Farai Dziva|Zanu PF Secretary for Administration, Obert Mpofu has called on Zimbabweans- including opposition members – to join the “anti-sanctions” scheduled for next Thursday.
“We want to make it a national event.
The solidarity march will include the Government, civil society, students, the business community (and) all political parties, among others, to participate in the solidarity march. The event is open to everyone,” Mpofu told The Herald.
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1/2 – Zimbabwean man stabbed to death over a love affair pic.twitter.com/TcC7rLEQ8h
— ZimEye (@ZimEye) September 2, 2019
By A Correspondent| Nigeria’s foreign affairs minister Geoffrey Onyeama has described as sickening and depressing news of the continued burning and looting of Nigerian shops and premises in South Africa.
He said the action by the mindless criminals which was happening under the watch of an ineffective police which was failing to protect foreign nationals would see his government take definitive measures.
Said Onyeama:
“Received sickening and depressing news of continued burning and looting of Nigerian shops and premises in South Africa by mindless criminals with ineffective police protection. Enough Is Enough. We will take definitive measures.”
By Own Correspondent Three men have been arrested and sentenced to eight years in prison after they were seen by a security guard stealing batteries from an Econet booster in Dune Village, Sadza.
The development was revealed by the Zimbabwe Republic Police who posted on microblogging site, Twitter and said:
“An alert security guard who observed 4 criminals breaking into an Econet Booster at Dune Village, Sadza quickly informed the police leading to the arrest of the suspects. The criminals stole 24 batteries which were all recovered upon arrest.
They were taken to court and 3 have since been convicted and sentenced to 8 years imprisonment while the case against 1 is pending.”
By A Correspondent| The government of South Africa has condemned violence against women and girls as a University Of Cape Town student is killed.
Uyinene Mrwetyana’s killer has been arrested, charged with abduction and murder and he has confessed to the crime.
The State alleges that on the day of her disappearance, Uyinene had gone to the post office to inquire about a parcel. She was told to come back later as electricity at the post office had been off.
When she did, she was allegedly sexually accosted. She fought back but her attacker knocked her out, using a scale.
The government posted on twitter and said:
We would like to extend our deepest condolences on the death of UCT Student#UyineneMrwetyana. May her soul rest in peace. Government condemns any form of violence against women and children.#RIPUyinene
By A Correspondent- The government is worried about the safety of Zimbabweans in South Africa following threats of fresh xenophobic attacks by some nationals of that country.
Zimbabwe’s ambassador to South Africa, David Hamadziripi, in a letter dated August 29 this year addressed to the Transport and Infrastructural Development permanent secretary Amos Marawa said he was concerned about the safety of Zimbabwean drivers in that country.
“We are equally deeply concerned about the safety of our truck drivers in light of the reported attacks directed at them and other foreigners in that industry,” Hamadziripi said.
He said the Department of International Relations and Co-operation had invited them to bring them up to speed with preparations the South African government was doing to counter the proposed attacks.
South Africans have set today (2 September) as the day they will rise up against foreigners at workplaces and industries to violently smoke them out.
South Africans accuse foreigners of taking up their jobs in the country where up to 15 million of the country’s population are unemployed.
Hamadziripi, whose response to Marawa’s letter to a chief executive of SA’s Cross Border Road Transport Agency has gone viral on social media, asked about the results of the government response to previous attacks. Last week, there was a fresh wave of xenophobic attacks, with foreigners filmed challenging South Africans to attack them.
Some Nigerians, in retaliation to attacks and threats, have ordered South African nationals and companies to leave the populous African country.
The chairperson of the Zimbabwe Cross-Border Transport Association, Dennis Juru, has throughout last week been releasing bulletins advising Zimbabweans working in SA to take the threats seriously.
He also warned that in retaliation to the threats, other countries would ban all South African drivers from their territories.
“Due to threats by South African nationals that on September 2, 2019 they are embarking on an attack to foreign national drivers, the International Cross-Border Traders Association executive hase resolved that if this plan succeeds, we are going to stop all South Africa-registered trucks, buses and flights to cross borders to any African nation,” Juru said in a statement.
“Foreign truck drivers have work permits to work in South Africa. The government of South Africa found it necessary to give foreign nationals work permits, allowing them to take employment in South Africa.
“No one has monopoly of violence. If they turn to be violent to foreign nationals, our organisation shall respond accordingly.”
He asked the South African government to protect foreign nationals in their country.
“We have previously witnessed foreign nationals killed, assaulted and threatened without a single person being arrested or prosecuted,” he said.
Yesterday, traffic between South Africa and Zimbabwe was smooth, with people arriving from the neighbouring country saying they had not seen anything sinister.
A bus driver who plies the Bulawayo-Johannesburg route said everything seemed normal.-Newsday
By A Correspondent- A police officer was recently nabbed for illegal possession of elephant tasks.
Sergeant Chadzamira of St Mary’s Chitungwiza was on Thursday arrested in Harare and he is set to appear in court soon.
This is a developing story. Refresh this page for latest updates.
By A Correspondent- The 15-year-old child bride who caused social media outcry after images of her with her much older Madzibaba husband emerged has been rescued.
The girl’s parents appealed to people to rescue their daughter and their prayers have been answered.
Human Rights lawyer and Anti Child marriages ambassador Nyaradzai Gumbonzvanda confirmed the girl has been rescued from the Madzibaba’s clutches.
We have some GOOD news! Through your concerted efforts as networks concerned citizens, relatives, friends and organisations; little M was rescued from this man in South Africa.
She is in safety now and arrangements in place for her to receive medical and legal assistance. The man is yet to be arrested.
By Dorrothy Moyo| A Zimbabwean man was caught in the act pretending to be a South African, as he went about attacking fellow foreigners.
He was assaulted and he confessed that he is actually a Zimbabwean from Mzilikazi, Bulawayo.
“I’m not a South African I am Zimbabwean,” the man is heard confessing.
WARNING – DISTURBING VIDEO WITH GRAPHICS –
By A Correspondent- South African female boxing champion Leighandre “Baby Lee” Jegelswas shot dead on Friday, allegedly by her police officer boyfriend.
She was 25.
According to Dispatch Live website, the incident took place on Friday following a high speed chase in the Eastern Cape at around 2pm.
Jegels was reportedly shot by her police officer boyfriend. The boxer’s mother was also wounded during the shooting and was rushed to the hospital.
According to the publication, the officer is being hunted down by members of his own unit and remains at large.
Jegels has not fought since August 2017 and has an unbeaten record of 9-0 with seven knockouts.
She was expected to make her comeback in July in Saudi Arabia, however, the tour was cancelled after the kingdom “revoked the move saying that women shouldn’t be involved in boxing, wrestling or any aggressive sport”. — Sport24
Chitungwiza Mayor Clr Lovemore Maiko was today brutally attacked by bussed Zanu PF thugs inside the municipality’s Town House today.
The Mayor sustained injuries and is seeking medical attention.
He was attacked inside the Town Clerk’s Office by over 100 Zanu PF thugs brought to the Town House in several trucks by several known landbarons who are working in cahoots with the Town Clerk George Makunde to loot council land by prejudicing bona fide home-seekers.
The Mayor was in the process of serving the Town Clerk with a suspension letter when the thugs barged into the office and brutally assaulted him.
Makunde is a member of the Zanu PF Mashonaland Central provincial executive.
The charges against the Town Clerk range from gross insubordination, refusal to obey lawful instructions, gross incompetence, falsification ofpersonal and council documents and habitual absence from duty.
The Town Clerk had last week engineered trumped-up charges against the mayor and his deputy after he knew that a suspension letter would
soon be served against him. The police who arrested the Mayor and his Deputy investigated the allegations and freed them after concluding
that the two had no case to answer.
Today, the Town Clerk went for the jugular and brought in Zanu PF bouncers to physically assault the Mayor.
Police were innocent by-standers when the Zanu PF thugs besieged the council offices to brutally assault the mayor, whose only crime is that
he is trying to bring order, sanity and improved service delivery to Chitungwiza residents.
False allegations have been raised against the Mayor that he allocated his wife a stand, when there is no iota of truth in the allegation.
The MDC notes with concern the systematic political onslaught and vicious assault on MDC-run local authorities in a bid to overturn thedemocratic will of the people as expressed in the last election.
MDC: Change that delivers.
Luke Tamborinyoka
MDC Deputy National Spokesperson
Two prominent businessmen from Zimbabwe Emmanuel Chisandule and Forward Matepa were arrested over the weekend in Nkhotakota Malawi after being found in possession of 66 bags of Canabbis illegally.
The Zimbabweans were arrested in their vehicle after some people from a village where they purchased cannabis tipped the Police.
The two will appear in a Malawian Court on Wednesday.
Standard|Fifty-two-year-old Wilbert Verenga considers himself lucky to be alive after he was abducted by gunmen from his home who beat him up and left him for dead.
Verenga said at one point his attackers hit him with the butt of a gun before they took him from Mpopoma to a bushy area, between Richmond and Entumbane suburbs.
He was forced to lie on the ground before he was bludgeoned with logs.
Verenga’s crime was that he had refused to disclose the whereabouts of his son, Charles, who is the MDC treasurer for Mpopoma.
His other son, 16-year-old Tadiwanashe, who became his saviour, was not spared the ruthless beatings.
Verenga said the ordeal started on August 18, a day before the much-publicised MDC protests in Bulawayo, which were thwarted by the police.
He said armed men stormed his Mpopoma home in the dead of the night looking for Charles.
“On Sunday, some armed and masked men came here at night and knocked on the door. They said they were looking for Charles, my first-born son,” Verenga said.
“My mother told them that he was not around as he no longer stayed at the house. They insisted they wanted to see him, but my mother refused to open the door for them.”
They left, but returned two days later.
“It was around 9:30pm when the same gang of seven men armed with AK rifles knocked on the front door,” Verenga said.
“My son (Tadiwanashe) told them to knock on the back door. When they were asked who they were, they said they were police officers.
“They kicked open the door and tried to get into our bedroom, but my wife told them that she was still dressing. They barked orders that she should come out.”
Verenga, a former soldier, said when they got in, he noticed that one of them was holding an AK rifle with a folded butt.
“They had parked a commuter omnibus outside. They again asked for Charles, saying they wanted to know why the were organising demonstrations,” he said.
“I told them that we did not know since he no longer stayed at the house. They then forced me and Tadiwanashe into the kombi before they drove us to a bush.”
The gang took away their phones and locked all doors at the house.
Verenga, who still struggles to sit or walk, said once they arrived at the secluded spot, the beatings began.
“They hit me with the butt of the gun on the head, injuring me in the process,” he said.
“They forced me to lie down in the bush and started beating me with logs threatening to shoot me if I did not disclose where my son was.
“They also assaulted Tadiwanashe. They beat me until I almost passed out.”
Young Tadiwanashe eventually disclosed Charles’ whereabouts. He said he did that to save his father’s life.
“They covered my face and that of my father before taking us to the bush. When they took me, I believed they thought I was Charles and when they assaulted me, that is when I told
them that my brother no longer stays with us and I was not aware of his whereabouts,” Tadiwanashe said.
“When I heard them threatening to kill my father I then told them the place where my brother might be to save dad.
“They then left us, but my father was seriously injured. What I realised is that they were using a kombi and a Nissan X-Trail.”
He said they could not return home that night because his father was seriously injured and they slept under a bridge.
In the morning Tadiwanashe went to Entumbane to organise transport to ferry his father to hospital and was advised by one of the residents to report to the police.
Police organised an ambulance that took him to Mpilo Central Hospital where he was admitted for a day.
“I sustained injuries on the head and got three stitches. I also sustained several injuries on the back and the backside,” Verenga said.
A request for medical assistance prepared by the police’s Law and Order section at Western Commonage (CR/other Ref:10,08,19) detailed the injuries suffered by Verenga and his son.
Charles said he was now living in fear because the men who abducted his father and brother were after him.
“I do not know why they were looking for me and who they are as I have never committed any crime or mobilised people for demonstrations,” he said,
“I wonder who I am to be hunted by gun-toting men like a criminal or an insurgent. Do I have any influence in Bulawayo or in politics in the country? I do not see myself as dangerous.
“I am no longer safe anywhere here. If those people were real police officers, I would have handed myself over so I get to know why they are looking for me.”
Justice minister Ziyambi Ziyambi last week told Parliament that victims faked their abductions, a stance Verenga said was insensitive.
“I have heard about the minister’s remarks and it pains me a lot,” he said.
“How much could someone have given me at my age to lie that I was abducted?
“What I can only say is that God must visit and judge him. At my age, I do not think I can still fake injuries. These injuries you see, are they fake?”
Several civil society and opposition activists have allegedly been abducted and tortured in recent weeks after the MDC started mobilising for demonstratoons against President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government.
ZBC NEWS|The SADC region’s contribution to United Nations peace and security initiatives has received a major boost with senior military officers drawn from staff colleges in Zimbabwe, South Africa, Zambia and Botswana undergoing a one week training exercise at the Zimbabwe Staff College.
The joint regional training is in tandem with the Zimbabwe‘s defence policy that supports regional as well as international peace and security initiatives.
Officially opening the exercise code named Uhuru 2019, Chief of Staff Joint Operations, Planning, Air Vice Marshal Jasper Garikai Marangwanda said the integrated mission task force has become the standard vehicle for planning and supporting United Nations peace support operations.
“Peace keeping is becoming more robust, with mandates ranging from immediate stabilisation and protection of civilians to supporting humanitarian assistance, organising elections, assisting the development of new political structures and engaging in security sector reforms,” said Air Vice Marshal Marangwanda.
Head of Mission for the Combined Joint African Exercise, Professor Owen Sichone said the programme is a platform aimed at equipping participants with sufficient theoretical and practical knowledge on the execution of peace support operations.
“The exercise is designed to facilitate achievement of the common understanding by establishing planning process,” said Professor Sichone.
The exercise will see the military, police, correctional services, the civilian component and humanitarian organisations participating.
Thirty-one people have been arrested since violent protests erupted in the Johannesburg CBD on Sunday.
Shops were looted and set alight, leading to the death of three people on Sunday, police spokesperson Captain Mavela Masondo told News24 on Monday morning.
“Many cars and shops were set alight,” Masondo said. “The Pep store is in ashes.”
On Sunday, Masondo told News24 police responded to a call about a building that was gutted in Jeppestown at around 05:00, where two men and a woman died.
“The three deceased people… were burnt to death. While at the scene, a group of criminals then took advantage of the situation and started attacking nearby shops,” he said.
Nearby shops were broken into and then looted, Masondo said.
“They then moved into a nearby panel beater workshop where they damaged two cars and set alight one vehicle. At the moment, we don’t know who owns those shops and are calling for owners to come and open cases,” he said.
On Monday morning, Masondo told News24 that violence erupted again in Malvern on Sunday evening.
More shops were looted and set alight. “However, the situation is now under control,” Masondo said.
“We are still counting the cost [of the damage].” Masondo said the situation remained tense.
Source: News24
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South Africans and their companies operating in Nigeria have been given seven days to pack up their bags and leave Nigeria by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) following an increase in Xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.
Danielson Bamidele Akpan made it clear at a press conference organised by the Chairman, National Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, in Abuja on Wednesday, that they want nothing to do with South Africans.
Akpan said they have had enough of the xenophobic attacks on their fellow Nigerians and action needs to be taken on South Africans to show strength by the Nigerian government.
He said that they had hoped that the government of South Africa and their citizens would end all forms of attacks on citizens of Nigeria and other African nations.
“Behold, the killings have continued and has even assumed a more dangerous dimension. This worsening development calls for a swift reaction. Importantly, we want to call on Nigerians in South Africa to reconsider their stay in South Africa and return home.
“Having gone through the first phase without any remorse or practical action to end xenophobic attacks in South Africa, we wish to announce that Nigerian students have decided to take on South Africans same way they are doing to our people. We have seen the helplessness of the South African government in reining in their citizens and wish to condemn in unambiguous terms the continued pampering of those involved. Every nation has own internal crisis hence no citizen of other nation should be sacrificed for criminal activities of South Africans or any other.
“Since the economic prosperity of Nigerians can no longer be tolerated and their lives secured in South Africa, there’s no need also to condone the continued flourishing of South African businesses and her citizens in Nigeria.
“We therefore wish to officially ask all South African-owned businesses in Nigeria to relocate in the next seven days. We specifically want Multichoice, MTN, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Shoprite and others to close their businesses in their own interest within seven days.
“In the same vein, we request that South African nationals in Nigeria should return to their home country as we can no longer watch them enjoy peaceful living in Nigeria while our citizens in their country continue to pay with dear lives for no reason other than being resourceful and flourishing in their businesses and career.
South Africans should henceforth leave Nigeria with all their businesses. Nigerians are not joking about it and we are giving seven days ultimatum for this action to be carried out. Diplomacy has failed”.
However, Dabiri-Erewa stressed that the Nigerian government was doing all it could to make sure that the matter is resolved. She said President Buhari will be meeting with his South Africa counterpart, President Cyril Ramaphosa, to discuss on how to end the attacks.
Dabiri-Erewa said that Nigerians are getting angrier as South African kill their own.
“We are reaching a tipping point, we are getting to a point where Nigerians are getting really angry and they can’t take it anymore.
“It’s going to be one of the priorities that the Minister of Foreign Affairs would meet again with his counterpart in South Africa and review the early warning signal that was put in place, that has to be done while diplomatic Channels are being explored,” she said.
“One more death again in South Africa… it is becoming unbearable for Nigerians, you don’t go there and come back with body bags so we just have to do everything we have to do, to ensure that it does not escalate to that level where we start picketing and destroying property… that is not who we are,” Dabiri-Erewa stressed.
Naija News
Disturbing xenophobic attacks on foreign nationals by South Africans have shocked the world after a video from the country showing a man being burnt to death.
The particular video, that is currently circulating on Twitter, captures the moment a man was set ablaze on the road while bystanders watched on as he struggled to quench the fire.
Watch the video below:
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By Ebrahim Harvey|Let there be no doubt at all that South Africans are among the most violent people in the world.
In every form of violence, we have among the most shocking statistics, whether it is for murders, rapes, domestic violence, labour strikes, township protests or student unrest.
In this regard we are in fact reliving our history.
I argue that there is in fact no country in the world in which the capitalist system developed as violently as it did here.
This systemic violence in various forms – the uprooting of people from their homes in the rural areas, forced by various measures to seek work in the cities, and the structural violence imposed by the migrant labour system and its mine compounds, hostels, pass and influx controls – was how capitalism was birthed and baptised in South Africa.
That horrendous violence meted out by Dutch and Afrikaner nationalism and British imperialism on black people, since the earliest days of slavery and the genocide against the Khoisan people in the Cape Colony, is necessary to grasp in order to understand the very deep historical roots of structural, institutional and personal violence in this country.
To know and understand today’s violence in its various forms we must begin there.
The point, however, is that the history of this systemic and ubiquitous violence in countless forms left deep scars, to varying degrees, on all the people of this country, but most of all on the oppressed and exploited, and their children.
There is no doubt that much of that violent history affected emotionally and psychologically all subsequent generations.
Today we have horrifying signs of the brutal and savage legacy of such violence all over the country.
Nothing has been spared: schools, universities, libraries, treasured art works, public infrastructure in townships and even hospitals.
Schools burnt to the ground in Vuwani in 2016 come to my mind, as does the violence inflicted even in ICU wards in hospitals during strikes; teachers raping students; students assaulting and raping other students, even children; the heinous “necklace” method of burning to death suspected police informers in the 1970s and 1980s, often by mere hearsay or vague suspicion.
However, we have been savaged by and internalised not only the violence of our history, but also the violence of what has happened in this country after 1994.
Much or most of the violence in schools, universities and townships is not expressions of people worshipping mindlessly at the altar of violence, but of the accumulated anger of failed promises and unmet basic needs.
However, it is no longer good enough to justify today’s horrendous violence by that history.
This is because no matter how justifiable the cause might be, and therefore the violence it might lead to, it does severe immediate and long-term damage to both those targeted and the perpetrators, the consequences of which can be so traumatic that the destructive effects in various ways last for many years.
The terrible violence black children have been experiencing for many years in townships is going to take many years to deal with.
But there is another major concern. The sight of fires blazing and smoke billowing in black townships across the country has been common on television, often from burnt-down public infrastructure.
Those who question and criticise such destructive acts are correct, if for no other reason than that it often not only does not achieve anything towards the satisfaction of the demands made for better services, but it actually worsens the situation, because funds that could have gone towards meeting those demands must now be spent on replacing destroyed or damaged infrastructure. That is severely counter- productive in various ways.
There are also other forms of chilling violence in this country which one hardly hears of anywhere else in the world, like a disgruntled employee who was dismissed or ill-treated.
In one case, instead of referring the matter to the CCMA, the man returned to the employer’s home with friends, gained access, raped and brutally murdered both the employer and her daughter, and then set their bodies alight.
There have been several similar cases over the past decade. How does one even begin to fathom such macabre acts? This is the country we live in, sadly.
* Ebrahim Harvey is a political writer and commentator.
TimesLive|About 2km from the busy streets surrounding the Jeppe police station, several car dealership and shop owners in Malvern, Johannesburg, pick up the pieces after protesters ran rampant in the area on Sunday.
Tears flow as family members of Salbro Auto hopelessly walk through their car dealership which has been burnt to the ground.
Nothing but burnt down frames of 40 cars, which were once worth millions, are left.
Four of the dealership’s burnt cars which protesters attempted to steal stood outside the gates in Jules Street.
The Salajee family has had the dealership since 1991. Owner Abdallah Salajee said when they closed shop on Saturday afternoon “everything was fine”.
Salajee said they were alerted to the violence in the area on Sunday by the owner of a workshop next door.
“Overnight things happened, you come back to nothing on Monday morning. Last night there was not a minute of sleep.
“We feel terrible and we can’t handle it. You can’t even complain to the police or anyone,” he told TimesLIVE.
He said the total value of damage and cars destroyed were estimated to be R2m. The cars were not insured.
“We have to clear up and start from scratch. We just have to turn to God and pray,” the emotional Salajee said.
Violence erupted in the area on Sunday after the mob looted and set alight several shops in the area. Dozens of cars were torched at dealerships.
Many of the 41 people arrested by mid-morning on Monday were caught in the act – looting shops or carrying stolen goods.
Eight suspects were arrested inside a shop at Vusimuzi informal settlement, where there was more looting in Tembisa.
By Monday morning, the streets were buzzing with people, some walking around drinking beer while others took pictures of the damage. The streets were lined with broken glass, empty rubber bullet shells and burnt tyres.
Isaac Hlatshwayo said he noticed a group of people moving up and down Jules Street at 9pm on Sunday.
Hlatswayo lived in a backroom of the second dealership the mob targeted at 2am on Monday.
“They broke the big gate open and then they came in. They moved two cars out and came into my room where I was sleeping and took some money from me, which was about R120.”
He said the group set a car parked in the corner alight which then ignited all the other cars.
The owner of the dealership, Obinna Henry, said the more than 30 cars were worth millions, pointing to a burnt down Audi TT standing in the back.
By mid-morning on Monday, a local liquor store owner started loading all his stock on a truck. A police Nyala with armed officers stood by. The shop was not looted during the violence.
“I think we are the lucky ones who did not have our place burnt down,” the man said.
Resident and shop owner in the area Lerato Peete said she was “ashamed to be called a South African”.
“In fact, I denounced my South African connection on this day. How is it possible that a black person can be foreign in Africa. Who is a foreigner in Africa?
“My mother was an activist, my father was an activist, because we didn’t have a place to call our own. I was born out of South Africa.”
By A Correspondent| Three people have died following a fresh wave of xenophobia attacks against foreigners in South Africa.
Thirty-one people have been arrested since violent protests erupted in the Johannesburg CBD on Sunday.
Shops were looted and set alight, leading to the death of three people on Sunday, police spokesperson Captain Mavela Masondo told News24 on Monday morning.
“Many cars and shops were set alight,” Masondo said. “The Pep store is in ashes.”
On Sunday, Masondo told News24 police responded to a call about a building that was gutted in Jeppestown at around 05:00, where two men and a woman died.
“The three deceased people… were burnt to death. While at the scene, a group of criminals then took advantage of the situation and started attacking nearby shops,” he said.
Nearby shops were broken into and then looted, Masondo said.
“They then moved into a nearby panel beater workshop where they damaged two cars and set alight one vehicle. At the moment, we don’t know who owns those shops and are calling for owners to come and open cases,” he said.
On Monday morning, Masondo told News24 that violence erupted again in Malvern on Sunday evening.
More shops were looted and set alight. “However, the situation is now under control,” Masondo said.
“We are still counting the cost [of the damage].” Masondo said the situation remained tense.
-News24Wire
President Peter Mutharika says he could only meet opposition leaders for talks to end the current political impasse if they set an agenda for such a meeting.
Speaking in an interview with the BBC, Mutharika said it was possible to meet the opposition leaders; Malawi Congress Party (MCP) president Lazarus Chakwera and UTM leader Saulos Chilima who are challenging in court the May 21 presidential polls.
“We will have to see the agenda. They will have to come up with an agenda then we will see what to do,” said Mutharika.
He said he was equally concerned with the ongoing anti-Jane Ansah protests which he said has seriously injured over 500 people.
On a second thought, however, Mutharika said it would be imperative to wait for the court verdict before substantive unity talks can begin.
“We can wait for the court ruling, it will not be long,” he said.
Constitutional court judges hearing the election case estimate the case might be concluded in four months time.
Since the elections, in which Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) declared Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) President Peter Mutharika winner, the country has experienced regular protests led by civil society groups under the banner of Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) and backed MCP)and UTM Party.
Both Chakwera and Chilima are jointly challenging the presidential election results in the Constitutional Court in Lilongwe, and seeking nullification of the presidential polls.
HRDC, on the other hand, is demanding that MEC chairperson Jane Ansah, who is also a judge of the Malawi Supreme Court of Appeal, should resign for allegedly mismanaging the elections.
Farai D Hove| All seemed not well for the businessman Wicknell Chvayo as the Zimbabwe Power Company Board Chair, Stanley Kazhanje was sentenced to three years in prison.
He was convicted for accepting a US$10 000 bribe Intratek Zimbabwe managing Director, Wicknell Chivhayo.
The ex-convict allegedly paid the bribe to influence Kazhanje’s decisions in the Gwanda multimillion-dollar Solar project which is still to commence since 2016.
Two years were suspended on condition of good behaviour.
The State, represented by prosecutor Brian Vito pressed the magistrate for a stiffer penalty.
Vito said: “The penalty of corruption usually attracts a custodial sentence and if the court act otherwise the general impression will remain that Zimbabwe accepts corruption.”
The magistrate was mum concerning Chivayo as a person.
A journey of a thousand miles, of sweat, sacrifice and a few smiles — combined with remarkable goals from Rudo Neshamba — brought the Mighty Warriors to the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. It’s the greatest achievement yet by any national football team in Zimbabwe. It wasn’t so long ago that the Zimbabwe women’s national team played their first international match, on November 11, 2000. They drew 2-2 against Uganda in the 2000 African Women’s Championship.
Now, like one falling in love for the first time, the nation’s heart beats with every tick of the clock as August 3 draws closer.
Then they will step onto the lush green pitch of the Arena Corinthians in Sao Paulo, kicking off their maiden Olympic campaign against one of the best teams in the world, Germany.
Just last year, at their Women’s World Cup debut, another African nation, Cote d’Ivoire, suffered torture at the feet of the unforgiving ‘German machines.’
But should that be worrisome?
Nonetheless, from being on the verge of disqualification to now living the dream of a nation, the Zimbabwe women will be giving their country their first taste of global football on that historic trip to Brazil.
This surely is not about holding up the coveted gold medal to their lips for a kiss, but about an opportunity they just cannot miss, and more so about the rejected stone becoming the chief cornerstone.
“It has been a long and arduous journey indeed, but we pulled through against all odds,” Mighty Warriors goal poacher, Rudo Neshamba, recounted.
Neshamba did not score the most goals in Olympic qualifying — that honour went to Jade Boho of Equatorial Guinea — but she certainly left a mark.
Out of Zimbabwe’s four goals, her three goals (including two away from home) ensured a job well done as the Mighty Warriors shocked the continent in their Road to Rio campaign.
“It feels good to be the heroine, the lady whose goal wrote a new piece of history.”
And the lady who coach Shadreck Mlauzi described as “quite an intelligent player, skilful and a natural goal scorer.”
‘It’s anyone’s game’
Mlauzi, a Physical Education teacher, replaced Rosemary Mugadza in September, prior to Zimbabwe’s match against Cameroon. During our phone conversation, the 36-year-old highlighted the three things that define him: “hope, faith and ambition.”
He admitted to feeling pressure when he first took over; although he has been involved in women’s football for over 16 years, including as an assistant for the country’s Under-20 team, this was his first senior position.
In just six months he has proven he has that Midas Touch, gradually transforming the Mighty Warriors to a team to be reckoned with in Africa:
“One needed to bring in a change of attitude, remove the mental block in the players’ heads, bring in the element of Sports Science and introduce modern training methods which emphasise the difference between work and rest ratio. Make the players believe in the vision of the team, never leaving anything to chance, analysing the oppositions and giving information pertaining how they are supposed to go about certain teams.”
He claims his side is still under construction and aims to build on the physical ability of his players. Mlauzi wants the Mighty Warriors to be known for possession-based football, but he’ll also strive for a balance between defence and attack.
Previously the team’s greatest achievement was their fourth-place finish in the 2000 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations, more than 15 years ago, so an Olympic berth seemed a tall order from the start.
Then they realised the’d have to meet 2015 World Cup participants, Côte d’Ivoire and Cameroon, along the way.
But Zimbabwe took it one game at a time.
Despite little continental success, the Mighty Warriors still bypassed the first round, which meant southern rivals Zambia were their first port of call.
Neshamba made the difference with an away goal in what was eventually a 2-2 draw on aggregate. Zimbabwe’s Olympic dream nearly ended then, when the Confederation of African Football announced their journey was over. ZIFA lacked the funds to send them to Abidjan for the next round.
However, fate (or faith) is a genius at wrecking impossibilities. FIFA overturned CAF’s decision, awarding a 3-0 victory instead to Côte d’Ivoire, who in turn did not show up in Harare for the return leg. The tie was rescheduled, but Cote d’Ivoire withdrew, paving way for Zimbabwe to face the Indomitable Lionesses in the final round.
Cameroon, still fresh from a memorable debut at the 2015 World Cup, were looking to qualify for their second straight Olympics. The Mighty Warriors must have already smelt their exit, but their hope was renewed when they held on to Neshamba’s goal for nearly 70 minutes in Yaounde before Cameroon bounced back to win the first leg 2-1.
In spite of that, however, Neshamba’s eighth-minute strike in Harare proved to be the goal that unlocked their Olympic fortune — a reminder of how in 2011, her goals qualified the Mighty Warriors for the All-Africa Games in Maputo, Mozambique.
The 24-year-old’s beauty of a volley lit up Rafaro in such a special way that the Lionesses seemed too blinded to recover.
Neshamba told FIFA.com, “it was only after our first leg game in Cameroon that we believed we had a chance. Then we actually thought that we would make it.
“I am incredibly proud to help my country achieve this dream. The victory was celebrated throughout Zimbabwe, and we can feel that the whole country is behind the team.’’
The ladies went on to secure a ticket for the 10th Africa Women’s Cup of Nations, to take place in Cameroon beginning November 2016.
They last appeared at the continent’s flagship women’s tournament in 2004.
All in all, a sweet 2016 for the Mighty Warriors. But life is still not fair, especially where women’s football is concerned.
Every now and then, the plea for support of the women’s game is continually sung like an anthem (even in the United States).
It is not that Mlauzi and his heroines do not appreciate the massive celebrations, parade and praise showered in their honour.
“We felt like dignitaries for the whole week,” Mlauzi admitted. But he still adds that “in terms of something tangible, the team has nothing to show for it.”
The captain, Felistas ‘’Figo’’ Muzongondi, said God was on their side.
“It’s by the grace of the Almighty. All along, we knew there was very little support coming towards women’s football and all we did was play for the love of our country and recognition,” said Figo.
“Our focus despite all the financial hardships was to win with a broader view being that of putting the nation on the world map and now that we’ve achieved our goal, we hope that the powers that be will now give us the much-needed recognition which to us was the driving force behind our success.” —
www.unusualefforts.com
CAPE TOWN. — South African female boxing champion Leighandre “Baby Lee” Jegelswas shot dead on Friday, allegedly by her police officer boyfriend.
She was 25.
According to Dispatch Live website, the incident took place on Friday following a high speed chase in the Eastern Cape at around 2pm.
Jegels was reportedly shot by her police officer boyfriend. The boxer’s mother was also wounded during the shooting and was rushed to the hospital.
According to the publication, the officer is being hunted down by members of his own unit and remains at large.
Jegels has not fought since August 2017 and has an unbeaten record of 9-0 with seven knockouts.
She was expected to make her comeback in July in Saudi Arabia, however, the tour was cancelled after the kingdom “revoked the move saying that women shouldn’t be involved in boxing, wrestling or any aggressive sport”. — Sport24
In-form Le Havre striker Tino Kadewere says he is still young and his chance to shine with the senior men’s national soccer team, the Warriors, will come.
The 23-year-old, who has set the French Ligue 2 ablaze with nine goals from the opening six games, breaking a record which stood for eight years in the process, has often been criticized by some for not transforming his European form to the gold and green Warriors strip, something which he says is inevitable.
“I think it is only a matter of time and chance. I am still young, so I am still praying and hoping that one day I will shine for the Warriors and make Zimbabwean people proud,” Kadewere said according to The Sunday Mail.
“I have faith. I am sure that will happen.”
“It’s all about hard work, prayers and determination. I have set goals for myself that I will not be free to mention but I thank God everything is going the way I hoped for because I have always had dreams since I was a little boy,” added the former Harare City man.
Press Statement
First Choice Movement (FCM) is a youth organization that was founded in 2016(Zimbabwe)
based on the principle of pan Africanism.
The African continent is divided on tribal,political,race
and religious lines.The division in Africa was mainly influenced by the divide and rule tactic that
was used by settlers for them to be able to control the Africans.
Colonization came and is past us
but Africa is not yet free.A free people are those who are economically independent.Capital is
still in the hands of our colonial masters and there is need to empower the African.
The message of economic independence is important for our continent.
Land should be returned to
its rightful owners.In South Africa Julius Malema is leading a campaign that is going to make sure
Africans are given back their land.The move by Malema is good but South Africa has to learn
from Zimbabwe.They should create a model will make sure human rights are not violated and
land is given to deserving people and not allocated on political lines.Economic independence in
Africa can only be achieved if the young people in the continent have the right mindset.
The youth
are the builders of any nation and this age is the one that is going to bring change to Africa.
First Choice Movement is anchored on first choices and as young Africans our first choice is to build
Africa.
We have to restore peace in Africa and practice good governance.Our grandfathers the
likes of Nkwame Nkruma,Nelson Mandela,Robert Mugabe and Kenneth Kaunda at their time they
politically liberated Afria but now it is our time to liberate Africa economically.Africans should
own properties and they should rise as a people.We have to rise and fight against
poverty.However we cannot build Africa whilst we are divided.We have to unite as young
people in order for the continent to move forward.The continent is moving towards intergration
and those who are obligated to unite Africa are the youth.
Therefore we have to work together
from ANC in South Africa,EFF,DA,UNIP,PF,MDC,ZANU PF,PDP in Nigeria ,SWAPO and MPLA.We
have to work together be it Zulu,Ndebele,Shona,Swahili,Tonga and any other tribe indigenous to Africa.
The continent has been facing serious problems for many years.
Poverty is the root of all the
problems that we have facing and our main problem in Africa has been corruption.
Corruption has
destroyed Africans state and leaders have stayed longer in power because they are afraid to be
prosecuted for corruption.African governments have also been at the centre of abusing human
righs.Free and fair elections are rare in Africa and security forces are used to kill people when
they are supposed to protect them.It is quite sad that Africa is going nowhere because there is a
leadership crisis in the continent.
The continent is being led by old revolutionaries who have an old
way of thinking.Today it is our time as young people to build Africa.It is our duty as our fathers
did their part.
We cannot let old people build Africa when should be retiring from work whilst we
fold our hands.We have the power to change Africa only if we unite and come out strong.
FCM wishes to bring young people together and discuss the way forward for Africa.
We envision
an independent unified Africa with one uniform currency.Africa that is borderless and that adds
value to its resources.We also believe in the vision of Muammar Gaddafi of selling oil in gold.This
is the main reason why the colonel was murdered by the West because they had an interest in
Libya.The 2011 Arab Spring was used to destroy Gaddafi and had become so strong that he
became a threat to US foreign policy.
As an organization we believe Africa should be
compensated of the crimes commited against humanity in the dark age.Africa today is about 300
years behind because Slave Trade.Our manpower was used for free and helped industrialize
Europe.There Africa needs to be compensated.
If Germany had to pay reparations for causing
the World War ,we also need compensation as Africa.Countries that colonized African states they
should also compensate Africa.
Moreso there is need for countries Jamaica,Haiti and the West
Indies to be part of African Union.These people are Africans.
We also ask for blacks Americans to
come back home and invest in their motherland.Marcus Garvey was fond of saying that a people
without knowledge of their past is like a tree a without roots.Hence they should come back and
learn their real culture and know their real identity.
The youth movement FCM has been growing since 2016 and is still operating within Zimbabwe
but wishes to spread across the 55 states of Africa.From 2020 as an organization we are going
to start building Africa from scratch.
Correcting the mistakes of our fathers,fighting
corruption,making Africa ecomically independent and taking steps to transfer power from the older
generation to the younger generation.
We look forward to reform the African Union and make it
an independent body.Our growth has been deterred mainly due to lack of funding but we have
put mechanisms in place in order to fund our activities as we are independent entity preaching the
gold spell of economic independence.
The organization from 2 September,2019 is embarking on a mass mobilization programme.The
mobilization will start from universities from Zimbabwe.Universities are the centres of civilizens
and intellectuals will assist in making Africa take first choices.We are going to be structuring
throughout 2019 and eventually launch the movement in 2020.The movement does not support
any political party but wishes to work with all political parties for purposes of building Africa.A
National Students’ Council is the first temporary committee that is going to spearhead mobilization in Zimbabwean universities.
This 2019 our main focus is mobilization and educating the young people on the importance of
unity.In Zimbabwe we are going to craft the Zimbabwe Youth Charter.It is important for young
people to converge and deliberate on issues that affect them.
As a movement we intend to reach
all Zimbabweans and try to craft our own Africa as young people.
+263777837879
FCM Founder Twitter @KumbiraiMutengo
Kumbirai Mutengo
Kaizer Chiefs have confirmed another injury setback for Khama Billiat which could rule him out of the Warriors’ 2022 World Cup qualifier against Somalia.
The winger who recently recovered from a knock he picked in the pre-season sustained an injury on his right pelvic bone during the 2-1 victory at Cape Town City last week.
The club confirmed the news in a statement on their official website and also stating that the 29-year-old’s date of return is unknown at this stage.
“Billiat got a knock to his right pelvic bone during The Amakhosi’s 2-1 win in their away Absa Premiership encounter that took place last Tuesday against Cape Town City, he has had a scan done and it is unclear how long he needs to recover at this stage,” reads the statement in part.
The Warriors’ game is on Thursday in Djibouti and the second leg will be played on Sunday in Harare.
Soccer24
Farai Dziva|Old leaders do not have the capacity to transform the economy, a youth organization has said.
In a statement First Choice Movement has said youths should be given the opportunity to take up leadership positions.
See the full statement:
First Choice Movement (FCM) is a youth organization that was founded in 2016(Zimbabwe)
based on the principle of pan Africanism.The African continent is divided on tribal,political,race
and religious lines.The division in Africa was mainly influenced by the divide and rule tactic that
was used by settlers for them to be able to control the Africans.Colonization came and is past us
but Africa is not yet free.A free people are those who are economically independent.Capital is
still in the hands of our colonial masters and there is need to empower the African.
The message of economic independence is important for our continent.Land should be returned to
its rightful owners.In South Africa Julius Malema is leading a campaign that is going to make sure
Africans are given back their land.The move by Malema is good but South Africa has to learn
from Zimbabwe.They should create a model will make sure human rights are not violated and
land is given to deserving people and not allocated on political lines.Economic independence in
Africa can only be achieved if the young people in the continent have the right mindset.
The youth
are the builders of any nation and this age is the one that is going to bring change to Africa.
First Choice Movement is anchored on first choices and as young Africans our first choice is to build
Africa.We have to restore peace in Africa and practice good governance.Our grandfathers the
likes of Nkwame Nkruma,Nelson Mandela,Robert Mugabe and Kenneth Kaunda at their time they
politically liberated Afria but now it is our time to liberate Africa economically.Africans should
own properties and they should rise as a people.
We have to rise and fight against
poverty.However we cannot build Africa whilst we are divided.We have to unite as young
people in order for the continent to move forward.The continent is moving towards intergration
and those who are obligated to unite Africa are the youth.Therefore we have to work together
from ANC in South Africa,EFF,DA,UNIP,PF,MDC,ZANU PF,PDP in Nigeria ,SWAPO and MPLA.We
have to work together be it Zulu,Ndebele,Shona,Swahili,Tonga and any other tribe indigenous to Africa.
The continent has been facing serious problems for many years.Poverty is the root of all the
problems that we have facing and our main problem in Africa has been corruption.Corruption has
destroyed Africans state and leaders have stayed longer in power because they are afraid to be
prosecuted for corruption.African governments have also been at the centre of abusing human
righs.Free and fair elections are rare in Africa and security forces are used to kill people when
they are supposed to protect them.It is quite sad that Africa is going nowhere because there is a
leadership crisis in the continent.The continent is being led by old revolutionaries who have an old
way of thinking.Today it is our time as young people to build Africa.It is our duty as our fathers
did their part.We cannot let old people build Africa when should be retiring from work whilst we
fold our hands.We have the power to change Africa only if we unite and come out strong.
FCM wishes to bring young people together and discuss the way forward for Africa.We envision
an independent unified Africa with one uniform currency.Africa that is borderless and that adds
value to its resources.We also believe in the vision of Muammar Gaddafi of selling oil in gold.This
is the main reason why the colonel was murdered by the West because they had an interest in
Libya.
The 2011 Arab Spring was used to destroy Gaddafi and had become so strong that he
became a threat to US foreign policy.As an organization we believe Africa should be
compensated of the crimes commited against humanity in the dark age.Africa today is about 300
years behind because Slave Trade.Our manpower was used for free and helped industrialize
Europe.There Africa needs to be compensated.If Germany had to pay reparations for causing
the World War ,we also need compensation as Africa.
Countries that colonized African states they
should also compensate Africa.Moreso there is need for countries Jamaica,Haiti and the West
Indies to be part of African Union.These people are Africans.We also ask for blacks Americans to
come back home and invest in their motherland.Marcus Garvey was fond of saying that a people
without knowledge of their past is like a tree a without roots.Hence they should come back and
learn their real culture and know their real identity.
The youth movement FCM has been growing since 2016 and is still operating within Zimbabwe
but wishes to spread across the 55 states of Africa.From 2020 as an organization we are going
to start building Africa from scratch.Correcting the mistakes of our fathers,fighting
corruption,making Africa ecomically independent and taking steps to transfer power the older
generation to the younger generation.We look forward to reform the African Union and make it
an independent body.Our growth has been deterred mainly due to lack of funding but we have
put mechanisms in place in order to fund our activities as we are independent entity preaching the
gold spell of economic independence.
The organization from 2 September,2019 is embarking on a mass mobilization programme.The
mobilization will start from universities from Zimbabwe.Universities are the centres of civilizens
and intellectuals will assist in making Africa take first choices.
We are going to be structuring
throughout 2019 and eventually launch the movement in 2020.The movement does not support
any political party but wishes to work with all political parties for purposes of building Africa.A
National Students’ Council is the first temporary committee that is going to spearhead mobilization in Zimbabwean universities.
This 2019 our main focus is mobilization and educating the young people on the importance of
unity.In Zimbabwe we are going to craft the Zimbabwe Youth Charter.It is important for young
people to converge and deliberate on issues that affect them.
As a movement we intend to reach
all Zimbabweans and try to craft our own Africa as young people.
+263777837879
FCM Founder Twitter @KumbiraiMutengo
Kumbirai Mutengo
Old foes Highlanders and Dynamos have been drawn to play against each other in the 2019 Chibuku Super Cup first round.
The match is scheduled to be played on the weekend of 28-29th September.
Defending champions Triangle United will face Herentals while CAPS United and Harare City come against each other.
The Preliminary round will feature the four lowest ranked teams at the time of the draw and these are Mushowani, Bulawayo Chiefs, TelOne and Yadah. The games for this stage will are on this coming weekend.
Draw:
FC Platinum vs Chapungu
Chicken Inn vs Manica Diamonds
Black Rhinos vs TelOne / Yadah
CAPS United vs Harare City
Ngezi Platinum vs Mushowani / Bulawayo Chiefs
ZPC Kariba vs Hwange
Triangle United vs Herentals
Dynamos vs Highlanders
Farai Dziva|Zanu PF Secretary for Administration, Obert Mpofu has called on Zimbabweans- including opposition members – to join the “anti-sanctions” scheduled for next Thursday.
“We want to make it a national event.
The solidarity march will include the Government, civil society, students, the business community (and) all political parties, among others, to participate in the solidarity march. The event is open to everyone,” Mpofu told The Herald.
South African opposition leader Mmusi Maimane has cornered President Cyril Ramaphosa over the ongoing xenophobic attacks saying quite diplomacy on Zimbabwe will not work.
Maimane said South Africa is fast becoming a failed state due to increased acts of violence which he said requires government to act.
Fellow South Africans, we cannot adopt quiet diplomacy when it comes to Zimbabwe. Reports are such that over 2 million Zim citizens went to bed hungry last night and every other. The country is fast becoming a failed state, acts of violence on the rise therefor SA must intervene
— Mmusi Maimane (@MmusiMaimane) September 2, 2019
Fellow South Africans, we cannot adopt quiet diplomacy when it comes to Zimbabwe. Reports are such that over 2 million Zim citizens went to bed hungry last night and every other. The country is fast becoming a failed state, acts of violence on the rise therefor SA must intervene
Farai Dziva|Masvingo Minister of State (Provincial Affairs) Ezra Chadzamira has said civil servants are expected to be loyal to the ruling party Zanu PF.
According to Chadzamira supporting the ruling party guarantees one’s job safety.
Chadzamira made the remarks at a Zanu PF rally in Mwenezi.
“Government workers belong to Zanu PF.If you want to be safe you must be loyal to the ruling party.
Government workers are therefore expected to support Zanu PF activities.
We expect you to assist Zanu PF officials on the ground and above all you must follow their instructions,”said Chadzamira.
By Farai Dziva|Controversial Masvingo Minister of State For Provincial Affairs, Ezra Chadzamira has threatened to fire civil servants who are sympathetic to MDC leader Nelson Chamisa.
Addressing party members in Mwenezi, Chadzamira threatened to dismiss known MDC sympathizers “ensconced” in government departments.
Said Chadzamira:”We know that there are some government employees who are working with the opposition to disrupt our programmes.
We know you and do not regret when we come hard on you.”
Chadzamira also declared he would instruct his assistants to compile names of those sympathetic to Chamisa.
“Do not violate your standard ethics, I will instruct some officers to compile names of dissenting elements,” said Chadzamira.
By Terence Rusirevi| Zanu continue to repeat the mantra that western ‘sanctions’ are the cause of the economic rot in the country. The coup announcer, SB Moyo, while in London and right before we showed our defiance to him, was regurgitating the same pieties about sanctions at Chatham house. The scarf wearer himself in his dreary speeches continues to blame sanctions for the country’s problems. Even the economically illiterate Zanu war veterans have been given a dictum by their leader to blame sanctions when they deliver their knuckle dragging rhetoric to the masses. They are all at it. But like every explanation Zanu give to the public, it’s all lies! Zimbabwe’s problems are a result of corruption and cruelty and not western sanctions.
Let’s imagine this government cultivates some mythical goodwill in the eyes of the west and are then given US$10bn (no strings attached) to solve the country’s problems. I know it defies logic, but stay with me on this one. Let’s imagine Mnangagwa and his government are given this huge some of money, how do you think they will use it? Well, I think the money will be spent as follows during the first year:
After 1 year
These projections are not too far fetched. In fact, the Zanu government had access to about US$15bn from the diamonds and the country did not benefit from any of that money. So the idea that lifting ‘sanctions’ is going to improve things in the country is a complete nonsense. First of all there are no sanctions on Zimbabwe.
The Zanu government is not getting access to money from the west not because of sanctions, but because they are shirkers who will also steal the money and use some of it for repression.
The only time Zanu will spend money and ensure they get the things they pay for is when they are buying guns, baton sticks and other instruments of oppression. Zimbabwe’s problems are not because of sanctions, they are a result of corruption and cruelty by this Zanu government and unfortunately for Zimbabweans, the person who made himself president in 2017 is the apotheosis of that corruption and cruelty.
VIDEO LOADING BELOW…
Farai Dziva|Controversial Masvingo Minister of State For Provincial Affairs, Ezra Chadzamira has threatened to fire civil servants who are sympathetic to MDC leader Nelson Chamisa.
Addressing party members in Mwenezi, Chadzamira threatened to dismiss known MDC sympathizers “ensconced” in government departments.
Said Chadzamira:
“We know that there are some government employees who are working with the opposition to disrupt our programmes.
We know you and do not regret when we come hard on you.”
Chadzamira also declared he would instruct his assistants to compile names of those sympathetic to Chamisa.
“Do not violate your standard ethics, I will instruct some officers to compile names of dissenting elements,” said Chadzamira.
VIDEO LOADING BELOW…
By Own Correspondent| Renewed abductions and torture have sent panic among Zimbabwe in the diaspora with most activist fearing for their lives.
United Kingdom based Molly Ngavaimbe who has been a critic of the Zanu PF government says there is nothing new in the ‘new dispensation’.
“The so called new dispensation is just a new deception. The continued brutality against civic society members and any pro-democracy individuals is uncalled for. The abuses are a violation of the constitution” said Ngavaimbe
What was of concern to her Ngavaimbe says harassment and intimidation have no place in an independent and diverse society.
“Harassment and intimidation have no place in a democratic and pluralistic society. President Emmerson Mnangagwa has not yet reacted to the abductions while some people are attacking MDC for condemning the brutalization of activists by state security agents”
She says it is discouraging that whilst national dialogue is the only way out of the current crisis there are ‘cowards’ who still believe in abuse.
“This is really annoying. When we are busy encouraging national dialogue as a way to peacefully resolving the country’s crisis you resort to this. Only coward gangs of armed people abduct, torture and kill defenceless people. One day in this life or the next, there will be accountability. The crisis will not go away and people will not stop demanding change. Torture in this day and age is not only regrettable but barbaric and evil”
Abductions and torture have in recent weeks escalated and have been targeting members of the opposition and any critic of the government
By Own Correspondent| Family members of a United Kingdom based Zimbabwean who participated in most demonstrations against the Zanu PF government have fled the country after victimisation from suspected Zanu PF activists.
The Mwanza family who grew up in Kadoma had been subjected to victimisation following their sibling’s participation in anti- government protests.
Narrating the ordeal of how she has been alienated with her family Anna Mwanza who has been involved in anti-government protests says she is living in fear for her brothers and sisters.
“We were born and bred in Rimuka, Kadoma. I came to the United Kingdom in 2004 however after participating in protests against the Zimbabwean Government my siblings have been victims of abuse from Zanu PF activists. Now I fear for their lives.
“Three of my sisters have since fled the country to South Africa and their whereabouts are unknown. One brother is deceased and the other one is nowhere to be seen however, only one brother is still residing at the family home in Kadoma while the other sister is married and lives in Buhera with her husband” says Mwanza
“It is disheartening to note that those entrusted to protect citizens are the ones causing harm to innocent civilians. This cruelty should come to an end”
The 54 year old Mwanza is worried that a return to Zimbabwe will further complicate things for the already fragile family.
VIDEO LOADING BELOW…
Farai Dziva|The Warriors might fail to fulfil their World Cup qualifier against Somalia next week.
Former ZIFA official Lazarus Mhurushomana approached the courts, seeking to recover a compensation package of $518,331.81 which he is owed by the association following his dismissal in 2004.Insiders say this is likely to affect the Warriors’ trip to Djibouti.
ZIFA has until Monday to pay the money.
Zimbabwe play Somalia in Djibouti in the first leg of a 2022 World Cup preliminary round qualifier, while the Young Warriors travel to South Africa for an Under 23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
Farai Dziva|Unruly Zanu PF members ran amok and assaulted police officers in Chitungwiza.
The youths also attacked the Mayor of Chitungwiza as they disrupted a council meeting.
“Violenced rocked Chitungwiza as over 50 Zanu PF Youths attacked the Mayor and beat up police details .
Thr Zanu PF youths beat up 4 police details attending to the scene and anti riot police had to be called in to disperse the marauding youths.
The full council meeting which was scheduled to take place today has been cancelled following the violence by Zanu PF youths at Chitungwiza Town Council.
The Mayor was injured and is currently being attended to at hospital,” a source told Zim Eye.com
Farai Dziva|The mayor of Chitungwiza has been hospitalized after being attacked by a group of rowdy Zanu PF youths.
The youths also attacked police officers.
“Violenced rocked Chitungwiza as over 50 Zanu PF Youths attacked the Mayor and beat up police details .
The Zanu PF youths beat up 4 police details attending to the scene and anti riot police had to be called in to disperse the marauding youths.
The full council meeting which was scheduled to take place today has been cancelled following the violence by Zanu PF youths at Chitungwiza Town Council.
The Mayor was injured and is currently being attended to at hospital,” a source told Zim Eye.com
ABDUCTED: March 9, 2015 (aged 35);Glenview Barber shop. 4 years later and we are still asking this brutal regime that is ZANU-PF for the whereabouts of Itai Dzamara, one of the most outspoken critics of Robert Mugabe before his disappearance.
His loved ones are still waiting for answers.
His wife,Sheffra Dzamara and their children have not seen her husband Itai Dzamara in more than 4 years. Their life changed irrevocably on the morning of 9 March 2015 when Mr Dzamara was abducted.
Since then, she has lived a life in limbo, veering between hope and despair, unsure whether he is alive or dead.
‘I have no smile’ – Sheffra Dzamara
ZanuPFmustGo
EnoughIsEnough- Concerned citizen
Farai Dziva|The MDC is calling on party members, supporters and residents of the city of Masvingo to throng the Masvingo Magistrates Court tomorrow for the trial of Provincial Administrator Peter Chigaba.
The former Morgan Tsvangirai bodyguard is being accused facilitating an illegal demonstration.
See the MDC full statement:
We are urging all our leaders and members to come out in numbers in solidarity with our Provincial Administrator .
Peter Chigaba who is out on bail will be appearing at the Masvingo magistrates court tomorrow at 0800 hours.
He is facing 2 charges- publishing false statement prejudicial to the state and mobilising residents for protests without police clearance.
We will not be intimated by these desperate acts ,let’s join our PA tommorow in solidarity .
Lee mahachi
Deputy spokesperson MDC Masvingo Province
By A Correspondent- Chitungwiza Mayor Lovemore Maiko and 4 police officers were this morning beaten up by over 50 suspected Zanu PF youths at the town’s head office, ZimEye has learnt.
The youths first stoned Maiko’s vehicle and the mayor went to the police station to make a report.
Upon their return to the town’s head office, Maiko who was in the company of 4 police officers was again attacked by the youths who did not spare the police details either.
Said a source who spoke to ZimEye:
“It seems this violence was pre planned because it all happened in a co-ordinated manner. The over 50 Zanu Pf youths stoned vehicles including the Mayor’s car and he went to the police station to report the matter. He came back in the company of four police details.
When he went to the town clerk’s office, where he allegedly intended to serve him with a letter to clarify on why he was not reporting for duty, the youths followed him there and started assaulting him with chairs, stones and fists.
The four police officers who were also attending to the crime scene were not spared and they were beaten up. Anti riot police had to be called to calm the marauding Zanu Pf youths
Maiko sustained injuries and was rushed to Chitungwiza General Hospital. He is currently at the local health institution where is still being attended to.”
A full council meeting which was scheduled to take place has been shelved due to the violence.
This is a developing story. Refresh this page for latest updates.
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PRETORIA – The International Cross-Border Traders Association (ICTA) on Friday urged the South African government to protect foreign bus and truck drivers amidst threats of violence from their local counterparts who accuse the immigrants of taking their jobs.
“We warn the South African government to protect foreign nationals in their country. We have previously witnessed foreign nationals getting killed, assaulted and threatened without a single person being arrested or prosecuted. South Africa is not an island in heaven. The government should respect rights of foreign nationals,” ICTA president Denis Juru told African News Agency (ANA) in Pretoria.
Juru said his association had noted several threats circulating online, threatening a work stoppage and violence against foreign nationals scheduled for September 2.
“If that plan succeeds, we’re going to stop all South African registered trucks, buses and flights to cross borders to any other African nation.
Foreign truck drivers have work permits to work in South Africa. The government of South Africa found it necessary to give those foreign nationals work permits, allowing them to take employment in South Africa,” said Juru.
“No one has monopoly of violence. If they turn to be violent to foreign nationals, our organization shall respond accordingly.”
Sources told African News Agency that ambassadors representing Southern African nations were planning to raise their unhappiness with the department of international relations and cooperation at a meeting in Pretoria on Friday.
On Wednesday, the Truckers Association of SA (TASA) warned that further work stoppages and violence in the volatile trucking industry would be a blow to the ailing South African economy.
“We have indeed received such notices about the strike. What we would first and foremost want to preach is peace. We encourage all people to be peaceful and exercise restraint,” said TASA president Mary Phadi.
She said her organisation was losing sleep over the impact of the scheduled on the already bleeding South African economy.
“Our economy is not growing and these incidents and work stoppages continues to affect the income of many people in these difficult times where the country is bleeding,” she said.
Earlier this week, Zambia’s High Commission in Pretoria issued a travel advisory warning its citizens in the trucking business to avoid travelling to South Africa next Monday because of the threats of violence circulating.
The high commission’s Naomi Nyawali said reports have been received of some Zambian truck drivers being threatened with violence ahead of the stoppage by their disgruntled South African counterparts.
“According to the information made available to the Zambian mission, some Zambian truck drivers have faced physical attacks and threats from their South African counterparts who are fighting for better conditions of services from their employers,” said Nyawali.
Notices doing the rounds on Twitter and WhatsApp from unidentified individuals purporting to be representing South African truck drivers call for the nationwide stoppage on September 2 and warn that “no foreign truck drivers will be allowed to drive across South Africa”.
“It is with this background that [Zambia’s High Commission] would like to advise all Zambian truck drivers who are scheduled to travel to South Africa on the mentioned date not to do so until security is guaranteed,” said Nyawali.
“The mission would also want to advise Zambian Truck drivers who will enter or would be working in South Africa on the 2nd of September 2019 to park their trucks in safe and secure designated places in order avoid loss of life and property.
“The mission has in the past engaged [Pretoria’s] department of international relations on the safety of Zambian truck drivers, and [was] assured of tight security measures that the South African government was putting in place.”
-ANA
The Zimbabwe Cross Borders Transport Association (ZCBTA) has warned that it will stop all South African cross-border transport if reputed attacks by South African nationals on foreign truck drivers proceed.
“Due to threats by South African nationals that on September 2, 2019 they are embarking on an attack on foreign national drivers, the International Cross-Border Traders Association executive has resolved that if this plan succeeds, we are going to stop all South Africa-registered trucks, buses and flights to cross borders to any African nation,” Dennis Juru, the chair of ZCBTA, said in a statement.
Juru said that the foreign truck drivers had permits to work in South Africa that had been granted by the South African authorities and that the ongoing xenophobic attacks in South Africa required an appropriate response, Pindula News reported on Monday.
“We have previously witnessed foreign nationals killed, assaulted and threatened without a single person being arrested or prosecuted,” he added.
South Africa has regularly made international headlines for the ongoing attacks on foreigners, mostly from Africa, which have included killing many, injuring many more and destroying businesses owned by the foreigners, claiming they are stealing South African jobs and are involved in crime operations in the country.
-ANA
By A Correspondent- Chitungwiza Mayor Lovemore Maiko and 4 police officers were this morning beaten up by over 50 suspected Zanu PF youths at the town’s head office, ZimEye has learnt.
The youths first stoned Maiko’s vehicle and the mayor went to the police station to make a report.
Upon their return to the town’s head office, Maiko who was in the company of 4 police officers was again attacked by the youths who did not spare the police details either.
Said a source who spoke to ZimEye:
“It seems this violence was pre planned because it all happened in a co-ordinated manner. The over 50 Zanu Pf youths stoned vehicles including the Mayor’s car and he went to the police station to report the matter. He came back in the company of four police details.
When he went to the town clerk’s office, where he allegedly intended to serve him with a letter to clarify on why he was not reporting for duty, the youths followed him there and started assaulting him with chairs, stones and fists.
The four police officers who were also attending to the crime scene were not spared and they were beaten up. Anti riot police had to be called to calm the marauding Zanu Pf youths
Maiko sustained injuries and was rushed to Chitungwiza General Hospital. He is currently at the local health institution where is still being attended to.”
A full council meeting which was scheduled to take place has been shelved due to the violence.
This is a developing story. Refresh this page for latest updates.
Tariro Moyo| A 21-YEAR-OLD man, who was last month convicted of assaulting Health minister Obadiah Moyo’s daughter Ashleigh and sentenced to five months’ imprisonment, has appealed against both conviction and sentencing, saying the presiding magistrate erred.
In the sentence, magistrate Learnmore Mapiye suspended two months on condition that Godfrey Utsiwegota pays $600 fine and a further three months on condition of good behaviour.
Utsiwegota challenged his conviction and sentence, saying the magistrate had no basis to convict him since the sole testimony of the minister’s daughter was a lie.
While under cross-examination, Ashleigh admitted that the statement which was submitted in court was written by his father — the minister — and Utsiwegota challenges that the court could not have used the evidence since she was not the author.
Ustiwegota’s lawyer Cathew Manyani told court that Ashleigh had refused to testify against Utsiwegota, who is her boyfriend, but her father forced her.
Ashleigh again admitted in court that she told his father in front of Utsiwegota and Manyani that he was forcing him to testify in a matter she did not want to proceed with.
When asked by Manyani who reported the matter to the police, Ashleigh said it was her father.
Ashleigh also admitted in court that she was violent after she assaulted Utsiwegota, resulting in him sustaining head injuries and had to be rushed to a hospital while in South Africa.
In his appeal, Utsiwegota said the court erred in relying on the evidence of a single witness, who is also the complainant in the matter.
“The court erred at law in making a finding that complainant was truthful and credible contrary to factors on the record or ground, which clearly pointed out that she was untruthful and not credible,” Utsiwegota submitted.
He said it was Chatunga Mugabe’s girlfriend Ovio Mgijima, who assaulted Ashleigh after she had poured wine on her.
-Online
By Victor Bhoroma| Zimbabwe launched its austerity measures under the Transitional Stabilization Programme (TSP) in October 2018. The stabilization programme itself is running from October 2018 to December 2020. Austerity measures are aimed at implementing cost cutting measures to reduce the public sector wage bill, which consumed close to 90% of budget allocations between 2008 and 2018. Furthermore austerity reforms aim to increase tax revenues with the introduction of the 2% Intermediated Monitory Transfer (IMT) Tax, restructuring of the civil service and privatization of State Enterprises and Parastatals (SEP). These initiatives are meant to bring about fiscal balances in the public sector.
Austerity measures are policies aimed at reducing government spending, increase tax revenues, or achieve both. The measures act as contractionary fiscal policies as they slow economic growth. That makes it even more difficult to raise the tax revenues to pay off debts in the medium to long term. In most cases, austerity measures have led to slow economic growth and increased unemployment to the extent that it becomes more disastrous if the intended objectives of such measures are not implemented fully or if the results are not realized in the economy. Zimbabwe is implementing its austerity measures under the watchful eye of the International Monitory Fund (IMF) through the staff monitored programme, which covers a period from May 2019 to March 2020. The fund recently warned the government against unsustainable increases in wages for its over 400 000 civil servants, after the introduction of the Zimbabwean Dollar pushed up inflation to more than 176% in June 2019.
Austerity reforms can be controversial. Major criticisms against the IMF’s austerity conditions include the economic decline realized after cuts in government expenditure. The measures have been deemed to be anti-developmental, self-defeating and tending to have an adverse effects on the poor in society. In 2014, the European Union (EU) imposed austerity measures on Greece during its debt crisis. Greece’s austerity measures included tax reforms in a country where unemployment and tax hikes had curbed economic growth for years. In 2012, Greece’s debt-to-GDP ratio was 175% (One of the highest in the world). Financial lenders required Greece to reorganize its revenue collection agency to crack down on tax evasion. Other specific measures required Greece to reduce public sector head count by 150 000, lower civil service wages by 17%, reduce pension benefits above US$1 300 per month by 20-40% and raise property taxes. The Greek government agreed to these reforms and privatized more than US$38 billion in state-owned assets in 2014. It also promised to sell an additional US$55 billion in assets by 2015. Greece is slowly coming back to economic life after years of turmoil, thanks to the tough austerity measures it adopted to manage the crisis and over US$280 billion in bailout packages from IMF and the EU. Greece’s economy is expected to grow by 1.9% this year after a nine-year debt crisis that shrank it by more than a quarter.
In 2011, the Portuguese government cut wages by 5% for top government workers under its own version of austerity measures. It also raised Value Added Tax (VAT) by 1%, increased taxes on the wealthy, privatized more state entities, cut military and infrastructure spending. In April 2011, Portugal received a financial package from the IMF and the EU worth US$115 billion under its 3 year austerity programme which was to end in May 2014. In 2014, the government reversed the reform agenda after a spate of general strikes and instead offered incentives to businesses. That reversal and a willingness to boost spending had a powerful effect on the economy. Creditors criticized the policy changes, but the gamble paid off. Market confidence picked up while production and exports grew steadily. Since the third quarter of 2014, the Portuguese economy has been expanding, with average annual GDP growth rate of 1.5%. The country’s GDP grew by 2.7% in 2017, the highest in many years and created as many jobs.
The Zimbabwean government has set a target of reducing its budget deficit to 5% of GDP this year from 12% in 2018. The government has pointed out that its austerity programme is yielding positive results and highlighted that its treasury department recorded a budget surplus of Z$804 million between January and June 2019 on the back of fiscal discipline in government expenditure. It is fair to say that the 2% IMT Tax has been very instrumental in increasing revenues with contributions of more than Z$112 million per month. The government is anticipating a budget deficit of Z$4.61 billion (US$450 million) in 2019. The government budget deficit has been growing from US$1.42 billion in 2016, US$2.62 billion in 2017 and US$2.73 billion in 2018.
Zimbabwe’s Budget Figures since 2009
Austerity measures have hit Zimbabwe’s civil service very hard with most civil servants taking home a salary less than Z$582 (US$50) since March against a family basket which costs Z$1700. Persistent threats of strikes and demonstrations have crippled key sectors such as education and health care. Government recently tabled 76% increase to civil service salaries in a development that will see the lowest paid worker earning Z$1 023 (US$100) up from $582. Civil servants feel that the lowest paid worker should pocket Z$4750 and are not happy with the increment from the same government which has hiked prices for most public services by more than 500% in the last 4 months.
In terms fiscal adjustments, the country has trimmed its domestic debt stock from Z$9.5 billion in December 2018 to Z$8.8 billion as of June 2019. However the central bank continues to float Treasury Bills to finance government operations despite government claims of recurring budget surpluses, with Z$90 million of TBs being auctioned in August 2019 alone. In terms of civil service restructuring, not much has been done apart from laying of 3 188 youth officers who received entry level civil service salaries when they were laid off. Recruitment freezes effected before the TSP programme have been lifted in key sectors such as health and education.
There has also been slow progress on the privatization front where Z$350 million is anticipated to be raised. Most investors are developing cold feet on the few state entities on the shelf for a number of reasons which range from the recent monitory changes which pose exchange rate risks, hyperinflation, difficulties to remit dividends and the lack of stability in the local economy. In the first half of 2018 alone, US$212 million was spend on recapitalizing ailing parastatals by the government and more debts have been assumed by the taxpayer in order to make state entities appealing to would be investors.
Despite the government’s best intentions, austerity measures tend to shrink economic growth, cripple public service delivery and ultimately reduce tax revenues which may far outweigh the benefits of reduced public spending. The IMF has predicted that Zimbabwe’s economy will contract by 5.2% in 2019 and the treasury department has also acknowledged the same. Independent analysts believe that the contraction could be in a double digit zone. The treasury department has not managed to remodel the murky command agriculture scheme due to political pressure despite abundant evidence that the program is a black hole. It has allocated more than Z$4.4 billion to the program this year alone despite adverse reports by the Auditor General of massive fraud in 2018.
Zimbabwe’s austerity measures have also avoided cuts on foreign travel by top civil servants for medical treatment and other services. The government is still footing a huge bill for bloated entourages that visit various regional and global events, hotel allowances and upkeep for several foreign missions. Zimbabwe’s austerity reforms have to be fully implemented within the given timeframe of 2 years so as to wean the government of consumption induced borrowing. The IMF is likely not going to offer any bailout packages to Zimbabwe, thus the country has to lift itself out of any economic slowdown induced by the austerity measures. Fears are that austerity reforms have been acting as a double edged sword that leads to economic recession, job cuts and company closures while failing to tackle runaway government expenditure, which is the elephant in the room.
Victor Bhoroma is an economic analyst. He is a marketer by profession and holds an MBA from the University of Zimbabwe (UZ). For feedback, mail him on [email protected] or alternatively follow him on Twitter @VictorBhoroma1.
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By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Hospital Doctors Association reported on Sunday that union leaders were receiving death threats from suspected government agents over the strike call.
Doctors at public hospitals will go on strike on Tuesday after they rejected a government offer of a 60 percent salary increase.
“We simply do not have the means to continue coming to work because the salary is not sufficient,” the doctors said in a letter to the Health Services Board last Friday. The doctors said talks with the government had “proved to be futile.”
“No satisfactory agreement has been reached so far to insulate the doctors from the current high cost of living. To this end, it is within this reason that on the date stated above (September 3) we will not report for duty until the salaries are adjusted,” the doctors added in the letter signed by their acting president Peter Mugombeyi.
The government last week announced a 76 percent pay rise for the rest of the civil service, and 60 percent for doctors in a bid to avert imminent strikes, but unions say the increases are far off their demands to have their salaries adjusted to the interbank rate. The Zimbabwe dollar was trading for 10.6 to the United States dollar last Friday.
Surging inflation, currency changes and the continued deterioration of Zimbabwe’s economy has led to an erosion of workers’ buying power, placing the government on a collision course with its employees who are demanding z$4,750 (US$448) for the lowest paid government employee. The announced pay increase only raises the lowest paid worker’s salary to Z$1,023 (US$96) a month.
A strike by doctors will bring fresh woe to Zimbabwe’s creaking health service which is already strained by lack of drugs and equipment.
According to an MDC Youth member Makomborero Haruzivishe, an MDC Councillor in Chitungwiza has been attacked by suspected Zanu PF youths.
Posting in Twitter today Haruzivishe said;
“Zanu-PF youths clad in party regalia have attacked councillor Lovemore Maiko. ZanuPF is using all weapons within its means to persecute our youthful Chitungwiza Mayor. Last week they arrested him on false corruption allegations,today they attack him with stones & machetes!”
Zanu-PF youths clad in party regalia have attacked councillor Lovemore Maiko.
— Makomborero Haruzivishe (@MakomboreroH) September 2, 2019
ZanuPF is using all weapons within its means to persecute our youthful Chitungwiza Mayor.
Last week they arrested him on false corruption allegations,today they attack him with stones & machetes! pic.twitter.com/xU5xHV2owH
The current bank exchange rates for the ZWL$ today are as follows:
USD = ZWL$10.7139
ZWL$ = RAND1.4567
Data according to the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe
Black Market Rates:
USD = ZWL$12.50 zimrates
USD = ZWL$12.10 zwl365 [as at 30/08/2019]
USD = ZWL$12.50 bluemari
USD = BOND8.5 zimrates
The current bank exchange rates for the ZWL$ today are as follows:
USD = ZWL$10.7139
ZWL$ = RAND1.4567
Data according to the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe
Black Market Rates:
USD = ZWL$12.50 zimrates
USD = ZWL$12.10 zwl365 [as at 30/08/2019]
USD = ZWL$12.50 bluemari
By A Correspondent- Addressing hundreds of MDC supporters in Glen View South over the weekend, opposition leader Nelson Chamisa revealed that his party was currently engaging the grassroots in a move aimed at ensuring that the people drive and direct the party’s agenda and discourse.
He said:
“……..We are here because of death. Our honourable MP Honourable Vimbai Tsvangirai Java left us when we least expected it. The MDC people here chose Richard Tsvangirai in honour of his late father and we thank you because we were not expecting that.
The other leaders are not here because we launched a program where we are consulting the electorate on what we should do. This is why the other leaders are not here. Some are in Mangwe and others are involved in other programs nationally. We want you to give direction to the party so that when we speak we are speaking on your behalf.”
By A Correspondent- ZESA has embarked on a blitz to compel all high-profile people who owe it money to pay up or face prosecution.
So far, several bigwigs including former and serving ministers have appeared in court after Energy and Power Development Minister Fortune Chasi empowered the parastatal to recover the money without fear or favour.
The power utility is owed $1,2 billion by consumers, some of whom have not paid a cent in almost a decade.
This comes as ZESA, which is struggling to meet demand due to low water levels at Lake Kariba and technical challenges at Hwange Thermal Power Station, has indicated that it will soon disconnect all consumers who fail to pay or make a payment plan, ZESA acting chief executive officer Engineer Patrick Chivaura has said.
Acting on the minister’s instruction s, the power utility is working on a debt recovery strategy to press consumers to pay their outstanding bills.
Eng Chivaura told The Herald yesterday: “The power utility is not going back on its quest to recover its debts from debtors.
“We have been given the mandate by the Government to put more effort to recover our debts despite one’s position. After failing to comply with our directive, we will be left with no option but to approach the courts of the land to recover the debts.”
Eng Chivaura said it was critical for defaulters to pay their obligations to ensure a steady supply of electricity.
A number of citizens and businesspeople are complaining about load-shedding yet they do not pay for services rendered.
For instance, the manufacturing sector owes up to $350 million while miners owe $200 million.
Said Eng Chivaura: “In the interest of service provision, the power utility has stepped up credit control measures in order to recover the debt owed in sectors such commercial, mining, agriculture and domestic. All defaulting business are required to make payment plans in order to clear their bills to avoid the inconvenience of service being withdrawn and litigation.”
Letters of demand have since been sent to debtors.
Eng Chivaura said they had put in place a payment plan for the production sector, especially the manufacturing sector, mining and winter wheat farmers.
As soon after the winter wheat season is over, ZESA will disconnect power to all farmers who have not paid. He said Zesa was not a charity organisation and everyone had to honour their electricity obligations regardless of status.
“We have this mechanism to ensure that money is collected and we are now working on a debt strategy to recover that money,” said Eng Chivaura.
Eng Chivaura said: “We want power to be paid for. A number of consumers are owing Zesa and if you don’t pay for the services, Zesa will come to a stage where it will not be able to deliver that service, yet the source of the problem will be consumers.”
He added that Zesa has to remain viable, financing its projects and providing the much needed power to drive aspirations of the Vision 2030 while at the same time meeting farmers, industry and general consumers needs.
By A Correspondent- The body and head of the deceased, Joshua Munhuwani (57) of plot 11 Fairwood Farm, were later recovered by fellow villagers who had become suspicious of his long absence before quizzing the suspect, Job Munhuwani, who confessed to the killing.
Police in Wedza, Mashonaland East, have arrested a 19-year-old man who beheaded his father, wrapped his head in a plastic bag before throwing his dismembered body into a pit.
Police provincial spokesperson Inspector Tendai Mwanza yesterday confirmed the tragedy and said police were still investigating the motive behind the gruesome murder.
“I confirm the death of a Wedza man who was beheaded by his biological son. It is a tragedy that the man died that way. The remains of the deceased were found after he had gone missing for close to two months. The police are still investigating the matter to establish the reason for such a gruesome act,” he said.
According to police, it is alleged that between June and July 2019, the suspect and his father were sleeping in the same hut.
The suspect is believed to have woken up that night, took an axe and fatally struck his father in the head, killing him instantly. The suspect allegedly beheaded his father, wrapped the head with a plastic bag before dumping it in a pit on the outskirts of the homestead.
He is also suspected to have taken the dismembered body of his father and concealed it in the same pit by covering it with two blankets and some dry grass.
When the suspect was quizzed by other villagers on the whereabouts of his father, he allegedly lied that he had visited some relatives in Rusape.
However, when the village head and his subjects failed to take the explanation of the suspect, they teamed up on August 27, 2019, and quizzed him until he admitted to the murder. He led the people to the pit where he had concealed the decapitated body.
A report was made at Wedza police who then attended the scene. The deceased’s remains were removed and taken to Mount St Mary’s Hospital for post-mortem.-StateMedia
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By Farai D Hove|ZANU PF President Emmerson Mnangagwa allegedly pulled USD5,9 billion out of the government coffers and the money disappeared without a trace, it has emerged.
WATCH VIDEO BELOW(story continues below)…
All this happened within 4 months of removing former President Robert Mugabe (Nov 2017).
Former Finance Minister and current chairman of the portfolio on the Public Accounts Parliamentary Committee, Tendai Biti made the revelations in Glen View on Sunday.
He was speaking while curtain-raising for his boss, Nelson Chamisa.
Said Biti, “Cde President these people steal.
“I sit in the Parliamentary portfolio for public accounts. I have never seen this kind of theft. Mnangagwa and his people there is somewhere where they actually go and beer is brewed for them, and they are told to go and steal lions. I have never seen this kind of theft.
“On the 27th December 2017 one month after the coup, USD2.7 suddenly came direct from the ministry of finance; where it went is not known and there is neither a voucher for it, there is not a single statement for it.
” 3 months later, in March 2018, 3.2 billion dollars was siphoned from the ministry of finance, there is no voucher, there is no invoice, neither is there any paper trail, there is nothing you can put a finger to show where it went.
“The money has disappeared.
“Cde President, we grew up being taught there is a thief called Mobutu Seseseko. ZANU PF has redefined Mobutu Seseism; if Mobutu was a thief, he was just a pastor. The Bishop, the ArchAngel is this one you call Mnangagwa here. These people steal.
“So Cde President, we have a duty to lead,” concluded Biti.
While efforts to obtain a comment from Emmerson Mnangagwa administration, the “revelations” are not new. They have been the subject of parliamentary portfolio discussions in recent weeks and the latest one was last week.
By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Cross Borders Transport Association has issued a counter-statement in response to South Africans’ Xenophobic threats.
The Chair of the Zimbabwe Cross Border Transport Association, Dennis Juru said if xenophobic attacks succeed, they would retaliate by stopping all South African cross border transport into crossing into any African country. Juru’s latest statement said:
Due to threats by South African nationals that on September 2, 2019 they are embarking on an attack to foreign national drivers, the International Cross-Border Traders Association executive has resolved that if this plan succeeds, we are going to stop all South Africa-registered trucks, buses and flights to cross borders to any African nation.
Foreign truck drivers have work permits to work in South Africa. The government of South Africa found it necessary to give foreign nationals work permits, allowing them to take employment in South Africa. No one has monopoly of violence.
If they turn to be violent to foreign nationals, our organisation shall respond accordingly. We have previously witnessed foreign nationals killed, assaulted and threatened without a single person being arrested or prosecuted.
Juru was responding to South Africans who threatened to protest against foreign truck drivers today.
By A Correspondent- A Bulawayo woman who faked pregnancy before she allegedly ganged up with a friend to steal a two-day old baby from a new teenage mum to impress her husband, has been arrested.
Ngonidzashe Shava (38) of Magwegwe North who had faked pregnancy, teamed up with Loveness Ndebele and they went to Mpilo Central Hospital where they met a 16-year-old girl who had just been discharged and she was carrying her new born baby.
They stole the baby on Thursday and were arrested on the following day after a tip off.
Acting Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube said the two suspects went to Mpilo Central Hospital where they spotted the complainant coming out of hospital carrying her baby and offered to assist her.
“The suspects left the hospital in the company of the complainant who was carrying her baby and proceeded to the Central Business District.
“On arrival in town, the two suspects together with the complainant went to Bulawayo City Hall under the guise that they intended to board a lift to Mahatshula where they purported to be staying,” he said.
Insp Ncube said Shava and Ndebele gave the teenage mother $10 so that she could buy food and offered to look after her baby while she went to the shops.
“On her return, the complainant discovered that the two suspects had disappeared with the baby and she made a police report at the Bulawayo Central Police Station,” said the police spokesperson.
Shava, who had stolen the baby, after faking pregnancy to her husband, ran out of luck when neighbours and relatives became suspicious after seeing her with a new born baby.
“They went to Mpilo Central Hospital to make an inquiry and there were no records indicating that Shava had given birth at the hospital.
“They got suspicious and alerted police leading to the arrest of the two suspects,” said Insp Ncube.
Shava and Ndebele are facing a charge of baby theft and will appear in court today.
Insp Ncube warned new mothers against entrusting their babies with strangers as such cases were on the increase.
“We continue to urge mothers to make sure that they jealously guard their babies to avoid the recurrence of such cases,” he said.
— StateMedia
Organisation For World Peace|Xenophobia in South Africa is deplorable as the Road Freight Association has reported over 200 foreign truck drivers have been killed since March 2018.
It is inhumane to note the attackers are drivers from the All Truck Drivers Foundation (ATDF). In response, Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula said that the root cause of the crisis is the “oversupply of foreign drivers in the industry and that some of the drivers are undocumented.”
Recollecting details of the stabbing of Zimbabwean Tinei Takawira, another Zimbabwean said “A group of men, about 20, stood in the middle of the road in Witbank and forced me to stop my truck. They demanded to see my license, shouting that all foreign drivers must fall.”. A Zambian said “… When the men stopped me, there were police trucks parked nearby, and the police officers watched, but they did not come to my assistance”. A Malawian added that the men stopped him and demanded that he hand over the truck keys or die on the spot…”. Another Malawian sustained serious facial injuries, including a broken jaw, split lips, and a broken nose and was dismissed after the incident under negligence. A Zimbabwean asleep in his truck suffered from severe injuries after a gasoline bomb was thrown at his truck, setting it on fire.
Human Rights Watch’s findings in Johannesburg, Mpumalanga province’s Witbank town, and Durban and Pietermaritzburg, both in KwaZulu-Natal province confirmed some 18 out of 23 foreign drivers had legal South African work permits.
It is inappropriate for Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi to simply indicate awareness but not provide an action plan to increase protection for foreign drivers. Police Minister Bheki Cele claims 91 alleged attackers have been arrested, “We will let the law take its course because we cannot negotiate on such acts of criminality,” but they have not been.
A South African truck association, Positive Freight Solutions Forum has recorded 75 incidents. On May 31, PFSF sought an injunction from the Pietermaritzburg High Court against the ATDF. However, ATDF’s lawyer, Zwe Luthuli, denied the association’s involvement in the attacks.
One local truck driver told HRW that targeting trucks alone was not enough because some companies had insurance and could get new trucks, hence the need to directly attack and burn foreign truck drivers.
Local drivers sang disparaged songs referring to foreign truck drivers as Makwerekwere(a derogatory term that references the accent of African foreign nationals)at a rally. Some displayed ATDF banners that said, “Foreign Drivers Must Fall.”
Dismissed drivers did not receive advance notice, compensation, or an explanation for their dismissal. Others said that companies, including in Durban and Johannesburg, have posted signs indicating that they have no jobs for foreign nationals.
Organizing Secretary of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Truck Drivers Association Edward Muchatuta confirmed they are providing legal support to 39 foreign truck drivers who were dismissed by Cape Town-based TimeLink Cargo on May 22.
Southern Africa Human Rights Watch Director, Dewa Mavhinga said “South African authorities should urgently intervene to stop the unlawful, unprovoked, and violent attacks and harassment of foreign truck drivers and bring the perpetrators to justice. Any problems in the trucking industry, including undocumented drivers, are for the relevant authorities to address, and there is no defense for committing such violent, horrific crimes.” South Africa needs to promulgate policies that provide security and safety for foreigners.
A 21-YEAR-OLD man, who was last month convicted of assaulting Health minister Obadiah Moyo’s daughter Ashleigh and sentenced to five months’ imprisonment, has appealed against both conviction and sentencing, saying the presiding magistrate erred.
In the sentence, magistrate Learnmore Mapiye suspended two months on condition that Godfrey Utsiwegota pays $600 fine and a further three months on condition of good behaviour.
Utsiwegota challenged his conviction and sentence, saying the magistrate had no basis to convict him since the sole testimony of the minister’s daughter was a lie.
While under cross-examination, Ashleigh admitted that the statement which was submitted in court was written by his father — the minister — and Utsiwegota challenges that the court could not have used the evidence since she was not the author.
Ustiwegota’s lawyer Cathew Manyani told court that Ashleigh had refused to testify against Utsiwegota, who is her boyfriend, but her father forced her.
Ashleigh again admitted in court that she told his father in front of Utsiwegota and Manyani that he was forcing him to testify in a matter she did not want to proceed with.
When asked by Manyani who reported the matter to the police, Ashleigh said it was her father.
Ashleigh also admitted in court that she was violent after she assaulted Utsiwegota, resulting in him sustaining head injuries and had to be rushed to a hospital while in South Africa.
Foundation to Empower 100,000 Young Entrepreneurs in Africa
In his appeal, Utsiwegota said the court erred in relying on the evidence of a single witness, who is also the complainant in the matter.
“The court erred at law in making a finding that complainant was truthful and credible contrary to factors on the record or ground, which clearly pointed out that she was untruthful and not credible,” Utsiwegota submitted.
He said it was Chatunga Mugabe’s girlfriend Ovio Mgijima, who assaulted Ashleigh after she had poured wine on her.
Utsiwegota’s testimony was also supported by a witness Shaun Chirimuko, a bouncer at Pabloz Night Club, who separated Mgijima and Ashleigh from fighting.
Chirimuko said Utsiwegota and Ashleigh were their clients at Pabloz, but on the day in question, the convict never assaulted Ashleigh as he was watching.
The witness also told the court that Ashleigh was assaulted by Mgijima, whom she had poured wine while inside the night club.
Utsiwegota’s appeal was filed at the clerk of court on Friday.
The court heard that on July 26 this year at around 11pm, Ashleigh was at Pabloz Night Club reportedly recording her music and after recording, she left the club and walked towards her car.
When she was about to open the car door, Mgijima, a South African, punched her with a fist and she fell down.
Suddenly, Utsiwegota appeared and joined Mgijima to fight the complainant until she was unconscious.
A medical report was obtained and produced in court as exhibit.
IOL|Two trucks were set alight in Montclair, south of Durban, on Monday as police went on high alert for a truck drivers’ strike.
According to police the trucks were set alight at 2am.
Police have since increased the number of officers and patrols along major routes in KwaZulu-Natal.
The police precautions come in the wake of the burning of trucks in Kokstad and Ashburton at the weekend.
SAPS spokesperson Lieutenant- Colonel Thulani Zwane said: “We have intensified our deployments along the major routes to prevent any disruptions and criminality. This will enable us to respond quicker and arrest the perpetrators should anything occur.”
Metro police spokesperson Parboo Sewpersad said officers had been deployed on the N2 and N3, because of the expected strike.
“There is full deployment on the N3 from Cato Ridge down, and on the N2 in both directions,” Sewpersad said.
On Sunday night a joint statement by the Ministers of Employment and Labour, Police, Transport and Home Affairs revealed that they had convened an urgent meeting in order to receive a report on the progress made to address the continued violence in the sector as well as plotting a way forward.
The Road Freight and Logistics sector truck drivers associations distanced themselves from the planned strike of the 1st and 2nd of September.
“However, acts of threats and violence including the burning of trucks took place,” the statement said.
The Ministers condemned the ongoing violence and agreed that it is nothing but economic sabotage threatening the economic viability of the SADC region. The meeting emphasised that the acts of sabotage are spearheaded by criminal elements that are responsible for the blockages, burning of trucks and assets, as well as the intimidation and killing of truck drivers in the sector.
The outcome of these discussions were as follows:
The meeting further noted that the events are turning more violent and criminal and that the South African Police Service will continue to act against any acts of lawlessness.
Last week, the Zambian High Commission in Pretoria issued a travel advisory, warning Zambian truck drivers to park their trucks in safe places as from today to avoid loss of property – and death.
The warning came after an unidentified association allegedly representing South African truck drivers called for a nationwide strike as from today, said the Zambian High Commission spokesperson, Naomi Nyawali.
Road Freight Employers Association spokesperson Magretia Brown-Engelbrecht said they were aware of the strike action and that their members would have contingency plans in place, where necessary.
HARARE – High level sources have revealed that a letter was written to the Zimbabwe Anti Corruption Commission urging them to investigate incumbent speaker of Parliament Jacob Mudenda over criminal abuse of office, corruption, nepotism and other practices.
Part of the letter reads that there is enough evidence to link Mudenda to the botched fuel deal that was facilitated by his son Donald Mudenda when Jacob Mudenda was Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe.
It is alleged that officials from CAAZ tried approaching Speaker Mudenda over the issue in 2014 and eye witnesses state that the Speaker of Parliament called Parliament Security to kick out the CAAZ officials from his office.
The letter also further urges ZACC to look into a Victoria Falls land scandal where Mudenda is alleged to have used his influence to coerce ZESA into buying a piece of land which belonged to Mudenda at an inflated price.
Contacted for comment ZACC officials declined to comment on the matter.
Sources within ZANU PF said the party had taken heed of the youth league accusations of corruption levelled against some senior members including Mudenda and the axe was going to fall heavily on those found guilty.
Meanwhile other sources said it is a matter of time before Mudenda is elbowed out as there are whispers in the corridors of power to the effect that Retired General Rugeje was heading to parliament to replace Mudenda and ensure that Emmerson Mnangagwa does not face a motion of impeachment.
During the run up to the 2018 harmonised elections Mnangagwa revealed that there were plots to oust him from power though a parliamentary process.
Byo24
A wave of violent riot action swept over Johannesburg on Sunday night, with areas in the CBD, specifically Malvern and Jeppestown, being transformed into a warzone as law enforcement agencies attempted to quell the dissidence.
It’s reported that angry residents took the streets on Sunday evening. While the exact cause of the mob madness has not yet been established, various witnesses claim that the contention stems from a building fire which claimed the lives of three residents.
⚠️ALERT⚠️
Looting & Rioting along Jules Street in Jeppestown. Situation is volatile. Please avoid the area. @JoburgMPD & @SAPoliceService are on scene. pic.twitter.com/YTIXXONEXf— David Tembe (@AsktheChiefJMPD) September 1, 2019
#malvernlooting More than 50 vehicles have been burnt this morning on Jules Street in Malvern, Johannesburg. This after residents of Jeppestown went on the rampage looting shops in the area following the death of 3 people in a building fire. #sabcnewspic.twitter.com/lxUOxL0PNY— Sashin Naidoo (@Sashinn007) September 2, 2019
A large crowd of rioters descended onto the streets below and began to plunder shops and business in their path. The mob looted goods from numerous stores along Jules Street, leaving in their wake a trail of destruction and flame.
Chief of the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD), David Tembe, confirmed that the area became a no-go zone shortly after midnight. Warning motorists to steer clear, Tembe also noted that law enforcement agencies were on the scene, attempting to disperse the riled-up crowd.
Running battles between police officers and rioters persisted throughout the early hours of the morning, with the situation eventually being brought under control shortly before day break on Monday.
Tembe confirmed that at least 12 people had been arrested for their involvement in the chaos.
The damage as a result of the riots, still too vast to accurately account for, included over 50 vehicles which were gutted by arson while parked in a storage facility. Shop windows all along Turfontein Road, Hay Street and Jules Street were smashed out and commodities ripped from the store’s shelves.
City of Johannesburg clean-up crews are still busy removing burning debris from roads in the area.
This fresh wave of unrest follows similar flare-ups in Tshwane last week. Both of these incidents are said to emanate from fierce xenophobic tensions in the area. Last week, the inner-city streets of Pretoria descended into chaos, with rioters and looters setting flame to foreign-owned shops.
Police fought running battles with the rioters for more than 24-hours. The situation was finally brought under control on Friday.
Prior to the Tshwane unrest, in July, Johannesburg’s inner city was brought to a standstill when law enforcement agencies conducted raids on shops suspected of selling counterfeit goods. The police officers were met with a wave of resistance which forced their exit from the area.
Both the mayor of Johannesburg, Herman Mashaba, and the Premier of Gauteng, David Makhura, have blamed illegal immigrants for the disorder.
Media Statement By Crisis In Zim Coalition|Following the November 2017 military coup which ousted former President, Robert Mugabe, the situation in Zimbabwe continues to further deteriorate.
The 2017 military coup resulted in militarization of key state institutions and this further worsened the constitutional crisis in the country.
The situation was worsened by the fact that the ruling party shot for power after ordinary Zimbabweans took to the streets to protest against electoral theft on August 1, 2018. About 6 civilians were shot by the military
The sham 2018 polls resulted in a serious legitimacy crisis that came with adverse effects on economic revival and re-engagement with the international community.
In January 2018, suffering Zimbabweans took to the streets to protest against the continued economic meltdown and again, the army resorted to brutality and this resulted in the death of about 12 civilians while others were raped and tortured.
As discontent continues to grow among suffering Zimbabweans, the military government is getting more and more brutal.
The government has proven beyond reasonable doubt that they stand ready to kill/ shoot for power as evidenced by the army shootings and wave of abductions and arbitrary arrests.
Since the so called new dispensation came into power, a total of 22 political and civic society activists have been charged for treason though the charges are quite baseless and expose the capture of the judiciary.
The government has also intensified surveillance on civic society organizations following baseless and unsubstantiated claims that the organizations are working to effect regime change.
On Thursday, August 29, 2018 a suspicious drone was at the Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition offices early in the morning.
In light of the threats from the government, we reiterate that it is a constitutional and fundamental right to protest peacefully. We also would like to remind the government that the major driver of the protests is its failure to revive the economy and improve people’s livelihoods.
We further implore the government to respect the right to protest peacefully as enshrined under Section 59 of the country’s constitution.
More importantly, we reiterate our call for an all stakeholders dialogue as a way of unlocking the multi faceted crisis in Zimbabwe.
We envisage a national dialogue that is in the form of a reform process that seeks to safeguard citizens’ interests through restoration of the social contract between citizens and the government.
This national dialogue process must not be restricted to political parties but should rather bring on board a cross section of stakeholders including civic society, labour, religious groups, business among other critical stakeholders.
THE Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) is waiting for official communication from the Bulawayo City Council to start preparing for a by-election after the High Court nullified the election of Bulawayo Deputy Mayor, Councillor Tinashe Kambarami.
Bulawayo High Court judge, Justice Thompson Mabhikwa, last week nullified the election into council of Mr Kambarami.
His ruling followed an application by 1893 Mthwakazi Restoration Movement Trust, through its lawyer Mr Godfrey Nyoni of Moyo and Nyoni Legal Practitioners seeking an order nullifying Mr Kambarami’s election as councillor for Ward 3 and the city’s Deputy Mayor.
In an interview yesterday, Zec Commissioner Dr Qhubani Moyo said the commission was waiting for the council to communicate the vacancy before undertaking due procedure.
“We have read about the judgment in the newspapers but we are yet to be officially informed before we can start analysing the judgment. Standard procedure is that where there is a vacancy as a result of any reason which includes death, expulsion or resignation, the council of the area concerned will notify Zec that a vacancy has arisen,” said Dr Moyo.
He said once Zec receives official communicaton from council, the process to prepare for a by-election will then be set in motion. The Town Clerk, Mr Christopher Dube said council was waiting for the written judgment to map a way forward.
“Unfortunately, I was away but I know that as of Friday we had not yet received the written judgment from courts. We are expecting that to happen tomorrow or on Tuesday for us to map the way forward,” said Mr Dube.
He said once the written judgment is received, council will notify the Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing and then Zec. Mr Kambarami will, however, be given a chance to exercise his right to appeal,” said Mr Dube.
The Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) has explained why the Mighty Warriors failed to show up for their 2022 Olympics qualifier against Zambia on Sunday.
The senior women’s team was supposed to play their northern neighbours at National Sports Stadium in the second leg of the second round tie.
According to Zifa communication and competitions manager, Xolisani Gwesela, some of the clubs withdrew their players from camp on Saturday at the Zifa Village and this made it impossible for them to proceed with the match.
“Around 10pm yesterday (Saturday) we were notified by the team manager that Blue Swallows, Correctional Queens and Black Rhinos football administrators had taken away players from camp totalling to 12,” Gwesela told The Herald.
“Then, today, (in the) morning (Sunday) Herentals also took their players from camp.
“So, we communicated with Fifa about our position, we requested Fifa to allow us to change the players, Fifa accepted that we can change the players.
“By the time the teams arrived at the stadium, the new players had not reported for camp.
“So, we then wrote to Fifa seeking postponement of the match but Fifa have written back to us to say can you consult with Zambian Football Association so that they accept that, then the match can be postponed, that’s where we stand.”
The communication manager added that there were no reasons given by the clubs who withdrew their players from the camp.
But indications are that the players have been complaining that they have not been receiving their allowances, appearance fees and bonuses from the association.
Meanwhile, the Mighty Warriors were trailing 5-0 on aggregate ahead of yesterday’s unfulfilled fixture.
State Media|PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has never interfered with the operations of the Judiciary as it is an independent arm of the State whose decisions are not influenced by any political interests, Chief Justice Luke Malaba has said.
In an exclusive interview with State Media, CJ Malaba said the Judiciary, which is the third arm of the State after the Executive and the Legislature, operates within the confines of the country’s Constitution from which it derives its independence.
“The Judiciary is an institution of the people by virtue of it having been created by the very same people. The Judiciary doesn’t create itself. With us, we are very clear and I can say it once and for all that there is no one who has ever interfered with the judiciary, including the President himself and if people don’t believe that then hard luck. It is in the interest of everyone that the judiciary has independence and that includes members of the public, the Executive, Legislature and even NGOs. It is also in the interest of even those that criticise the Judiciary to ensure its independence. You don’t criticise the judiciary to the extent of eroding its independence,” he said.
CJ Malaba’s remarks come hot on the heels of unsubstantiated claims by some members of society, including the opposition, alleging that some court decisions not ruled in their favour, were a directive from the Government.
Notably, the recent conviction of Chief Felix Nhlanhlayamangwe Ndiweni who was slapped with an effective18 months in jail for ordering his subjects to destroy a villager’s property in Ntabazinduna, has drawn the ire of opposition activists with some taking to social media to criticise the Judiciary and alleging a political hand in the magistrate’s ruling.
“It is the people who created the independence of the Judiciary and it is equally important for people to understand that before criticising the judiciary, they must first reflect deeply on what it means to have a judiciary, and what it means to criticise it to the extent of discouraging its independence. Independence is not just supporting it, you can actually destroy the independence of the judiciary by constantly attacking it. There is no judiciary which has an interest in any other thing except delivering justice,” said CJ Malaba.
The Chief Justice said in the event that there is some form of evidence of lack of independence exhibited by a judicial officer, they would not hesitate to take appropriate measures.
“As Judiciary, we can’t ensure that what we say is accepted by everyone because that is not our job as judiciary.
“However, as the Judiciary, we can only state what we exist for, and if anyone has a case of a judicial officer who has exhibited lack of independence and lack of independence is not just a term in abstract, but a constitutionally reviewable substantive term hence you don’t criticise a judiciary in the air and hope to succeed. You will never succeed because we don’t care,” he said.
“What we care about is the substantive aspect and if you can show us that a particular judicial officer has acted against the constitutional obligation to be independent then definitively we will take action even if it’s a chief justice who has to be shown that he acted outside the law because that is the only criteria by which we measure ourselves in the judiciary.”
CJ Malaba said although the Judiciary exists in relation to other organs of the State, it remains an independent arm with its own interest.
“Judiciary does not exist in a vacuum, but it is critical for the other organs of the State to be able to also exist without interfering with the judiciary. An Executive that has an interest in interfering with the judiciary doesn’t understand its position because its very inherent interest is the survival of the independence of the judiciary.
“You can’t have an Executive that is worth its salt interfering with the Judiciary,” he said.
WAR veterans in Bulawayo have distanced themselves from recent statements made by Zimbabwe Liberation War Veterans’ Association (ZLWVA) spokesperson Douglas Mahiya and warned him to stop misrepresenting former liberation war fighters by claiming that all ex-combatants were against handing over power to the opposition MDC party.
Mahiya last week said war veterans would not let power slip into the hands of the opposition MDC party, which he accused of being a proxy of the West, accusing the European Union of plotting to destabilise President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s rule.
But ex-Zimbabwe People’s Revolutionary Army (Zipra) war veteran Godfrey Mlalazi said Mahiya and his crew should not claim to be representing the aspirations and interests of all the war veterans because some former combatants had since joined the MDC.
“Mahiya and his crew must shut up and stop misrepresenting us. We are not interested in the dirty politics he is playing. If he is a real leader of the war veterans, he must be fighting for our welfare, which is in shambles,” Mlalazi said.
“As we speak, most war veterans children’s school fees for last term has not been paid. He must be making noise about that, but he is busy playing politics using our name as war veterans.”
Mlalazi said most of the war veterans were suffering and benefiting nothing from the Zanu PF government that Mahiya and those close to the echelons of power are supporting.
“He is attacking the MDC so much, but some of us know that it is the party with legislators who have made noise in Parliament over war veterans’ benefits and laws that benefit war veterans to be put in place,” he said.
Mlalazi said pension pay-outs for war veterans in the new dispensation were being paid late, unlike before the ouster of former President Robert Mugabe.
He said the delay was because the war veterans leadership was busy politicking for their own stomachs, instead of representing the majority of the former fighters.
“Mahiya must know that just because he is enjoying the benefits of being close to the echelons of power, it does not mean that all war veterans are enjoying,” he said.
“In whatever he was saying, he was representing himself, not us. He must not seek to divide war veterans by bringing political affiliation to us, because we are war veterans before being political affiliates.”
Another ex-Zipra war veteran Wilson Ndlovu, who is programmes officer for Mafela Trust, a non-governmental organisation documenting and archiving the liberation war history, concurred with Mlalazi’s sentiments, saying Mahiya’s remarks did not represent the interests of liberation war fighters. He said most of the remarks made by war veterans’ representatives were not in the interest of majority war veterans and should be taken with suspicion.
Mahiya last week said war veterans were a “renowned force, which was well aware that the EU was mooting to destabilise the government of Mnangagwa” and was ready to hit back.
Watch Sibusiso Moyo being embarassed in the UK by angry Zimbabweans. Is it possible to do the same on Mnangagwa? Video downloading below:
NewsDay|ZIMBABWEANS in neighbouring South Africa are reportedly mobilising to embarrass President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his delegation during the World Economic Forum (WEF) Africa summit scheduled for Cape Town from September 4 to 6.
The developments come at a time when Mnangagwa’s government has outlawed the rights to demonstrate for its citizens by banning opposition protests over the deteriorating situation in the country, despite the right being guaranteed by the Constitution.
Last week, Zimbabweans in South Africa circulated messages mobilising each other to stage a demonstration in Cape Town this week to show the world that all was not well back home, at the same time taking advantage of the international fora since back home protesting was being met with hostility.
“All Zimbabweans in South Africa, let’s stand together with one voice and raise our hands in Cape Town on Wednesday to Friday, September 4 to 6, 2019 while marching in Cape Town where ED Mnangagwa will be attending a meeting of the World Economic Forum,” one of the messages circulating on social media read.
“Do not be left behind, follow others in Cape Town. ED must know what the people of Zimbabwe are crying about. It is enough. We need a government which looks after its people . . .”
This would be the second time Zimbabweans based in South Africa are protesting against Mnangagwa since he took over from former leader Robert Mugabe in November 2017 following a military-backed operation. Some Zimbabweans protested against him on his first visit to South Africa in December 2017, just a month after he became President.
A Zimbabwean political activist based in South Africa, Fortune Mlalazi, confirmed that Zimbabweans were mobilising to demonstrate against Mnangagwa’s delegation.
“It is true, people are mobilising each other to demonstrate in Cape Town where there will be an economic forum and it is their right to demonstrate,” he said.
Mlalazi said this was exactly what Mnangagwa was looking for after he closed avenues for Zimbabweans to freely express themselves on home soil.
“You saw what happened in London with SB (Sibusiso) Moyo (Foreign Affairs minister). It will continue to happen wherever he (Mnangagwa) goes as long as he closes avenues in Zimbabwe. People will always find alternatives,” Mlalazi said.
Zapu spokesperson Iphithule Maphosa said: “We are supportive of this and any other effort to pile pressure on the international community and make them see the Zimbabwean government for what it really is — it is a rogue mafia regime that feeds on Zimbabweans’ blood like vampires.”
The WEF Africa summit will run under the theme Shaping Inclusive Growth and Shared Futures in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. It seeks to address the African Union’s Agenda 2063 on regional strategic priorities.
ZANU PF has gone on a massive massive drive to drill boreholes in Glen View in Harare ahead of this weekend’s by election.
The programme, which is being spearheaded by the District Development Fund (DDF) department of water, began a week ago and is expected to reach a target of 15 boreholes in time for the elections.
The development followed the statement by Zanu-PF National Political Commissar, Victor Matemadanda, who visited Glen View South constituency last month and told residents that President Mnangagwa had acquired drilling machines from Belarus.
Addressing hundreds of ZANU-PF supporters in Glen View South yesterday ahead of the by-election, forgotten ZANU PF Secretary for Finance Patrick Chinamasa said addressing the issue of water shortages was critical.
“ZANU-PF is the only party which has got people at heart. President Mnangagwa is making frantic efforts to ensure that the people of Zimbabwe live a better life. As the Government, we are aware of the challenges that people are going through especially on water and sanitation, among other things. So these boreholes will go a long way in solving water problems in this area and automatically deal with cholera outbreaks,” said Chinamasa.
Chinamasa called on the people of Glen View to vote for ZANU-PF because of its sound policies.
He castigated rival MDC for disturbing the peace being enjoyed in the country by calling for demonstrations.
“Let us all come out in numbers on 7 September and vote for ZANU-PF, which has the capacity to deal with challenges in the country.
“What MDC is capable of is calling for demonstrations. They don’t even think of developing their respective constituencies. But Zanu-PF, which is led by our visionary leader Cde Mnangagwa, is always making strides to stimulate robust development in the country on a non-partisan basis,” said Chinamasa.
“We will also engage the Ministry of Local Government to stop developments on open spaces which are being spearheaded by MDC councillors. This is increasing the chances of water-borne diseases and should stop,” he said.
“Right now, MDC is insisting on conducting demonstrations countrywide with no apparent reason, never take heed to them. They disturb people’s daily programmes. Have you ever asked yourself why they are calling for demonstrations while President Mnangagwa is pushing for developmental programmes? It’s a testimony that ZANU-PF is the only party that is pushing for development,” he said.
Election watchdog Zimbabwe Election Support Network, ZESN, has condemned the untimely drilling of the boreholes in Glenview describing it as a vote buying gimmick by ZANU PF.
The election will see ZANU-PF candidate Offard Muchuwe battling against eight other candidates among them Vincent Tsvangirai of the MDC.
ZANU PF has been cleared to hold its own demonstration in the streets of Harare on Thursday.
The so called demonstration against sanctions will take place after the opposition MDC was denied holding its own similar demonstrations by the police and the courts while no reports are heard on the interference with the ZANU PF demonstration.
Several of the MDC leaders and members are currently facing prosecution for requesting to hold the demonstrations.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa is expected to address the protesters.
The ZANU PF march is said to be in support of SADC member states who are calling for the removal of the sanctions imposed by the United States and the European Union.
Zanu-PF Secretary of Administration Dr Obert Mpofu yesterday said the solidarity march was being organised by the ruling Zanu-PF.
He said all progressive Zimbabweans should overcome their political affiliations and take part in the solidarity march.
“We want to make it a national event. The solidarity march will include the Government, civil society, students, the business community (and) all political parties, among others, to participate in the solidarity march.
“The event is open to everyone,” said DR Mpofu.
The solidarity march comes after SADC countries declared October 25 as a solidarity day against illegal sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe and resolved to conduct various activities in their respective countries on the day to resoundingly call for the immediate removal of the sanctions.
The SADC Secretariat has also since been tasked to escalate the lobby with the current African Union chairperson, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, who will be expected to raise the issue at the upcoming 74th United Nations General Assembly later this month.
NewsDay|CONTROVERSIAL cleric Obadiah Msindo has claimed that opposition MDC leader Nelson Chamisa lost a golden opportunity to push for electoral reforms for the 2023 general elections when he spurned President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s offer to appoint him the official opposition leader in Parliament.
Speaking on the sidelines of Olinda Marowa’s album launch that was graced by popular South African singer Deborah Fraser in Harare on Friday, Msindo also challenged Chamisa to find ways of engaging with Mnangagwa without resorting to violence.
Msindo’s Destiny for Africa Network funded the album launch, as part of his campaign to promote peace and unity in the country.
“Chamisa committed political suicide when he refused to accept President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s offer of being the official opposition leader,” Msindo said.
“Chamisa should have embraced the position and force Mnangagwa to compromise on electoral reforms ahead of 2023 polls. Chamisa should have been pushing in Parliament for the reforms and we could not been having these protests that are resulting in loss of lives.”
Msindo said Chamisa must consider the plight and suffering of Zimbabweans regardless of political affiliation and peacefully engage with Mnangagwa.
Mnangagwa in January last year proposed to adopt the Commonwealth system and establish the office of the official opposition leader.
Justice minister Ziyambi Ziyambi said then government would change the Constitution to create the office of official opposition leader in Parliament should Chamisa accept the offer.
Government claimed Chamisa snubbed the offer, but the youthful leader said although he would opt to fight Mnangagwa’s legitimacy, no formal offer was advanced to him.
Msindo challenged Chamisa to first prove he was the best leader by improving the situation in the opposition-run councils across the country.
“Chamisa must learn from DA (Democratic Alliance) from South Africa, they are managing Cape Town very well and they are using the testimony to campaign for national leadership. Before Chamisa can take over as president of the country, can he prove to the people he is the best option by introducing innovative strategies to turn around urban centres,” Msindo said.
On Mnangagwa, Msindo said: “Mnangagwa should do away with people who still have an old mentality and defeating policies on ease of doing business. There is need for the President to surround himself and have people in strategic positions, especially in parastatals who share his vision, not saboteurs.
He added: “We have heard investors come and as soon as they step out of Mnangagwa’s office, they meet an anti-prosperity culture. Things should change. We have heard of deals that the President is signing; there can be a swift implementation of the deals.”
The MDC has been rolling out protests against the deteriorating economic situation in the country.
State Media|ZESA has embarked on a blitz to compel all high-profile people who owe it money to pay up or face prosecution.
So far, several bigwigs including former and serving ministers have appeared in court after Energy and Power Development Minister Fortune Chasi empowered the parastatal to recover the money without fear or favour.
The power utility is owed $1,2 billion by consumers, some of whom have not paid a cent in almost a decade.
This comes as ZESA, which is struggling to meet demand due to low water levels at Lake Kariba and technical challenges at Hwange Thermal Power Station, has indicated that it will soon disconnect all consumers who fail to pay or make a payment plan, ZESA acting chief executive officer Engineer Patrick Chivaura has said.
Acting on the minister’s instructions, the power utility is working on a debt recovery strategy to press consumers to pay their outstanding bills.
Eng Chivaura said: “The power utility is not going back on its quest to recover its debts from debtors.
“We have been given the mandate by the Government to put more effort to recover our debts despite one’s position. After failing to comply with our directive, we will be left with no option but to approach the courts of the land to recover the debts.”
Eng Chivaura said it was critical for defaulters to pay their obligations to ensure a steady supply of electricity.
A number of citizens and businesspeople are complaining about load-shedding yet they do not pay for services rendered.
For instance, the manufacturing sector owes up to $350 million while miners owe $200 million.
Said Eng Chivaura: “In the interest of service provision, the power utility has stepped up credit control measures in order to recover the debt owed in sectors such commercial, mining, agriculture and domestic. All defaulting business are required to make payment plans in order to clear their bills to avoid the inconvenience of service being withdrawn and litigation.”
Letters of demand have since been sent to debtors.
Eng Chivaura said they had put in place a payment plan for the production sector, especially the manufacturing sector, mining and winter wheat farmers.
As soon after the winter wheat season is over, ZESA will disconnect power to all farmers who have not paid. He said Zesa was not a charity organisation and everyone had to honour their electricity obligations regardless of status.
“We have this mechanism to ensure that money is collected and we are now working on a debt strategy to recover that money,” said Eng Chivaura.
Eng Chivaura said: “We want power to be paid for. A number of consumers are owing Zesa and if you don’t pay for the services, Zesa will come to a stage where it will not be able to deliver that service, yet the source of the problem will be consumers.”
He added that Zesa has to remain viable, financing its projects and providing the much needed power to drive aspirations of the Vision 2030 while at the same time meeting farmers, industry and general consumers needs.
A BULAWAYO woman who faked pregnancy before she allegedly ganged up with a friend to steal a two-day old baby from a new teenage mum to impress her husband, has been arrested.
Ngonidzashe Shava (38) of Magwegwe North who had faked pregnancy, teamed up with Loveness Ndebele and they went to Mpilo Central Hospital where they met a 16-year-old girl who had just been discharged and she was carrying her new born baby.
They stole the baby on Thursday and were arrested on the following day after a tip off.
Acting Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube said the two suspects went to Mpilo Central Hospital where they spotted the complainant coming out of hospital carrying her baby and offered to assist her.
“The suspects left the hospital in the company of the complainant who was carrying her baby and proceeded to the Central Business District.
“On arrival in town, the two suspects together with the complainant went to Bulawayo City Hall under the guise that they intended to board a lift to Mahatshula where they purported to be staying,” he said.
Insp Ncube said Shava and Ndebele gave the teenage mother $10 so that she could buy food and offered to look after her baby while she went to the shops.
“On her return, the complainant discovered that the two suspects had disappeared with the baby and she made a police report at the Bulawayo Central Police Station,” said the police spokesperson.
Shava, who had stolen the baby, after faking pregnancy to her husband, ran out of luck when neighbours and relatives became suspicious after seeing her with a new born baby.
“They went to Mpilo Central Hospital to make an inquiry and there were no records indicating that Shava had given birth at the hospital.
“They got suspicious and alerted police leading to the arrest of the two suspects,” said Insp Ncube.
Shava and Ndebele are facing
a charge of baby theft and will appear in court today.State media
THE woes that have haunted women’s football in this country reached another level with the Mighty Warriors boycotting the second leg of the second round Olympic qualifiers at the National Sports Stadium.
The match was expected to kick-off at 3pm but the Zimbabwe senior women’s side didn’t show up for duty.
According to Zifa communication and competitions manager, Xolisani Gwesela, some of the clubs withdrew their players from camp on Saturday at the Zifa Village and this made it impossible for them to proceed with the match.
“Around 10pm yesterday (Saturday) we were notified by the team manager that Blue Swallows, Correctional Queens and Black Rhinos football administrators had taken away players from camp totalling to 12,’’ said Gwesela.
“Then, today, (in the) morning Herentals also took their players from camp.
So, we communicated with Fifa about our position, we requested Fifa to allow us to change the players, Fifa accepted that we can change the players.
By the time the teams arrived at the stadium the new players had not reported for camp.
So, we then wrote to Fifa seeking postponement of the match but Fifa have written back to us to say can you consult with Zambian Football Association so that they accept that, then the match can be postponed, that’s where we stand.’’
While Gwesela said there were no reasons communicated to Zifa on why the clubs withdrew their players, there have been indications that action was provoked by pleas from the players.
The players have been complaining that they have not been receiving their allowances, appearance fees and bonuses from the association.
They claim the stand-off with the Zifa leaders goes back to the time when they took part in the Cosafa tournament where the Mighty Warriors finished third.
The Mighty Warriors were expected to get $2 400 each for their participation at the regional tournament where they settled for bronze.
Zifa has also come up with a vastly-reduced payment schedule for national teams while the association also raised the red flag on Saturday when it announced one of its former employees had obtained a court order to freeze their bank account.
“I cannot comment on rumours, unfortunately, but what I can confirm is that we have a contractual obligation between us and players and not between Zifa and clubs.
Clubs are members of Zifa, so I cannot comment on issues where reasons were not proffered when withdrawing these players from camp.
Unfortunately, the clubs that took players from camp did not proffer any reasons for withdrawing players from camp.
But, in terms of regulations governing the release and status of players, once a player is released into camp, it’s prohibited, it’s not allowed for you to withdraw a player from camp especially when the game is on the international calendar,” said Gwesela.State media
By Farai D Hove|ZANU PF President Emmerson Mnangagwa allegedly pulled USD5,9 billion out of the government coffers and the money disappeared without a trace, it has emerged.
WATCH VIDEO BELOW(story continues below)…
All this happened within 4 months of removing former President Robert Mugabe (Nov 2017).
Former Finance Minister and current chairman of the portfolio on the Public Accounts Parliamentary Committee, Tendai Biti made the revelations in Glen View on Sunday.
He was speaking while curtain-raising for his boss, Nelson Chamisa.
Said Biti, “Cde President these people steal.
“I sit in the Parliamentary portfolio for public accounts. I have never seen this kind of theft. Mnangagwa and his people there is somewhere where they actually go and beer is brewed for them, and they are told to go and steal lions. I have never seen this kind of theft.
“On the 27th December 2017 one month after the coup, USD2.7 suddenly came direct from the ministry of finance; where it went is not known and there is neither a voucher for it, there is not a single statement for it.
” 3 months later, in March 2018, 3.2 billion dollars was siphoned from the ministry of finance, there is no voucher, there is no invoice, neither is there any paper trail, there is nothing you can put a finger to show where it went.
“The money has disappeared.
“Cde President, we grew up being taught there is a thief called Mobutu Seseseko. ZANU PF has redefined Mobutu Seseism; if Mobutu was a thief, he was just a pastor. The Bishop, the ArchAngel is this one you call Mnangagwa here. These people steal.
“So Cde President, we have a duty to lead,” concluded Biti.
While efforts to obtain a comment from Emmerson Mnangagwa administration, the “revelations” are not new. They have been the subject of parliamentary portfolio discussions in recent weeks and the latest one was last week.
By Dorrothy Moyo| Exactly 2 years ago, he was in trouble with the government, being abducted and receiving support from the MDC party and in the below video, he is seen bodyguarded by MDC members. (The date is 7th Sept 2017.)
https://youtu.be/64W6psafCEU
This time, the abducted is now the Abductor, as it were – Defence and War Veterans’ Affairs Deputy Minister, Victor Matemadanda has said abductions are being planned as a project by America and Britain(as claimed in the state media).
Although there was no direct quote of Matemadanda naming Britain, or America for allegedly creating abduction stories, the state owned Herald stated this as what he said.
Matemadanda was quoted saying, “what is interesting is that everyone who is abducted, we see cameras behind. Even when MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa alleged that there was an attempt to abduct him, we saw it on camera being covered.
“These abductions are planned. I don’t know who plans them but I think it’s the person who has information about them. They are so timed that every second of it is recorded. Everything that happens is captured from the time it starts,” said Matemadanda.
He continued saying:
“They’re doing it because it’s a project. We know some of the people involved in the project. We’re not going to be threatened by America and Britain. We’ll not lose sleep about what they say. They have been saying it for years.
“These are cooked up abductions. Why would someone prefer to lose sleep and drag someone from their house just to go and dip them in the sewers? It’s very funny. A normal person can tell that these are fake abductions,” said Matemadanda.
DO YOU AGREE WITH MATEMADANDA?
The 2019 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League took has taken a new twist after Chicken Inn beat fellow contenders FC Platinum to rise to the apex of the table.
The Gamecocks, together with Platinum and CAPS United, have their eyes set on the biggest club prize in the land and have exchanged blows countless times this season. In fact, all three have been to the summit of the table at some point in what could turn out to be the most unpredictable title race in recent years.
Makepekepe’s failure to collect maximum points against relegation-threatened Bulawayo Chiefs yesterday means Joey Antipas’ men leapfrogged them to the top on goal difference. Only two points seperate Chicken Inn and fourth-placed ZPC Kariba though and mathematically, the title race can be extended to a 5 team affair as Dynamos are still in with a shot numerically.Soccer24
By Dorrothy Moyo| Exactly 2 years ago, he was in trouble with the government, being abducted and receiving support from the MDC party and in the below video, he is seen bodyguarded by MDC members. (The date is 7th Sept 2017.)
https://youtu.be/64W6psafCEU
This time, the abducted is now the Abductor, as it were – Defence and War Veterans’ Affairs Deputy Minister, Victor Matemadanda has said the abductions are being planned as a project by America and Britain(as reported by the state media).
Although there was no direct quote of Matemadanda naming Britain, or America for allegedly creating abduction stories, the state owned Herald stated this as what he said.
Matemadanda was quoted saying, “what is interesting is that everyone who is abducted, we see cameras behind. Even when MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa alleged that there was an attempt to abduct him, we saw it on camera being covered.
“These abductions are planned. I don’t know who plans them but I think it’s the person who has information about them. They are so timed that every second of it is recorded. Everything that happens is captured from the time it starts,” said Matemadanda.
He continued saying:
“They’re doing it because it’s a project. We know some of the people involved in the project. We’re not going to be threatened by America and Britain. We’ll not lose sleep about what they say. They have been saying it for years.
“These are cooked up abductions. Why would someone prefer to lose sleep and drag someone from their house just to go and dip them in the sewers? It’s very funny. A normal person can tell that these are fake abductions,” said Matemadanda.
DO YOU AGREE WITH MATEMADANDA?
Air Zimbabwe’s only plane servicing the Harare-Bulawayo route has since Friday been grounded due to a technical fault resulting in disruption of its services.
Air Zimbabwe yesterday issued a statement apologising to its passengers for the hiccup, saying work is being done to bring the aircraft back to service.
“Air Zimbabwe sincerely apologises to all of its valued passengers following the disruption of its flights since Friday 30 August 2019. This is due to a technical fault on the B767-200ER which was exacerbated by the unavailability of appropriate ground support equipment at Joshua Nkomo International Airport,” read the statement.
“Our engineers are working flat out to bring the aircraft back to serviceability. Normal operations are expected to resume soon.”
Air Zimbabwe said alternative arrangements are being made to accommodate affected passengers.
“Meanwhile, our Reservations and Ground handling teams at all our airport offices are making alternative arrangements to accommodate affected passengers subject to availability of seats on their respective sectors,” read the statement
