Emmerson Mnangagwa and the late former president Robert Mugabe which has divided their families, Zanu PF and government, as well as the public — exacerbated this week in his death as it did in life, with far-reaching political consequences.
A series of dramatic events — including Mnangagwa’s visit to Mugabe’s home Thursday and his failure to break the deadlock over where his mentor would be buried – characterised the theatrical end of an era.
Thursday’s visit was Mnangagwa’s first visit to the Mugabe family home since 2017. Since the November 2017 military coup which brought to an end Mugabe’s 37-year rule, while propelling Mnangagwa to power, the two comrades-turned-enemies had not had direct contact.
Mugabe and Mnangagwa had been communicating through emissaries, including Central Intelligence Organisation director-general Isaac Moyo.
When the coup happened, Mugabe and Mnangagwa completely lost contact with each other.
Before his death in Singapore, as exclusively reported by the Zimbabwe Independent lead story in the August 9 edition, Mugabe told his family that he does not want to be associated with Mnangagwa, some government officials and military chiefs, whom he viewed as “betrayers” and “tormentors”.
Mugabe had told his family that he does not want Mnangagwa and his allies to take custody of his body as it might be used for ritualistic purposes, sources said.
It has also emerged Mugabe told his family that he does not want Mnangagwa and the government to have custody of his body at any given moment and pontificate over it, insisting Grace and other family members must closely stick to it until it is interred.
Family members told the Independent Mugabe feared there was a huge risk Mnangagwa could use his body for rituals, to consolidate and maintain power, sources said. Insiders say Zanu PF leaders are incredibly superstitious.
As a result, Grace and the family have been clinging onto Mugabe’s body since its arrival on Wednesday. They clung to it from the airport to One Commando Barracks and all the way to Blue Roof.
The strategy to keep the body under lock and key was also on display Friday when Mugabe’s youngest son Bellarmine Chatunga refused to let his mother and her sister to travel alone in a military helicopter carrying the body from the Blue Roof mansion to Rufaro Stadium in Harare after security officers tried to stop him. He bulldozed his way and security officers backed down.
Former Dynamos goalkeeper Tatenda Mkuruva reportedly made an unobserved move to the U.S from Zambian side Buildcon FC and is even now captaining his side Michigan Stars.
The 23-year-old, who at some point was the Warriors first choice goalkeeper and even played for Zimbabwe at AFCON 2017, reportedly made the move in March.
Michigan Stars play in the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) which is the fourth tier league, behind the Major Soccer League (MSL) the USL Championship (USLC) and the USL League One (USL1).
According to The Standard, Mukuruva has even been given the armband at his team due to good perfomances and exemplary behaviour.Soccer24
Kaizer Chiefs suffered their first defeat of the ABSA Premiership when they were beaten by Polokwane City at home today.
Ernst Middendorp’s charges had not lost this season in the league but the German coach’s decision to leave Zimbabwean winger Khama Billiat on the bench once again sparked debate.
Jabulani Maluleke’s early spot kick proved to decisive for Rise and Shine in handing Amakhosi their first lose of the 2019-20 campaign.Soccer24
A Manchester United player finally remembered how to score a penalty after Marcus Rashford’s first half spot kick saw off Leciester City at Old Trafford today.
The England star missed a crucial spot kick when United were shocked by Crystal Palace at home while Paul Pogba also failed to convert from 12 yards at Wolves but that streak was broken today as the former sent Kasper Schmeichel the wrong way to score in the 8th minute.
It was the Foxes’ first defeat this season while United won for the first time since the opening day thumping of Chelsea at Old Trafford.
Brendan Roggers’ men dominated exhanges in the second stanza as they went in search of the equalizer but United held on for crucial three.Soccer24
THE first impression you make on a potential employer is incredibly important. When you meet a potential employer for the first time, they immediately form an opinion of you based on what you’re wearing and how you carry yourself.
Regardless of the work environment, it’s important to dress professionally for a job interview because how you dress can either make or break the job interview.
However, some people have no clue as to what is inappropriate for an interview. In this article we highlight how NOT to dress for an interview.
Bright colours While everyone knows that short dresses with plunging necklines aren’t acceptable for a job interview, wearing an appropriate dress that’s also bright, flashy colour, like red simply makes the situation worse. So be mindful when choosing your clothes. If you are going to wear a daring colour do it tactfully, making sure the overall outfit is conservative. There are other colours that are less dramatic but still work for interviews. Just avoid short hemlines and tight outfits.
Go easy on perfume/ cologne Don’t go overboard on perfume and cologne, as you never know if your interviewer might have an allergy or aversion to strong scents. Either way you don’t want to overwhelm them. Your perfume shouldn’t be the highlight on the interview, your ability to answer questions should be.
Don’t dress TOO casual It can be hard to figure out what to wear for an interview at a fashion organisation or a magazine (editing) job. However, don’t go too casual. Be smart, formal yet fashionable. Men can stick to chinos, check shirt and neat farmer shoes or brogues. Ladies can rock skinnies, a nice blouse and heels. Don’t dress like you were unaware of the interview, the employer may be put off or feel you are not serious.
Don’t look dated In a competitive job market everything matters including appearance. If your wardrobe is outdated or have been out of the workforce for a while and your closet reflects it, it’s time to invest in some modern fashion forward clothes. Don’t forget the shoes. Throwing on a pair of sneakers or an old pair of pumps, or beat up dress shoes certainly won’t make you look professional or polished. Keep up with latest trends, even if it’s formal.
Traditional ties make the best impression Now is not the time to pull out your novelty tie you got last Christmas. Even if you think your tie will make a statement, stick with something traditional. A pattern with conservative colour is perfectly fine, such as subdued stripes or paisley but don’t try to be the clown in a funny tie. Or stick to a solid colour tie, such as navy, black or maroon.
Don’t overdo makeup While it’s important to look your best, loads of makeup is not the best way to go about it. Keep your look natural, avoid dark eyeshadow, bright lipstick or heavy foundation. Your best bet is to stick with a light coat of mascara, a touch of powder and light lip gloss. Aim to look refreshed and awake without looking too done up. Unless of course you are applying in the cosmetics department or a cosmetic brand; Revlon, Black Opal, Flori Roberts etc.
Get the blazer right While a blazer is a good go to choice for almost any interview, be mindful of what you wear underneath. It goes without saying, the deep V formed by the blazers lapel creates a plunging neckline. If you are going to wear a camisole or a shell underneath, make sure it’s appropriate.
This applies to men as well, wearing a blazer on top doesn’t give you the excuse to wear a tired old tee underneath. Take the extra effort to wear a button down shirt.
Leave the earphones at home While it’s fine to listen to music on your way to the interview, take them off before you enter the building, put them far away before you get called into the interview room. Otherwise you risk seeming distracted and unfocused, and you certainly don’t want to be fighting with tangled cords as you meet and shake hands with the interviewer. Same goes for the cellphone, switch it off or put it on silent and then place it far. Placing your phone on the table is rude and may seem like you are awaiting an important call.
Minimise accessories Both women and men should keep accessories to a minimum. Ladies should avoid unnecessary jewellery, instead of big hoops or chandelier earrings, opt for classic studs. It’s also a good idea to avoid wearing flashy necklaces, large sunglasses or too much bling and sparkle. While accessories aren’t so much of an issue for men, it’s important to be mindful of your cuff-links, your tie clip and belt. Don’t wear anything you might wear to the club. A classic watch is enough accessories. Men should not show up with any piercings.
Do wear clothes that cover up any tattoos or deep scars, it may give the interviewer a wrong impression. Put your best outfit forward when you go for that interview. The way you look does really matter. Good luck.State media
SIX men from Ngundu in Masvingo have been arrested, while one is on the run after they allegedly beat up a suspected burglar with switches until he died.
Masvingo police spokesman Chief Inspector Charity Mazula said the six men assaulted Doubt Bhusvumani (44) of Gudo Village under Chief Neshuro at Musvure Village with switches until he passed on last week.
She said the body of the deceased was taken to Masvingo General Hospital mortuary for post-mortem. “I can confirm the murder of a man from Neshuro in Mwenezi who was assaulted to death by seven men around Ngundu area in Chivi. We have since arrested six of the suspects and one is still at large. The deceased was killed over burglary allegation,” said Chief Insp Mazula.
Chief Insp Mazula said the six that have been arrested are Edwin Mikia (29), Malvin Kabenge (28), Bright Bumhudza (32), Tapiwa Kuipa (35), Lazarus Ngwenya (53), John Makufa (53) and Tranos Chapanda.State media
Farai Dziva|Emmerson Mnangagwa has described his former boss Robert Mugabe as a giant African tree that has fallen.
“There is no place in our modern world for unilateral punitive sanctions imposed in pursuit of selfish interests, undue influence and colonial-time expansionism.
As we mourn our revolutionary icon, we call for the unconditional and immediate lifting of the sanctions imposed on us.
“We invite the world to work and walk with us into a brighter future for our people, our region and the continent. A Zimbabwe free of the albatross of sanctions is indeed of greater benefit to the world,” he said.
In his moving tribute to his predecessor, Mnangagwa described Mugabe as a “giant African tree that has fallen”.
“He taught a generation, led a nation, inspired a continent, spoke for the oppressed and defined the politics and economics of an epoch. The man who lies before us was for years our leader, our commander, mentor and President, both in the party and Government.”
ZIMBABWEAN kings FC Platinum began life without Norman Mapeza with a triumph over UD Songo of Mozambique in a Caf Champions League first round, first leg fixture at Barbourfields yesterday.
Never Tigere scored the solitary goal from a 23rd minute free-kick to ensure FC Platinum has an advantage as they head into the reverse fixture in Mozambique at the end of this month.
Despite the win by the two-time Zimbabwe champions, the Mozambicans played better for most parts of the game, especially during the second half.
Lizwe Sweswe, the man who took over from Mapeza when the former Warriors midfielder stepped down last Thursday, was content with the goal scored “against formidable opponents”.
“It was important to see how they play. The fact that we scored a goal gives us an advantage in the second leg,’’ Sweswe said.
The former Tsholotsho coach felt it would not have been easy to score more goals against the Mozambican champions.State media
By A Correspondent- President Emmerson Mnangagwa has congratulated opposition MDC on its 20th anniversary adding that despite the differences that exist between his party and MDC, democracy entailed tolerance and embracing each other’s diverse opinion.
He said:
“Congratulates to MDC Zimbabwe on your 20th anniversary this week. Though we have our differences, this is what democracy is all about. I look forward to many more years of debate and dialogue. Makorokoto! Amhlope! Wishing all the people of Zimbabwe a blessed Sunday.”
Congratulations to @mdczimbabwe on your 20th anniversary this week. Though we have our differences, this is what democracy is all about. I look forward to many more years of debate and dialogue. Makorokoto! Amhlope! Wishing all the people of Zimbabwe a blessed Sunday
JUST IN – in 10 min: Following the evacuation of xenophobia victims from SA on Thursday, more Zimbabweans are now coming up asking for assistance. We shall be going LIVE in JoBurg shortly as we hear from them, what their opportunities, challenges, and fears are … @InfoMinZW
This was a passionate plea by President Cyril Ramaphosa following his return to the country after attending the funeral of former Zimbabwe president Robert Mugabe in Harare on Saturday.
Ramaphosa was a guest of honour at the Grace Bible Church in Pimville, Soweto, this morning when he pleaded with the congregants and Pastor Mosa Sono to help his government fight the scourge of xenophobia which hit parts of Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.
While on a charm offensive – Ramaphosa drew the attention of the hurt these attacks had on the people on the people of Zimbabwe – who booed him while he was addressing the funeral of former Zimbabwe president Robert Mugabe in Harare yesterday.
“This is the second time I was booed. The first time is when I introduced the national minimum wage for workers. I was booed by a certain group of people and those were the community health workers. They booed me because I did not mention them in the wage allocation.
“In Zimbabwe, I was booed by the whole stadium. I had to apologise to the people of Zimbabwe for the attacks. I do not want to call it xenophobic attacks. South Africans do not hate people of other nations.
“We had to offer an apology on behalf of the people of South Africa. We are loved in the continent. We are sought after country.
“I had to apologise because those attacks were a national shame,” Ramaphosa insisted.
He emphasised that South Africans are not xenophobic saying do not hate people from other nations.
However, Ramaphosa said South Africa is now faced with a much bigger problem of tribalism in the wake of fatal xenophobic attacks which claimed the lives of more local citizens in the past two weeks.
He said he addressed a gathering in Ekurhuleni in which certain grouping in the crowd were making a call for the Shangaan speaking people to leave the area.
“They were saying Shangaans must leave. The Vendas must leave. The next thing they will say the Batswanas must leave. The BaXhosa must leave. Who is going to remain?
“Who is going to remain. We must defeat the demon of tribalism,” Ramaphosa urged.
He thanked the church for its role in bridging the difference between those who were responsible for the attacks.
He also thanked the church for assisting people who were displaced as a result of the attacks but noted that some of the people who too refugee in church and community halls were actually South Africans.
JUST IN – in 10 min: Following the evacuation of xenophobia victims from SA on Thursday, more Zimbabweans are now coming up asking for assistance. We shall be going LIVE in JoBurg shortly as we hear from them, what their opportunities, challenges, and fears are … @InfoMinZW
JUST IN – in 10 min: Following the evacuation of xenophobia victims from SA on Thursday, more Zimbabweans are now coming up asking for assistance. We shall be going LIVE in JoBurg shortly as we hear from them, what their opportunities, challenges, and fears are … @InfoMinZW
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has congratulated the opposition MDC on its 20th anniversary saying he is looking forward to more years of debate and dialogue.
Posting on Twitter, Mnangagwa said though he has differences with the MDC, it is the work of democracy and is looking forward to more debate and dialogue.
“Congratulations to @mdczimbabwe on your 20th anniversary this week. Though we have our differences, this is what democracy is all about. I look forward to many more years of debate and dialogue. Makorokoto! Amhlope! Wishing all the people of Zimbabwe a blessed Sunday,”‘ said Mnangagwa.
Congratulations to @mdczimbabwe on your 20th anniversary this week. Though we have our differences, this is what democracy is all about. I look forward to many more years of debate and dialogue. Makorokoto! Amhlope! Wishing all the people of Zimbabwe a blessed Sunday
Jane Mlambo| Funeral service for the late former President Robert Mugabe which was set to take place in his rural home in Zvimba today has been postponed to tomorrow morning.
Mugabe who died in Singapore on the 6th of September returned to Zimbabwe on Wednesday and the government organised three programmes allowing citizens to pay their last respect to the former President who led the country for 37 years.
After two body viewing sessions at Rufaro stadium and National Sports Stadium yesterday, the family were expected to take the body to Zvimba today to allow his kinsmen to have an opportunity to bid him farewell.
Though there has not been any communication from the family, ZimEye understands that the programme is now set for tomorrow amid reports that Grace Mugabe is not feeling well.
Mugabe’s burial arrangements still remain mired in controversy as the family and government engage in endless battle with the former against a National heroes acre burial while the latter is pushing for him to be buried at the national shrine which risk losing respect without the founding father of independent Zimbabwe.
By A Correspondent- President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government has started the process of constructing the esteemed mausoleum in which the body of late former President Robert Mugabe will be interred.
This was revealed Saturday by Information Ministry secretary Nick Mangwana while speaking to journalists during Saturday’s State funeral of the country’s founding leader.
Mugabe died of an undisclosed ailment in Singapore over a week ago.
His body will be preserved for nearly a month as the government takes time to construct a shrine in which his remains will be interred.
“I don’t know when the engineers will be done with the construction but the engineers have already started designing,” said Mangwana.
Responding to questions on rumors it may take a month to complete the grave, Mangwana said it will not take exactly 30 days as suggested.
“I think people are getting sensational for about 30 days. I think what Leo (Mugabe, family spokesperson) was trying to say is that it may take us up to 30 days but this doesn’t mean it will take exactly 30 days without being completed,” he said.
“I also don’t know where the body will be during the time of construction.”
A mausoleum is described elsewhere as an above-ground free-standing structure that has crypts or burial compartments to hold whole human remains.
By A Correspondent- Widow to the late victim of xenophobia who was brutally murdered in South Africa last week is homeless and is in Chipinge where she buried her husband.
The below are updates coming out of Chipinge where a family relative exclusively told ZimEye, that the late Isaac Mabandla was buried at 1pm (Saturday) in Chipinge.
VIDEO (story continues below)…
Mabandla is one of the victims of the xenophobic attacks in South Africa and he was murdered in the early hours of Thursday morning last week.
His wife, Lydia however does not have anywhere to stay.
Said a relative:
“Ipwo patamusiya haana pekugara meaning we have just left her there but she is homeless,” a female relative told ZimEye via phone also saying there is no phone network coverage in the area.
Mabandla who was burnt to death, was buried in Chipinge. Fears for his wife’s security were high – as she does not have a place to stay.
In Johannesburg, her phone was stolen and she also lost her ewallet money with it. As per wide consensus (in a poll) donated funds by ZimEye news readers are now to secure a tenancy for her.
The funds will come from a pot of over R16,000 left from an initial collection of R25,000 the difference which was paid for securing the first bus to evacuate the first batch of Zimbabweans on Wednesday morning.
By Own Correspondent- Housing issues remains a nightmare in Bulawayo’s oldest suburb as 170 houses reportedly house more than 3 or 4 families.
Overcrowing issues are now raising a health scare as 4 families share a single room in Makokoba.
Calling this arrangement a precolonial ill, Sunday News investigated these living conditions that was a pre-colonial phenomenon for single male workers, not an entire family.
In the shared accommodation arrangement for single male workers who worked in the city, 3 or 4 single men would share a single big room with an outside flush toilet.
Some of the residents of Makokoba with shared accommodation said:
“I was born in this house (room) in 1994, there is no other home I know, my parents have previously tried to get alternative accommodation but this has been in vain as council only offered stands and as you know it is expensive to construct a house nowadays.
We have tried to engage council on our situation but it is rather difficult because whatever deliberations made, they are money determined. As it is I have managed to get myself a small corner within the same house where I am raising my young family
Bulawayo City Council acknowledged the problem and said they were doing all they can to address the situation.-StateMedia
Norman Mapeza has revealed his next move following his departure at FC Platinum.
The Zvishavane-based club announced on Thursday that their long-serving coach is leaving through a mutual separation agreement.
Mapeza had spent five years at the Platinum Boys, winning two successive league titles and reaching the group stages of the prestigious CAF Champions League.
According to Herald journalist Robson Sharuko, the coach will not take any offer until the end of the year.
“I have spoken to Mapeza, he says it was his decision he needed a rest, won’t take a job until the end of the year, no bad blood between him and FC Platinum, and will only consider offers in January,” Sharuko said on Twitter.Soccer 24
By A Correspondent- Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Health and Child Care earlier this year went on a fact-finding mission at the country’s largest drug company and discovered that NatPham was stocking millions of expired drugs amid a serious drug shortage ravaging the country.
The committee also reports that capitalisation issues have not yet been attended to by NatPham.
The report released by the committee after the fact-finding mission reads in part:
“Five years later, the newly constituted Committee on Health and Child Care undertook a familiarisation visit to NatPharm on the 12th of February 2019. The Committee’s findings were disheartening in that NatPharm was still dogged by the above-mentioned problems. It still had huge piles of expired medicines and drugs in its warehouse and issues of its capitalisation have not yet been attended to.
The majority of our population cannot afford medicines from the private pharmacies and rely predominantly on the public sector. Hence, the Committee proposed that the public health institutions be well stocked with medicines to improve on accessibility and affordability of the products to the general population
Unfortunately, the current state of equipment and manufacturing processes has affected their ( phamacetical companies) ability to produce vital drugs and medicines in the country. At the time of the enquiry, capacity utilisation of the industry was, on average running below 40 percent primarily due to inadequate foreign currency allocations.2
It was also reported that drugs are also expiring at rural district hospitals as effective redistribution channels are yet to be established.
The committee, however, is strongly against a proposal by NatPham to set up retail pharmacies across the country at a time where public health institutions have no medicines.-StateMedia
By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (Zera) is working on a pricing framework for Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) as it moves to protect consumers against arbitrary price hikes by retailers.
The commodity has become an integral energy source for domestic and industrial use.
The pricing formula, which is set to be operational soon, is currently being fine-tuned.
While the law, through Statutory Instrument 57 of 2014, mandates Zera to regulate gas prices, the industry regulator has largely been leaving industry players to set their own prices.
Zera head of petroleum, Engineer Andrew Guri said they are still consulting various stakeholders.
“We had not regularised the sector as it was still in its infancy, the commodity was being used as alternative energy,” he said.
“The industry was self-regulating and the prices were determined by retailers. However, we now feel the industry has matured and that is why we need to get involved to protect the public.
“We already have the templates of how it will be regularised and we are now working on a pricing framework that will be used by the industry.”
Presently, there are marked disparities in the pricing of the commodity.
Although service stations are retailing their product between $10 and $13 per kilogramme, some private players are selling the commodity between $14 and $18 per kg.
Premature move?
But industry players believe it is still premature for the regulator to monitor prices in the sector as they are importing the commodity without Government’s assistance.
Chairperson of the Liquid Petroleum Gas Association Mr Ronald Ndoro, who is also Kensys Gas LP director, said if the planned pricing system is to work, the Government should be strategically involved.
“Currently, there is shortage of infrastructure in the gas industry, the private players foot all the bills in terms of importing the gas, transporting and storing it. Therefore it is premature for Government’s pricing intervention,” he said.
“There is need for strategic involvement, things like constructing storage facilities, before pricing regulations can be introduced.
“At the moment, pricing of the commodity can only be dictated by those in the industry.”
He said the pricing discrepancies between indigenous retailers and some service stations are due to economies of scale, adding that big businesses have the capacity to optimise prices.
Mr Ndoro said: “The type of players in the industry are different. The bigger companies might want to recoup their money over a long period of time, whilst the smaller players might want to recoup their money over a short period of time to enable restocking.”
At the beginning of this year, Zera had licensed 22 gas wholesalers and about 1000 retailers.
Owing to reduced electricity generation and the proliferation of new settlements that are not connected to the grid, gas imports have been rising over the years.
Last year, the country imported 45 million kgs of gas, compared to 5 million kgs imported in 2010.
The country’s five power stations are producing about 742 MW against demand of more than 2 200MW.
Experts say Zimbabwe can save 104MW of electricity if consumers switch to gas for cooking and heating.-StateMedia
By A Correspondent- Former President Robert Mugabe’s body is today expected to be taken to Zvimba, to afford people in his home area of Mashonaland West province a chance to bid farewell to the late Statesman.
After the rural proceedings, the body will be taken to a mortuary, where it will lie in state for about 30 days to pave way for the construction of a mausoleum at the National Heroes Acre.
Former President Mugabe will be buried in the mausoleum that is being constructed on top of a hill at the national shrine.
Government, on Friday, conferred the late leader the special honour, a first at the national shrine.
Speaking on the side-lines of a State funeral for the former President at the National Sports Stadium in Harare yesterday, family representative Mr Leo Mugabe said the funeral programme was today shifting to Zvimba.
“The family programme from now on is that tomorrow (today), we will go to Zvimba, Murombedzi. Then to the homestead; and we will give the Zvimba and Mashonaland West people the opportunity to bid their farewell,” he said.
“Thereafter, we will take the body, on Monday or Tuesday, back (to Harare) and take it to the mortuary for preservation for roughly 30 days until the Heroes Acre is ready.”
Mr Mugabe dispelled circulating statements that the National Heroes Acre burial would be a mock ceremony.
Addressing journalists yesterday Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services permanent secretary Mr Nick Mangwana said traditional leaders from Zvimba, where the late former President hails from, had already visited the National Heroes Acre to mark the grave site.
“Let’s not also forget that the former President is the founding father. I’m sure if you go to Russia you will see Lenin in his Mausoleum, same as elsewhere, you find other founding fathers in mausoleums,” he said.
The late former President’s mausoleum will be the first at the National Heroes Acre.
Other late Heads of States buried in mausoleums include former Zambia Presidents Fredrick Chiluba, Levi Mwanawasa and Michael Sata. The three died in 2011, 2008 and 2014, respectively.
Democratic Republic of Congo’s former President Laurent Kabila was also buried in mausoleum in 2001.
Former Malawi President Kamuzu Banda who died in 1997 is also interred in a mausoleum.-StateMedia
By A Correspondent- Addressing delegates and mourners at the late former President Robert Mugabe’s funeral in Harare Saturday, President Emmerson Mnangagwa said Mugabe’s legacy is a springboard for economic development.
He said:
“As Zimbabwe, we shall ride on the education and high literacy levels bequeathed to us by our late great teacher and educator.
As a visionary, he understood the importance of solid education, as well as science and technology in the future world. As Africa, let us find our niche within the fast unfolding Fourth Industrial Revolution, leveraging in our youthful population, abundant, untapped natural resources and expansive combined market.
As Africa boldly operationalises the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), let us be emboldened by the ideas of the late Mugabe, who was one of the consistent champions of African unity, industrialisation, intra-Africa trade, as well as regional and continental integration.”
The late former president Robert Mugabe, died last week aged 95 in Singapore.
Mugabe, the man who ruled Zimbabwe with an iron fist for close to four decades and presided over its total economic collapse in 2008 died in a foreign land in a development which has been described by some as a reflection of his failed policies which also saw the collapse of the health care system in the country.
Despite inheriting a jewel at the dawn of independence, Mugabe’s policies saw the country’s economic standing plummet into chaos characterised by shortages of food and other essential commodities, as well as falling exports and soaring inflation.
In November 2008, Zimbabwe’s peak month of inflation was estimated at 79.6 billion percent month-on-month and 89.7 sextillion percent year-on-year.
By A Correspondent- South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, was on Friday booed at the National Sports stadium before he apologised to the African continent over the recent spate of xenophobic attacks on African immigrants in his country.
Ramaphosa said the recent flare-up of violence against foreign nationals goes against the spirit of oneness that was championed by pan-African stalwarts such as the late Mugabe and former South African leaders Nelson Mandela and Oliver Tambo.
He said:
“In the past two weeks, we as South Africans have been going through a challenging period. We have had acts of violence erupting in some parts of the country, some of which was directed at nationals from other African countries. This has led to the deaths and injuries of a number of people, some of whom were nationals from other countries and the majority were South Africans.
I stand before you as a fellow African to express my regret, and to apologise for what has happened in our country. What has happened in South Africa goes against the principles of the unity of the African people that President Mugabe and President Nelson Mandela, Oliver Tambo and the great leaders of our continent stood for.”
Violence targeting foreigners in South Africa claimed 12 lives and 2 Zimbabweans died during the attacks.
One of the victims of xenophobia, the late Isaac Mabandla was buried at 1pm on Saturday in Chipinge.
VIDEO (story continues below)…
Mabandla is one of the victims of the xenophobic attacks in South Africa and he was murdered in the early hours of Thursday morning last week.
His wife, Lydia however does not have anywhere to stay. “Ipwo patamusiya haana pekugara,” a female relative told ZimEye via phone also saying there is no phone network coverage in the area.
Mabandla who was burnt to death, was buried in Chipinge. Fears are for his wife’s security were high – as she does not have a place to stay. In Johannesburg, her phone was stolen and she also lost her ewallet money with it. As per wide consensus (in a poll) donated funds by ZimEye news readers are now to secure a tenancy for her. The funds will come from a pot of over R16,000 left from an initial collection of R25,000 the difference which was paid for securing the first bus to evacuate the first batch of Zimbabweans on Wednesday morning.
By A Correspondent- South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has said his government was working hard to encourage the country’s nationals to embrace people from all African countries.
He said this while speaking at the the late former President Robert Mugabe’s funeral at the National Sports Stadium in Harare Saturday.
Ramaphosa thanked his fellow African leaders for the support offered to his government in the wake of the violence targeting foreign nationals and which claimed the lives of 12 people, including 2 Zimbabweans.
He said:
“I would like to state it here and now that South Africans are not xenophobic, South Africans are not against nationals from other countries.
We welcome people from other countries and we are going to work very hard that we encourage and promote social cohesion of the people of South Africa working and living side by side with people from other parts of our continent.
This we shall do because we want to embrace the spirit of unity that President Mugabe worked for throughout his life.”
By A Correspondent- President Emmerson Mnangagwa reportedly threatened the Mugabe family to get the family to agree to bury the late former president Robert Mugabe at the heroes acre.
A local publication claims to be in possession of recordings that exposes the government threatening the former first lady and widow to the late former president, Grace that she will lose her Harare Mansion if they antagonised the government over Mugabe ‘s final resting place.
Mugabe had made it clear he didn’t want to be buried at the Heroes acre after the November 2017 coup. It has further emerged that Mugabe’s properties in Mt Plesant, Waterfalls and the Blueroof were still registered in Zanu Pf’s name and Grace and her family risked losing them if they antagonised the government.
The threats were reportedly issued in a meeting with the Mugabe family and the government represented by Ziyambi Ziyambi, Philip Chiyangwa and Gideon Gono. A family member was recorded after the meeting saying:
They told the family that they needed to be careful when handling the burial issue and work with government because the family might stand to lose Mugabe’s properties that are still registered in Zanu PF name
Patrick Chinamasa reportedly confirmed that the properties were registered in Zanu PF’s name claiming Robert Mugabe’s daughter approached him last month pleading with him to transfer the deed from the ruling party’s name into her own name as she received the Mt Pleasant property as her wedding present.-Standard
The President of the Zimbabwe Hospitals Doctors Association Peter Magombeyi has reportedly been abducted by three men yesterday evening.
Details suggest that the abduction happened in Budiriro.
The ZHDA has been threatening industrial action and even issued a statement of incapacity to the government.
Prior to his abduction Peter Magombeyi the president of Zimbabwe Hospital Doctors Association had received a threatening text message for the number 0786645911 (he saved it as C10).
He is persecuted for organizing doctors in demanding better working conditions.
A Zambian prophet who enjoys a huge following amongst Zambians has declared that President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration is working at plans to kill one of late former President Robert Mugabe’s sons.
“I saw these prophecies and heard it, please believe me and take me seriously, said “Omegaprophet” Bright Nakonde.
-“Another head of the state will soon die. (In any way)-I saw fire again in lusaka at very important place-close to 3 ministers will be fired soon. Mugabe’s son will soon be killed by his body guards sent by those in authority who took over from his father.”
I regret having my family issues escalating in social media & beating up my wife on 4 & 5 September 2019 for a silly misunderstanding caused by jealousy. We had a disagreement which I failed to handle amicably as a man. #BecauseIamAman I own up for my transgressions @lilomatic.
Just like any marriage, we have had our fair share of challenges and I publicly apologize to my wife, her family and followers for my barbaric and uncalled for archaic actions. What happened between my wife and me has nothing to do with politics.
Contrary to media reports that I intend to harm the person of my wife, I’m not a politician. I have been in warehousing and logistics in South Africa for 14 years. 7 years ago I met Mrs Kaingidza to whom we have a 6-year-old child. #BecauseIAmAMan I love my wife.
To my family, friends and the rest of the world, I apologize again. I spent 2 days in police cells and was fined by a magistrate at rotten row magistrates court on Thursday after pleading guilty to two counts of domestic violence and I regret as a man and husband.
I acknowledge my responsibilities to love, listen, respect and support my wife’s dreams to fruition. Women are not objects that we can just toss around. It is with regret that I stand before my wife to apologize instead of laughing with her as we always do.
However, I’m worried about false media reports that target my wife through our marriage just to distract her political focus. I wish for a just world that recognizes capable leaders for their contributions to development, particularly women like my wife Linda Kaingidza and stop polarizing the environment with propaganda.
This has been the norm in Zimbabwe particularly via social media, were excessive propaganda is used to destroy women in politics personalities. Families have been affected by propaganda spread via social media.
In conclusion, I love my wife @lilomatic & will stand by her until death does us part. To all those who have been trying to create enmity and dig negative information leading to the spreading of malicious statements about my wife, please stay away from my WhatsApp inbox.
Surviving only freedom liberator Kenneth Kaunda of Zambia was among serving and former African Presidents who paid their last respect to former Zimbabwe president Robert Mugabe on Saturday.
Dr Kaunda who ruled Zambia from 1964 to 1990 was instrumental in liberating some countries in Southern Africa including Zimbabwe.
He has been a close ally of Mugabe throughout his life.
The old KK as he is commonly called looked heartbroken as he paid his last respect to his colleague.
The body of the late former president Robert Mugabe was embalmed in Singapore before being flown to Harare on Wednesday and is likely to be buried after a couple of weeks, the Zim Morning post reports.
Despite arriving last Wednesday, the body has never been taken to a local mortuary for safe keeping in a cold room yet it has been on public displays at Rufaro stadium for two days and then at the giant National Sports Stadium.
Family sources said the body was embalmed to last for five years without being taken to a cold room.
“The body was prepared and can last for five years in that state,” said the source.
“We knew it was going to take long to determine his final resting place so we had to be ready for that.
“We also knew that we wanted the body to lie in state at his Blue Roof until the day we are going to lay him to rest.“
The source also said the family has requested that his wife, former first lady be next to his coffin until he is laid to rest.
“That is why the body has never been taken to a morgue or local funeral palour,” the source said.
Meanwhile, it has been a week now since the former president died and his body has not decomposed regardless it being frequently moved from one place to another.
Medical doctors said a human body begins to decompose as soon as life ceases and after three days if no proper care is taken then no-one can get closer to the body.
Mugabe will only be buried after thirty days.
Embalming is the art and science of preserving human or animal remains intact by treating and making them suitable for public viewing for years.
Mugabe in big smile after coercing Nkomo into a unity government which all but silenced Matabeleland.
ANY mention of the late president Robert Mugabe still invokes a deep sense of resentment from many a villager in Maphisa, Matabeleland South, who are haunted by the army massacres, infamously known as Gukurahundi.
Maphisa centre is 7km from Bhalagwe, a notorious detention centre where the Fifth Brigade killed hundreds of people and buried them in shallow mass graves during the 1980s Gukurahundi era.
To date, there are scattered bricks of destroyed detention cells and other infrastructure used by the Fifth Brigade at the detention centre.
It is said some villagers have roofed their homesteads with asbestos sheets from the destroyed detention cells.
Mugabe, who is accused of presiding over the mass killings of over an estimated 20 000 civilians from Matabeleland and Midlands provinces, never apologised for the massacres he described as a “moment of madness”.
Maphisa bore the brunt of the massacres and villagers are torn apart between celebrating his death or mourning his passing-on, with many telling Sunday Southern Eye that what pains them the most is that “Mugabe never faced justice.”
Ndodana Moyo, aged 37, lost a brother in 1984 during Gukurahundi.
Mugabe ruled for 37 years until he was toppled by the military in November 2017.
“We are told that the Fifth Brigade militia took the eldest brother from our family at Kezi business centre asking him to show them some route to where they wanted to go, and that is the last time he was seen alive.
“Those who survived the torture at Bhalagwe say he was tortured, killed and his body thrown into the disused mine in Bhalagwe,” Moyo said.
“This all happened under Mugabe’s watch. And now that he is dead, do I celebrate or do I join fellow countrymen in mourning?
“No, I can’t! I am pained, and mourning that he passed away before facing any justice, before this issue was solved.”
As Mugabe lies motionless after he passed away aged 95 on September 6 at a Singapore hospital, the Gukurahundi shadow has followed him as many in Maphisa echo Moyo’s anger and pain over the mass killings.
Jeconiah Moyo, another Gukurahundi victim from Zamanyoni area, ward 19 in Bhalagwe village, said memories of suffering, the torture, the beatings and seeing fellow villagers being killed by the Fifth Brigade are still fresh in his mind.
“Certainly, his death cannot erase the bitter memories, the nightmare that we went through,” he said.
“Celebrating his death will never erase the horrors that he put us through. Myself, I was picked up at night on March 8, 1984 and detained weeks on end at the Bhalagwe detention centre.
“His death torments us in that he is lying in peace leaving us not in peace, leaving us without closure and mourning over the suffering, the torture and the killings of our people during that dark chapter.”
While some Zimbabweans described Mugabe as a hero, pan-Africanist and revolutionary, Gukurahundi victims, activists and other commenters said his role in the massacre of thousands ofinnocent civilians dwarfed whatever contributions he made.
Ibhetshu Likazulu secretary-general Mbuso Fuzwayo said Mugabe would be remembered for all the bad things he did after independence.
“It is unfortunate that he presided over devilish things, for example, the Matabeleland genocide, ethnic divisions, destroying the economy and the future,” he said.
“He will be remembered for the culture of killing those with a different view to his politically.
“And his worst was to die leaving behind a divided nation through his ethnic hatred for Ndebele speakers, he was just bad news.
“He died without saying sorry to victims of the genocide, without telling us why he killed them.”
Zipra spokesperson Buster Magwizi said the former liberation war fighters were not celebrating Mugabe’s legacy.
“Nobody will remember him in good spirits,” he said. “As for the Zipra, he does not have a place in our books, he was the worst leader Africa has ever had.”
Prominent Bulawayo-based religious leader Reverend Sikhalo Cele described Mugabe “as a devil” to Gukurahundi victims and a saint to those who benefited from his largesse.
“What I mean is, to others Mugabe is a pan-Africanist who stood for the rights and justice of Africans. However, the same angel became a devil back home,” he said.
“There are people who are mourning after their relatives were killed, there are people who are still suffering today who had their future destroyed during Mugabe’s reign.
“In reality there can’t be any positive from Mugabe.”
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has opened discussions on Gukurahundi.
In June, chiefs from Matabeleland and Midlands met Mnangagwa at State House in Bulawayo where they demanded an apology for the Gukurahundi massacres.
In March, Mnangagwa met the clergy and civic society groups where the issue of an apology was also topical.
He has in return promised to address concerns of the Gukurahundi victims by among others facilitating exhumations and reburials.
But to a Gukurahundi victim like Moyo, this was a little too late with Mugabe having passed away.
“Mugabe is better because is sleeping in a casket; was flown to Zimbabwe from Singapore whereas my brother and our relatives are buried in shallow graves, and unaccounted for,” he said
in his parting short.
“We also wish we could also mourn our own the same way they are mourning Mugabe and find closure which Mugabe denied us in his lifetime.”
Human rights groups say at least 20 000 people, mainly Zapu supporters, were massacred in Matabeleland and Midlands between 1983 and 1987.
SBS News|Born and raised in a small town west of Zimbabwe’s capital Harare in 1960, Terry Alderdice always wanted a farming job.
After spending 17 years learning how to grow a tobacco crop, he leased a block of land in Zimbabwe’s Marondera district.
Mr Alderdice and his wife had three daughters and grew the farm into a profitable business.
But then, he tells, it all went “pear-shaped”.
Terry Alderdice and his family were forced to flee their farm in Zimbabwe.
In early 2000, then Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe suffered a major defeat when the country voted against constitutional reform that would have expanded his executive powers.
Public support for Mr Mugabe and his ruling Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU–PF) appeared to be wavering.
He responded by pledging to fast-track the decades-old promise of land reform, by seizing land owned by white farmers and redistributing it back to the black majority.
Mr Alderdice was among the estimated thousands of white farmers removed from the land by Mr Mugabe’s men.
“There were people coming on to the farm and saying ‘we are taking this farm, we want you off in 30 days’,” Mr Alderdice says.
“I didn’t believe them, I thought it was just a political gimmick for the ruling party to stay in power.”
Mr Alderdice, left, and David Stead are both Zimbabweans now living in Western Australia.
But the pressure on him and his family to leave only grew.
“We had gangs of up to 30-40 people surrounding the homestead at night, lighting fires, throwing rocks,” he says.
“I sent my wife and kids into town, and would spend up to eight hours negotiating with a mob outside.”
We had gangs of up to 30-40 people surrounding the homestead at night, lighting fires, throwing rocks.
– Terry Alderdice, Farmer
Mr Alderdice says he tried to stay but began to fear for his life.
“They coerced a lot of the local population through intimidation and bribery, told them just to come on to the farms and take what was there. They didn’t just want the land, they wanted the farmhouses and infrastructure.”
Robert Mugabe died earlier this month aged 95.
Mr Alderdice and his family crossed the Zambezi River into Zambia where they lived for eight years before moving to Western Australia.
“At the age of 50, I came to Australia and started again. We’re very privileged to be here.”
Thousands flee
Mr Alderdice was not alone.
The number of Zimbabweans migrating to Australia tripled to more than 30,000 between 2001 and 2011, driven by white farmers looking to move primarily to join farming communities in WA and Queensland.
Now an agronomist in WA’s wheat belt, David Stead spent three profitable years growing flowers for export on farmland near Harare.
Aaron Fernandes
“On my wife’s birthday in 2004 we were thrown off at gunpoint and threatened with our lives. We moved into Harare with what we were told we were allowed to take off the farm,” he says.
On my wife’s birthday, we were thrown off at gunpoint and threatened with our lives.
– David Stead, Former farmer
Mr Stead and his family escaped, but the workers at his farm were hospitalised after a brutal mob attack, he says.
“Back then, you had to have political contacts to [be left alone]. I had meetings with the then minister for agriculture, I even met with Mugabe’s sister because she was very influential in the province when we were farming.”
“But it all came to no end. Our lawyer said ‘look, you’re young, it’s not too late to start over. Get out of the country now before its too late’.”
Growing Diaspora
In addition to the Zimbabweans of European ancestry who arrived in the early 2000s, Zimbabweans of indigenous Shona and Ndebele heritage have also grown the diaspora in Australia.
The community now is a diverse mix of people and political views, and the death of Mr Mugabe earlier this month has many wondering about the future of the country they left behind.
Academic Tinashe Janka says one man alone can’t be blamed for Zimbabwe’s problems.
Tinashe Janka grew up in Masvingo Province in south-eastern Zimbabwe, before her parents decided to relocate to Australia.
Ms Janka is now completing her PhD in international relations and political science in WA and says there are mixed views about Mr Mugabe’s legacy among the expat community.
“There is a belief that his positive contributions should be recognised: gaining independence from British rule, his reforms in education and health care,” she says.
“And he stood up for Zimbabwe and the interests of African countries.”
[Mugabe] stood up for Zimbabwe and the interests of African countries.
– Tinashe Janka, Academic
“At the same time, there’s also the recognition by many that he did oversee many human rights violations and abuses of power during his time as president and prime minister.”
“In order to accurately assess the impact he’s had on the country, one can’t talk about one without acknowledging the other.”
State funeral
A state funeral for Mr Mugabe was held in Zimbabwe this weekend, with many of the 60,000 Harare stadium seats left empty.
His championing of pan-African ideals and increasing literacy rates are seen as a positive legacy among some Zimbabweans in WA.
But electricity outages, food shortages and currency inflation remain ongoing issues in the country. Mr Mugabe sought treatment and ultimately died in a hospital in Singapore.
For better or worse, Ms Janka says it’s too simplistic to blame a developing nation’s troubles on one man alone.
“I don’t think the challenges facing Zimbabwe are simply due to poor leadership. I think the issues are much more multi-faceted and speak to the type of institutions that are in place that need to change,” she says.
“The focus on Mugabe being the cause of the crises facing Zimbabwe is expedient. It’s easier than thinking about solutions for issues facing the country.”
But for others, moving on from Mugabe means the impact of his rule will never be properly understood.
“I feel sadness and bewilderment that one man and his party could destroy a country like they have. And that the rest of the world would allow it,” Mr Alderdice says.
“Even now, people are still not calling him out for what he was. He never faced the music for his actions.”
Standard|Former president Robert Mugabe’s family was told that they risked losing his Harare mansion and other Harare properties if they did not accede to government’s demands that the long-time ruler should be buried at the Heroes Acre, it has emerged.
According to recordings of some of the meetings held between government representatives and his family obtained by The Standard, the negotiations for Mugabe’s burial have been full of twists and turns.
Mugabe, who died in Singapore on September 6 aged 95, is said to have told his family that he did not want to be buried at the Heroes Acre because he was bitter about the coup that toppled him in November 2017.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa addressed a poorly attended funeral service for his mentor at the National Sports Stadium, but his burial date still remains unknown.
Mugabe’s family on Friday agreed that he would be buried at the Heroes Acre only after they were promised that the government would build a mausoleum for him.
It has since emerged that Mnangagwa’s emissaries used a carrot-and-stick approach, including warning Mugabe’s family that they risked losing the Blue Roof mansion in Borrowdale, if they tried to antagonise the government.
Apparently, the mansion and Mugabe’s houses in Mt Pleasant and Waterfalls are registered under Zanu PF.
Mnangagwa was represented in meetings with the Mugabe family and traditional leaders from Zvimba, the former Zanu PF leader’s rural home, by former Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe governor Gideon Gono, Justice minister Ziyambi Ziyambi and former Zifa president Philip Chiyangwa.
“They told the family that they needed to be careful when handling the burial issue and work with government because the family might stand to lose Mugabe’s properties that are still registered in Zanu PF name,” a family member was recorded as saying after one of the meetings.
Gono yesterday said he did not know anything about the threats.
Zanu PF secretary for finance Patrick Chinamasa confirmed that Mugabe’s properties were registered under the ruling party, but refused to comment on the alleged threats against the former president’s family.
Chinamasa said: “It’s true that the properties are registered in the party name, but why don’t you go and talk to his daughter?”
Sources said Mugabe’s daughter, who was given the Mt Pleasant house as a wedding gift in 2014, approached Chinamasa a fortnight ago pleading with him to help transfer the title of the properties.
This was after unnamed Zanu PF officials started threatening that the properties could be seized.
After several inconclusive meetings and the rift between government and the chiefs, which played out in the public, Mnangagwa met chiefs from Zvimba at his Harare offices.
“We will work with government,” one of the chiefs is recorded telling Mnangagwa at the meeting.
“We want to clarify that we are not against the government.”
At a separate meeting, Chiyangwa was reportedly told that there was no guarantee that the chiefs still supported Zanu PF in the aftermath of the coup.
“In one of the meetings, Chiyangwa was embarrassed when he said he was also representing Zanu PF and was asked by one of the chiefs what made him believe they were still Zanu PF supporters after the November 2017 coup,” a family member, who attended the meeting said.
Cracks also started to appear among the chiefs with some said to be sympathetic to Mnangagwa. They allegedly accused Mugabe’s widow Grace of orchestrating the fallout with Mnangagwa.
“The chiefs then met again. Chief Zvimba and others who had been sympathetic to President Emmerson Mnangagwa accused Chief Chidziva, who is a direct relative of Mugabe, of failing to deal with the former first lady,” a source said.
“The meeting was held around 10pm on Thursday and a decision to summon Grace and discuss the issue was made.
“The chiefs were told she was already asleep and the meeting dragged on until 4am when she was called and told that chiefs had agreed to have Mugabe buried at the Heroes Acre.”
Gono held another meeting with the chiefs the following morning, which was followed by an announcement that Mugabe would be buried at the Heroes Acre, after all.
However, that was not the end of the drama. After stating that a funeral service would be held at the shrine today, family spokesperson Leo Mugabe announced that the event had been cancelled.
Sources revealed that government had already printed 25 000 obituaries and 7 000 T-shirts for today’s “mock” burial.
The chiefs met again on Friday night where they agreed that Mugabe’s body would be taken to Zvimba for some rituals before the final burial. Leo said the burial would now take place after 30 days.
Information permanent secretary Nick Mangwana yesterday said official mourning ended yesterday.
He said it was now up to the family to decide where to keep the body until burial.
When he announced Mugabe’s death, Mnangagwa said the period for national mourning would run until Mugabe was buried.
TWO men have been arrested while their three accomplices are at large for allegedly attacking a couple from Esigodini at their home, robbing them and raping the woman.
Tedious Mapiye (31) from Gokwe and Newton Ndlovu (22) from Binga were not asked to plead when they appeared briefly before Gwanda magistrate, Miss Lerato Nyathi last week facing charges of malicious damage to property, assault, rape and robbery. They were remanded in custody to 19 September for trial.
Prosecuting, Miss Ethel Mahachi said Mapiye, Ndlovu and their accomplices who were armed with logs and machetes invaded the couple’s home in Esigodini on 28 May at around 2am and assaulted the man who fled before raping his wife.
On 28 May at around 2am, the complainants were sleeping in their home when Ndlovu knocked on the door. The woman asked who it was and Ndlovu responded but they didn’t open the door. Ndlovu left and came back after an hour with his four other accomplices including Mapiye and they threw stones at the complainants’ house and destroyed property valued at $672.
“The gang then gained entry into the house and Mapiye hit the man once on the head with a machete and he fled from his house, leaving his wife behind with the gang. The gang then assaulted the woman several times all over her body and Mapiye went on to rape her while his accomplices watched and stood guard while armed with machetes and logs. The rest of the gang also demanded to rape the woman but Mapiye refused,” she said.
Miss Mahachi said the gang went on to demand cash from the complainant and she gave them $60 and they also took clothing items and a cellphone all valued at $387. She said the gang further took the complainant with them and headed towards Habane Extension. Miss Mahachi said the other gang members agreed to let the woman go but Mapiye refused and they parted ways with him and left him with her.
The court heard that Mapiye force marched the woman to his house where he demanded to have sexual intercourse with her and threatened to attack her with a machete if she refused. Mapiye raped the woman and left her in the house. The complainant managed to escape and went to a nearby homestead where she sought refuge. Her husband managed to locate her at the house and they reported the matter to the police resulting in Mapiye and Ndlovu’s arrest.
By A Correspondent- A man from Rujeko suburb in Masvingo who could not stomach rejection, forcefully inserted his finger into a student’s privates.
The man, Edmore Gwara (37), pleaded guilty to sexual assault when he appeared before Masvingo magistrate Ms Patience Madondo. Ms Madondo slapped Gwara with an eight-month jail term for the assault.
Four months were set aside on condition of good behaviour.
Magistrate Madondo castigated Gwara for his behaviour, saying men like him deserved a custodial sentence.
“You are a grown man and l expect you to respect women. Men like you who always want to take advantage of women deserve a jail term,” she said.
In mitigation, Gwara blamed alcohol for his actions.
“Your Worship, I deeply regret my actions. I was under the influence of alcohol therefore l wasn’t thinking straight,” he said.
On August 14, the complainant who is a student at Gweru Polytechnic College and attached at a bar in Masvingo met the accused at the bar entrance.
Upon meeting the complainant, Gwara proposed love and his proposal was turned down.
Out of anger Gwara followed the complainant who was outside talking on the phone. He poked her hard on her private parts using his fore finger.
The complainant screamed for help and was rescued by other patrons who were in the bar. The complainant told her supervisor Ernest Mudota who advised her to report the matter to the police leading to Gwara’s arrest.
Zimbabwean flag at Halfmast at parliament in mourning Mugabe’s death.
Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa last week officially declared his predecessor Robert Mugabe a national hero, saying the country will mourn him until he is laid to rest.
In a press briefing at State House Mnangagwa said: “Zanu-PF, the party which the late president founded, has met and accorded him national hero status, which he earned and deserved.”
The burial date of former Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe is still a mysteryafterthe family and government agreed to have the burial site prepared which could take up to 30 days.
This according to President Mnangagwa’s declaration means that all flags in the country must remain at half-mast until the burial.
“It’s a mourning period it depends on where you come from, some have seven days, 14 days others have 40 days mourning period. What I know is people will have to disperse and then the family will reconverge. Because we can’t be sitting here for 30 days once they’ve come up with a date then everybody will know,” said family spokesperson, Leo Mugabe.
Poor quality snow graders purchased by ZINARA in a bogus deal
State Media|A team of experts assembled by Government from both the private and public sector to pore over the recent Zinara forensic audit has recommended the recovery of funds that were allegedly milked from the parastatal and a lifestyle audit for its staff.
A forensic audit by Grant Thornton in 2017 exposed deep-seated rot and corporate malfeasance at Zinara, which prompted the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development to commission a team to study the report and come up with actionable recommendations.
Prejudicial contracts
The experts mainly raised the red flag on contracts entered between Zinara and Univern for the vehicle licensing system and the computerisation of the tolling system, transit system, road access, radio licence and fuel levy.
The parastatal reportedly engaged Univern in 2012 to computerise the vehicle licensing system without going to tender.
The system was also supplied without specifications.
Univern levied an 18,5 percent commission on gross revenues — excluding value added tax (VAT) — accruing from the licensing system.
As a result, the company was paid over US$36,5 million in the four-year period through to 2016.
“It is the considered view of the investigating team that the agreement is prejudicial to Zinara as the project did not go to tender,” read part of the report compiled by the experts and seen by The Sunday Mail.
“Furthermore, Zinara does not have rights of ownership of the vehicle licensing system, according to the agreement. This means that if Univern is to be removed as the supplier of the system, the vehicle licensing process in the country will collapse as Univern will move out with the current system,” added the report.
The parastatal even shelled out more than US$30 million in commissions to the same company for the computerisation of all toll collections around the country.
A commission of 16 percent on gross revenues was charged for the deal.
However, a separate arrangement for the management of the tolling system on the Plumtree-Bulawayo-Harare-Mutare highway — which was administered by Intertoll — was charging a 5 percent commission for the system.
As a result, Intertoll received US$9 million in the same period for a system that the experts say is actually “more efficient than that of Univern”.
It is believed Zinara could have been prejudiced US$20,7 million in the Univern deal.
In addition, more than US$43 million was paid in commission for transit fees and fuel levy collections in the 2012-2016 period.
Overall, Univern was paid US$110 million for the services.
Graders
Controversy was also unearthed in the supply of graders for use by road authorities around the country.
Initially, Univern won a tender to supply 40 graders; however, Zinara ended up purchasing an additional 40, purportedly under the same conditions.
The graders did not meet the set specifications and, notwithstanding overpaying by more than US$1,2 million for the contentious equipment, it could not be ascertained whether the graders were new or not.
Road authorities actually complained about the poor performance of the graders.
Government has now been advised to either review or cancel the contracts “to ensure that Government does not continue to be prejudiced”.
They also want the Plumtree-Bulawayo-Harare-Mutare contract to be reviewed over unexplained cost escalations, which resulted in the project being valued at US$464 million from the initial US$206 million, representing a 125 percent increase.
Most of the sub-contractors engaged and project reviews were reportedly done “behind Government’s back”.
Zinara board chairperson Engineer Michael Madanha told The Sunday Mail some of the contracts are actually being reviewed.
“We are reviewing all contracts with Zinara as most of them are very unfavourable . . .
“We actually started our contracts review with those on vehicle licensing and tolling . . . we are engaging a transactional advisor to negotiate the deals. Both parties are agreeable to negotiate.”
Some of the contracts that are being reviewed include those that were unprocedurally signed when Zinara circumvented local authorities and directly engaged contractors, most of whom did sub-standard work.
Investigators say these companies have to pay back the money.
“Local contractors who prejudiced Zinara and Government through non-performance or sub-standard performance be made to compensate Government,” reads part of the recommendations.
Lifestyle audit
The previous board also stands accused of approving the elevation of staff who had no qualifications.
Even former chief executive officer Mr Frank Chitukutuku’s qualifications could not be authenticated by forensic auditors as personal files were not released.
Further, senior members of staff paid themselves allowances that were not approved by the board and were contrary to their contracts of employment.
Government has since been advised to conduct a lifestyle audit of Zinara staff and to demand reimbursement from members of the previous Wilfred Ramwi-led board who were overpaid.
Action on falsified qualifications by some of the staffers is also being demanded.
Former President Robert Mugabe’s body is today expected to be taken to Zvimba, to afford people in his home area of Mashonaland West province a chance to bid farewell to the late Statesman.
After the rural proceedings, the body will be taken to a mortuary, where it will lie in state for about 30 days to pave way for the construction of a mausoleum at the National Heroes Acre.
Former President Mugabe will be buried in the mausoleum that is being constructed on top of a hill at the national shrine.
Government, on Friday, conferred the late leader the special honour, a first at the national shrine.
Family spokesperson Leo Mugabe said the funeral programme was today shifting to Zvimba.
“The family programme from now on is that tomorrow (today), we will go to Zvimba, Murombedzi. Then to the homestead; and we will give the Zvimba and Mashonaland West people the opportunity to bid their farewell,” he said.
“Thereafter, we will take the body, on Monday or Tuesday, back (to Harare) and take it to the mortuary for preservation for roughly 30 days until the Heroes Acre is ready.”
Addressing journalists yesterday Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services permanent secretary Nick Mangwana said traditional leaders from Zvimba, where the late former President hails from, had already visited the National Heroes Acre to mark the grave site.
“Let’s not also forget that the former President is the founding father. I’m sure if you go to Russia you will see Lenin in his Mausoleum, same as elsewhere, you find other founding fathers in mausoleums,” he said.
The late former President’s mausoleum will be the first at the National Heroes Acre.
Other late Heads of States buried in mausoleums include former Zambia Presidents Fredrick Chiluba, Levi Mwanawasa and Michael Sata. The three died in 2011, 2008 and 2014, respectively.
Democratic Republic of Congo’s former President Laurent Kabila was also buried in mausoleum in 2001.
Former Malawi President Kamuzu Banda who died in 1997 is also interred in a mausoleum.
State Media|The country’s success is inevitable owing to the rich and enduring legacy of “solid education”, the land reform programme and economic empowerment initiatives laid by Robert Mugabe, President Emmerson Mnangagwa has said.
The onus of the new crop of leaders, he said, was to continue the rich heritage of the continent’s founding fathers through “challenging an unfair world, opposing injustice, racism and all forms of oppression of man by man”.
In his tribute to the country’s founding father at a State Funeral held at the National Sports Stadium in Harare yesterday, the President said Mugabe’s legacy is a springboard for economic development.
“As Zimbabwe, we shall ride on the education and high literacy levels bequeathed to us by our late great teacher and educator.
“As a visionary, he understood the importance of solid education, as well as science and technology in the future world. As Africa, let us find our niche within the fast unfolding Fourth Industrial Revolution, leveraging in our youthful population, abundant, untapped natural resources and expansive combined market,” said President Mnangagwa.
“As Africa boldly operationalises the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), let us be emboldened by the ideas of the late Cde Mugabe, who was one of the consistent champions of African unity, industrialisation, intra-Africa trade, as well as regional and continental integration.”
Sanctions
While rallying the international community to join the growing advocacy for the removal of sanctions against Zimbabwe, the President also applauded Sadc and the African Union (AU) for supporting the country in its push to have the embargo lifted.
“There is no place in our modern world for unilateral punitive sanctions imposed in pursuit of selfish interests, undue influence and colonial-time expansionism. As we mourn our revolutionary icon, we call for the unconditional and immediate lifting of the sanctions imposed on us.
“We invite the world to work and walk with us into a brighter future for our people, our region and the continent. A Zimbabwe free of the albatross of sanctions is indeed of greater benefit to the world,” he said.
In his moving tribute to his predecessor, President Mnangagwa described Cde Mugabe as a “giant African tree that has fallen”.
“He taught a generation, led a nation, inspired a continent, spoke for the oppressed and defined the politics and economics of an epoch. The man who lies before us was for years our leader, our commander, mentor and President, both in the party and Government. . .
“Today, Southern Africa mourns the sad loss of front-liner. Today, Africa weeps, grieving over the loss of a true Pan-African.”
Honour
Yesterday, Mugabe was accorded the Last Respect-National Salute, which is a combination of a fly past and a 21-gun salute.
It is the highest honour accorded in military tradition.
Ninety-five doves were released, signifying the 95 years that Cde Mugabe lived, 37 of which he was leader of Zimbabwe.
President Mnangagwa said Mugabe will be remembered by future generations for his avid patriotism and Pan-Africanism.
“For years and generations to come, we shall continue to draw inspiration from the life leadership, courage, valour and bravery of this great man we here fondly called Gushungo. A trues statesman, who resolutely defended our country throughout his life.”
He said President Mugabe alongside former President Kenneth Kaunda of Zambia – who is now the only survivor among the crop of the founding fathers – and other former Presidents Augustino Neto (Angola), Sir Seretse Khama (Botswana), Samora Machel (Mozambique), Julius Mwalimu Nyerere (Tanzania) “remain the symbol of Africa’s struggles for independence and statehood”.
President Mnangagwa said he was humbled by the huge presence of several Heads of State,former heads of State and representatives of several countries as this bore testimony to Mugabe’s colossal global influence.
“Among the mourners gathered here are many fellow comrades from the region and continent and the world, who worked and fought alongside our dearly departed father.
“There are elder Statesmen, Presidents and Prime Ministers; great men and women, young and old, as well as dignitaries from all corners of the world; pulled by the demise of this colossus, Cde Robert Gabriel Mugabe. Today, we all grieve together, feeling the void he has left behind.”
Vilification
President Mnangagwa said during his lifetime, Mugabe was vilified and given “many false names” to present him in bad light, but he remained a true African icon.
“But today, the truth is laid bare and open, we honour and remember our late African icon in our own special way, demonstrating that he had many friends, allies and followers.
“As he moves on from this life to another, his star rises; it shines high and bright. We who remain shall continue to hear his rich, brave, defiant and inspiring voice – which we grew accustomed to on various international platforms – beyond his grave, encouraging and warning us to be vigilant and astute; always guarding and protecting our freedom, our independence and indeed our God-given resources.”
The land reform programme, President Mnangagwa said, will “never be reversed” and will remain one Mugabe’s legacies as it benefited more than 365 000 families.
Gratitude
The President also paid tribute to former First Lady Grace Mugabe for standing by the late former President’s side during his illness.
“Allow me to thank the Former First Lady, Her Excellency Amai Grace Mugabe, and the family for looking after and caring for our commander during his illness, right through to the end.
“The fortitude, commitment and love you exemplified is admirable and should forever be emulated . . . Be rest assured that you will continue to have any support and that of my Government in these moments of grief.”
By A Correspondent- The death of Zimbabwe’s founding President Robert Mugabe undeniably evoked contrasting emotions for many people across the country and beyond.
For a Bulawayo-based war veteran Pendros Mfugami Gumbo, who took the city by storm with his spartan, virtually rickety 1978 model Datsun 120Y displaying a huge portrait of RG Mugabe on the roof of his car, the untimely death of the former President robbed him of his great life-time wish.
Gumbo from Queens Park suburb and a Zipra war veteran, said the death of RG Mugabe hit him harder than he expected and subsequently denied him his most cherished wish of meeting him one-on-one and shake his hand.
In an interview, Gumbo (63) tearfully bared his soul saying he was always fervently praying that his death (RG Mugabe) must not come before he meets him one-on-one.
As testimony for his undying love for RG Mugabe he was christened, “Mugabe’s number one fan”.
As fate would have it, that priceless moment which Gumbo long wished would never be fulfilled after the icon of liberation breathed his last on 6 September, 2019 at the age of 95.
“I was shocked upon hearing the news of his untimely demise. I’m still in tears. We will definitely miss him. Although he has been unwell for some time I never expected his death to be very soon. We have lost one of the best teachers. Many people wished for his death but I was always asking God to preserve him until I meet him one-on-one.
“This is because I tried several times to meet him when he was still in the office but without success,” said a teary Gumbo leaning against his Datsun 120Y with the portrait of RG Mugabe emblazoned with the words, “rest in peace Mugabe”.
He said he will forever remember fondly his ever cheerful and colourful language throughout his 37-year reign as leader of Zimbabwe.
“I will forever remember one of his most telling quotes at the Earth Summit in South Africa in 2002 when he denounced Tony Blair: ‘We have fought for our land, we have fought for our sovereignty, small as we are we have won our independence and we are prepared to shed our blood . . . ‘So, Blair keep your England, and let me keep my Zimbabwe’”.
Gumbo was born and bred in Gweru and he joined the liberation struggle in 1978 when he crossed to Zambia where he was briefly trained before he returned home during the ceasefire agreement at the beginning of December 1979.
“I liked the man because he can stand up in every situation and he would stand for what he believed was right for his people. As for us people in Bulawayo we are appealing to the Government to bring his body here before it’s taken to its final resting place so that we can also have the opportunity to pay our last respects to this man who will always be remembered as a principled, steadfast and courageous Pan-Africanist,” said Gumbo.
Gumbo said he placed the flag and the portrait on his car in 2010 encouraging people to lift Zimbabwe and their president high.
Besides the flag, the other striking article on his eye-catching colonial era blue car is a portrait of President Mnangagwa with a message “Team Zanu-PF”.
At the back of his car he also has a picture of the late Father Zimbabwe, Dr Joshua Nkomo. He said the country’s history would be incomplete without acknowledging the role Dr Nkomo played in liberating and developing it.-StateMedia
THERE were two penalties, a red card, plus a 16-minute stoppage time in a drama filled contest that left ZPC Kariba on top of the log while 10-men Dynamos also extended their unbeaten run to 11 matches.
Evans Katema scored a penalty in the 65th minute. lt turned out to be a hotly contested one, which saw play being stopped for 16 minutes as the home fans threw missiles onto the pitch, protesting against Harare referee Washington Chari’s decision to penalise ZPC Kariba goalkeeper Tendai Hove for a foul on Nigel Katawa.
Although ZPC Kariba coach Godfrey Tamirepi conceded in his post-match views that it was indeed a penalty, his players would have none of it.
Tsepo Ranthokoane had to be restrained from attacking the assistant referee as chaos reigned supreme under the searing heat of Kariba.
James Marufu then denied his former side what would have been a historical victory when he headed home a Nigel Makumbe corner in the 94th minute.
ZPC could have wrapped it up in the 100th minute but Ian Nekati, fresh from a massive midweek debut show for the Warriors, had his penalty saved by an alert Simba Chinani after Tinotenda Muringai was adjudged to have handled the ball.
That incident came six minutes after Dynamos centre back Jimmy Tigere had been shown a straight red card for a crude challenge on ZPC’s exciting substitute, Samuel Makawa.
With that point, the hosts regained pole position with 40 points after Chicken Inn were stunned 2-0 at home by Manica Diamonds. DeMbare are sixth with 34 points after 23 rounds of action.
But there was something more to this ZPC side than the much-talked about weather advantage.
Tamirepi’s boys showed great character in the second half. Yesterday’s performance reminded Kariba fans of the 2014 stellar ZPC class that nearly won the league title under Saul Chaminuka.State media
The country’s success is inevitable owing to the rich and enduring legacy of “solid education”, the land reform programme and economic empowerment initiatives laid by Robert Mugabe, President Emmerson Mnangagwa has said.
The onus of the new crop of leaders, he said, was to continue the rich heritage of the continent’s founding fathers through “challenging an unfair world, opposing injustice, racism and all forms of oppression of man by man”.
In his tribute to the country’s founding father at a State Funeral held at the National Sports Stadium in Harare yesterday, the President said Mugabe’s legacy is a springboard for economic development.
“As Zimbabwe, we shall ride on the education and high literacy levels bequeathed to us by our late great teacher and educator.
“As a visionary, he understood the importance of solid education, as well as science and technology in the future world. As Africa, let us find our niche within the fast unfolding Fourth Industrial Revolution, leveraging in our youthful population, abundant, untapped natural resources and expansive combined market,” said President Mnangagwa.
“As Africa boldly operationalises the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), let us be emboldened by the ideas of the late Cde Mugabe, who was one of the consistent champions of African unity, industrialisation, intra-Africa trade, as well as regional and continental integration.”
Gospel musician Pastor Lawrence Haisa said he felt honoured to have been called up to come and perform at the first send-off event for former president Robert Mugabe at Rufaro Stadium.
Though he didn’t end up performing at the event, Pastor Haisa said he had planned to perform a song entitled “Ndomutenda” off one of his albums “Moyo Wakanaka.”
“Ndomutenda is a song I wrote for heroes, a hero like Robert Mugabe who went through a lot to liberate the nation of Zimbabwe.State media
Farai Dziva|Firebrand South African opposition leader Julius Malema has castigated those perpetrating xenophobic attacks on their African brothers and sisters while whites are exploiting resources.
““You are defending the white man’s property,You have nothing to show, yet you claim this is your country.
You are telling people to leave your country, you come from an apartment, you come from a flat, you come from a house, you have no paper. When you get back home, after taking out Zimbabweans, the white man will be at the door showing you the way out.
You call them foreigners, what is the definition of a foreigner? Someone who comes into your country without papers and doesn’t have anything to show,”argued Malema.
” That includes you, you are foreigners because you have nothing to show.
You are renting. You are marching from the hostels, beating up people and telling them to leave South Africa, yet you do not own your own land. You are paying rent in that hostel, you can be removed yourself.”
NORMAN MAPEZA says the need for rest, after five demanding years in the trenches at FC Platinum, finally forced him to end his successful marriage with the Zvishavane miners.
The Zimbabwe champions announced, through a statement released by club president George Mawere, that the two parties had parted ways.
Lizwe Sweswe will take charge of FC Platinum on an interim basis until a substantive coach has been appointed.
Reports suggest FC Platinum could once again try to lure former Warriors coach Callisto Pasuwa, who is now in charge of Big Bullets in Malawi.
Mapeza told The Herald he will take a rest, until the end of the year, and will only consider offers from January.
The 47-year-old coach dismissed speculation he had been forced out of the job or had quit because of serious differences with the club’s leaders.
‘‘Of course, there will be speculation but I can tell you that I just needed a rest and, after meeting with the club president Mr George Mawere, we agreed that was in my best interest,’’ said Mapeza.
‘‘I have been working non-stop for five years now at the same club, it’s not easy, but I have nothing against FC Platinum or anyone at the club and we won together and lost together as a team.
‘‘My record there speaks for itself but I am the only one who knows my body and when it requires rest and that’s what I will do and see what happens in January.’’
Interestingly, January could also be the month ZIFA appoint a substantive Warriors coach after the expiry of the mandate given to caretaker gaffer Joey Antipas.
ZIFA tried to get Mapeza, before appointing Antipas, but the parties couldn’t seal a deal after the coach demanded he first be paid what he is owed for his previous service as Warriors gaffer.
Mapeza delivered two back-to-back league titles at FC Platinum, becoming the first coach to win the domestic title while in charge of a club outside Harare and Bulawayo in more than 50 years.State media
A 25-YEAR-OLD man from Inyathi died on the spot after he was stabbed on the neck with an okapi knife while trying to stop a fight, police confirmed.
Acting Matabeleland North provincial police spokesperson, Sergeant Namatirai Mashona, said Bongani Sibanda of Dromoland Village in Kenilworth, Inyathi, bled to death at Hlathini Business Centre following the attack by Welfit Mnkandla from the same village.
The two were part of a group of patrons who were drinking beer at the business centre on Saturday night when a misunderstanding arose before degenerating into a fight.
Mnkandla is on the run after he fled from the scene soon after stabbing the now deceased.
“On the 7th of September at around 11.50PM, Welfit Mnkandla and Bongani Sibanda were drinking beer separately at Hlathini Business Centre.
“A misunderstanding arose between the accused and other patrons whose details are yet to be verified and Sibanda intervened with the intention of stopping the fight,” said Sgt Mashona.
She said Mnkandla immediately turned the heat on Sibanda, stabbing him once on the neck causing his instant death.
“Mnkandla drew an okapi knife from his trousers pocket and stabbed Sibanda once on the neck,” said Sgt Mashona.State media
Kaizer Chiefs Football Manager Bobby Motaung says head coach Ernst Middendorp was out of order by questioning Khama Billiat’s appearance for Zimbabwe.
The 29-year old made a last-minute decision to join the Warriors camp and featured in the 3-1 victory over Somalia on Tuesday which saw the team progressing through to the group stages of the World Cup Qualifiers.
Middendorp, however, seemed unhappy with Billiat’s involvement for the entire 90 minutes considering the concerns surrounding his progressive recovery from a knock.
The winger has managed just two appearances for his club since the start of the season.
In response, Motaung who played a big role in bringing the Zimbabwe international to the club last year has criticised the coach’s sentiments.
Speaking on South African radio, SAFM, on Friday, the manager said: “Unfortunately I was not there when the coach made those statements, but I think he must understand the rules.
“I don’t know why he raised that issue because rules are rules. Even if a player is injured, he has to report for camp.
“If the doctors in the camp do their assessment, they then make the call. National call-ups are national call ups, there are no qualms about it, no debate. The club has no right to refuse players to go to camp.
“I think it’s uncalled for that the coach made that statement and we will deal with this matter internally with the coach.”Soccer24
CHARLES MANYUCHI’s head might have endured hundreds of punches since his professional debut a decade ago, but only one date is etched in the boxer’s memory.
Four years ago, on July 30, 2015, Manyuchi realised his long cherished dream of meeting former President Robert Mugabe, when he was treated to a royal bash, before walking out of State House US$50 000 richer.
The State House bash was organised after Manyuchi had knocked out Gianluca Frezza of Italy to retain the World Boxing Council International welterweight title in Sequals on July 17, 2015.
Manyuchi was 26 at the time and his career was on an upwards trajectory.
Manyuchi is now 30 and in search of a road to recovery after losing his WBC belts.
Former President Mugabe is also gone and the boxer is seeking a way to appease the spirit of Zimbabwe’s founding father, who passed away on September 6.
Manyuchi has a crucial fight on September 28. The bout could enhance his status on the international boxing arena.
He takes on Diego Diaz Gallardo of Argentina for the vacant World Boxing Federation world middleweight title at the Harare International Conference Centre in a fight that he is dedicating to the late former President Mugabe.
“Everyone knows how the late former President Mugabe appreciated my boxing talent. At one time, I was invited to the State House and got a whopping US$50 000, that was a lot of money.
“So, as I prepare to take on Gallardo, I am motivated by the need to do it (win) in remembrance of the late former President Mugabe.
“The good thing is that President Emmerson Mnangagwa is also very supportive of my boxing career, he has often given me words of encouragement and my wish is that, if time permits, may the President be present at Harare International Conference to witness the demolition of Gallardo.
“I was down yes, but I am certainly not out.
Manyuchi is rising again and I am doing this for the pride of my beloved nation,” Manyuchi said.State media
Former Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) chief executive officer Patrick Mavhura and ex-head finance, administration and human resources manager Benenia Shumba yesterday appeared in court facing corruption charges.
The two were not asked to plead when they appeared before Harare magistrate Mrs Barbra Mateko who remanded them in custody to tomorrow for bail application.
Allegations are that the two siphoned more than US$340 000 advertising revenue from the national broadcaster.
According to court papers, Mavhura bought a house in the leafy suburb of Borrowdale, vehicles and other properties.
“An advertising company Total Media was asked to make advance payments of US$75 000 and US$25 000 to an Ecobank account belonging to Mugiya and Macharaga Law chambers in exchange for advertising airtime worth US$112 500 and $37 000 respectively,” the court papers read in part.
“The former ZBC boss and his accomplice again entered into another agreement with Adrenalin Advertising agent who had to make yet again an advance payment of US$100 000 in exchange for advertising airtime worth US$ 150 000.
“Under instruction from Shumba, Adrenalin Advertising deposited the money into Mugiya and Mucharaga law chambers’ Ecobank account.”
Mavhura and Shumba left the national broadcaster early this month following the appointment of a new board. -State Media
Former President Robert Mugabe’s body is today expected to be taken to Zvimba, to afford people in his home area of Mashonaland West province a chance to bid farewell to the late Statesman.
The Sunday Mail has gathered that after the rural proceedings, the body will be taken to a mortuary, where it will lie in state for about 30 days to pave way for the construction of a mausoleum at the National Heroes Acre.
Former President Mugabe will be buried in the mausoleum that is being constructed on top of a hill at the national shrine.
Government, on Friday, conferred the late leader the special honour, a first at the national shrine.
Speaking to The Sunday Mail, on the side-lines of a State funeral for the former President at the National Sports Stadium in Harare yesterday, family representative Mr Leo Mugabe said the funeral programme was today shifting to Zvimba.
“The family programme from now on is that tomorrow (today), we will go to Zvimba, Murombedzi. Then to the homestead; and we will give the Zvimba and Mashonaland West people the opportunity to bid their farewell,” he said.
“Thereafter, we will take the body, on Monday or Tuesday, back (to Harare) and take it to the mortuary for preservation for roughly 30 days until the Heroes Acre is ready.”
Mr Mugabe dispelled circulating statements that the National Heroes Acre burial would be a mock ceremony.
Addressing journalists yesterday Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services permanent secretary Mr Nick Mangwana said traditional leaders from Zvimba, where the late former President hails from, had already visited the National Heroes Acre to mark the grave site.
“Let’s not also forget that the former President is the founding father. I’m sure if you go to Russia you will see Lenin in his Mausoleum, same as elsewhere, you find other founding fathers in mausoleums,” he said.
The late former President’s mausoleum will be the first at the National Heroes Acre.
Other late Heads of States buried in mausoleums include former Zambia Presidents Fredrick Chiluba, Levi Mwanawasa and Michael Sata. The three died in 2011, 2008 and 2014, respectively.
Democratic Republic of Congo’s former President Laurent Kabila was also buried in mausoleum in 2001.
Former Malawi President Kamuzu Banda who died in 1997 is also interred in a mausoleum. – Sunday Mail
Farai Dziva|Emmerson Mnangagwa has described his former boss Robert Mugabe as a giant African tree that has fallen.
“There is no place in our modern world for unilateral punitive sanctions imposed in pursuit of selfish interests, undue influence and colonial-time expansionism.
As we mourn our revolutionary icon, we call for the unconditional and immediate lifting of the sanctions imposed on us.
“We invite the world to work and walk with us into a brighter future for our people, our region and the continent. A Zimbabwe free of the albatross of sanctions is indeed of greater benefit to the world,” he said.
In his moving tribute to his predecessor, Mnangagwa described Mugabe as a “giant African tree that has fallen”.
“He taught a generation, led a nation, inspired a continent, spoke for the oppressed and defined the politics and economics of an epoch. The man who lies before us was for years our leader, our commander, mentor and President, both in the party and Government.”
State Media – The country’s success is inevitable owing to the rich and enduring legacy of “solid education”, the land reform programme and economic empowerment initiatives laid by Robert Mugabe, Emmerson Mnangagwa has said.
The onus of the new crop of leaders, he said, was to continue the rich heritage of the continent’s founding fathers through “challenging an unfair world, opposing injustice, racism and all forms of oppression of man by man”.
In his tribute to the country’s founding father at a State Funeral held at the National Sports Stadium in Harare yesterday, the President said Cde Mugabe’s legacy is a springboard for economic development.
“As Zimbabwe, we shall ride on the education and high literacy levels bequeathed to us by our late great teacher and educator.
“As a visionary, he understood the importance of solid education, as well as science and technology in the future world. As Africa, let us find our niche within the fast unfolding Fourth Industrial Revolution, leveraging in our youthful population, abundant, untapped natural resources and expansive combined market,” said Mnangagwa.
“As Africa boldly operationalises the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), let us be emboldened by the ideas of the late Cde Mugabe, who was one of the consistent champions of African unity, industrialisation, intra-Africa trade, as well as regional and continental integration.”
While rallying the international community to join the growing advocacy for the removal of sanctions against Zimbabwe, the President also applauded Sadc and the African Union (AU) for supporting the country in its push to have the embargo lifted.
“There is no place in our modern world for unilateral punitive sanctions imposed in pursuit of selfish interests, undue influence and colonial-time expansionism. As we mourn our revolutionary icon, we call for the unconditional and immediate lifting of the sanctions imposed on us.
“We invite the world to work and walk with us into a brighter future for our people, our region and the continent. A Zimbabwe free of the albatross of sanctions is indeed of greater benefit to the world,” he said.
In his moving tribute to his predecessor, Mnangagwa described Cde Mugabe as a “giant African tree that has fallen”.
“He taught a generation, led a nation, inspired a continent, spoke for the oppressed and defined the politics and economics of an epoch. The man who lies before us was for years our leader, our commander, mentor and President, both in the party and Government. . .
“Today, Southern Africa mourns the sad loss of front-liner. Today, Africa weeps, grieving over the loss of a true Pan-African.”
Yesterday, Cde Mugabe was accorded the Last Respect-National Salute, which is a combination of a fly past and a 21-gun salute. It is the highest honour accorded in military tradition.
Ninety-five doves were released, signifying the 95 years that Cde Mugabe lived, 37 of which he was leader of Zimbabwe.
Mnangagwa said Mugabe will be remembered by future generations for his avid patriotism and Pan-Africanism.
“For years and generations to come, we shall continue to draw inspiration from the life leadership, courage, valour and bravery of this great man we here fondly called Gushungo. A trues statesman, who resolutely defended our country throughout his life.”
He said Mugabe alongside former President Kenneth Kaunda of Zambia – who is now the only survivor among the crop of the founding fathers – and other former Presidents Augustino Neto (Angola), Sir Seretse Khama (Botswana), Samora Machel (Mozambique), Julius Mwalimu Nyerere (Tanzania) “remain the symbol of Africa’s struggles for independence and statehood”.
Mnangagwa said he was humbled by the huge presence of several Heads of State,former heads of State and representatives of several countries as this bore testimony to Cde Mugabe’s colossal global influence.
“Among the mourners gathered here are many fellow comrades from the region and continent and the world, who worked and fought alongside our dearly departed father.
“There are elder Statesmen, Presidents and Prime Ministers; great men and women, young and old, as well as dignitaries from all corners of the world; pulled by the demise of this colossus, Cde Robert Gabriel Mugabe. Today, we all grieve together, feeling the void he has left behind.”
Mnangagwa said during his lifetime, Mugabe was vilified and given “many false names” to present him in bad light, but he remained a true African icon.
“But today, the truth is laid bare and open, we honour and remember our late African icon in our own special way, demonstrating that he had many friends, allies and followers.
“As he moves on from this life to another, his star rises; it shines high and bright. We who remain shall continue to hear his rich, brave, defiant and inspiring voice – which we grew accustomed to on various international platforms – beyond his grave, encouraging and warning us to be vigilant and astute; always guarding and protecting our freedom, our independence and indeed our God-given resources.”
The land reform programme, Mnangagwa said, will “never be reversed” and will remain one of Cde Mugabe’s legacies as it benefited more than 365 000 families.
Mnangagwa also paid tribute to former First Lady Grace Mugabe for standing by the late former President’s side during his illness.
“Allow me to thank the Former First Lady, Her Excellency Amai Grace Mugabe, and the family for looking after and caring for our commander during his illness, right through to the end.
“The fortitude, commitment and love you exemplified is admirable and should forever be emulated . . . Be rest assured that you will continue to have any support and that of my Government in these moments of grief.” Sunday Mail
