Government has warned pharmacies that are overcharging clients or selling medicines in United States dollars that they risk losing their operating licences.
Unscrupulous pharmacies are overcharging customers through pegging prices on prevailing parallel market rates of local currency to the US dollar.
This has led to decline in uptake of medicines, raising fears that some patients could be defaulting, which may complicate their medical conditions.
Health and Child Care Minister Dr Obadiah Moyo said Government would soon be checking for compliance to pricing of medicines at all pharmacies.
“We are going to be checking on all private pharmacies to ensure that they are all adhering to the approved prices. We do not want a situation where people are overcharged, where there is a continuous hiking of prices of drugs and at the same time we also want to advice retailers that they should not charge in foreign currency.
“We have heard that there are some who are still charging in foreign currency, that has to stop immediately.
The law says we pay in Zimbabwean dollar and that is what we have to adhere to. All those who are charging in US dollars are doing an illegal act and we will not hesitate to withdraw licences of those who continue to do unlawful acts,” said Dr Moyo.State media
HILARIOUS or ridiculous, you decide! If you’ve been with the same person for a long time, the smallest annoyances can suddenly seem insurmountable.
And that’s how seemingly trivial things can sometimes be the spark that leads to two people finally separating.
In a matter yet to be heard at the Bulawayo Customary Court, a man from Hope Fountain on the outskirts of Bulawayo is seeking divorce after suspecting that his wife was cheating on him because she was constantly calling out her ex-lover’s name during sex.
For Felix Dube, his wife Nombulelelo Moyo’s habitual actions of repeating her ex-lover’s name when in the throes of passion may seem like the sort of blunder which is better suited to a bad film.
This came to light when Dube filed for divorce at the Bulawayo Customary Court claiming his wife always calls out her former boyfriend’s name whenever they are making love.
In his suit he stated that there was no love anymore between him and Moyo reiterating that their customary marriage had irretrievably broken down and there were no prospects of a restoration to a normal relationship. The main reason being that his wife was constantly shouting another man’s name while the action was going on.
“I am customarily married to Nombulelelo Moyo and our union has irretrievably broken down as I suspect that she is still dating her ex-lover because, whenever we are in bed, she calls out his name.
“As a result there are no prospects of restoration to a normal relationship because we now have irreconcilable differences which render the continuance of the relationship impossible. As a couple we have also lost love and affection for each other,” read the papers in part.
He further claimed whenever he confronted her about the issue; she became violent and started verbally and physically abusing him.
Dube, who said he would take care of their two children‘s upkeep upon the dissolution of their marriage, wants to have their property mostly household items and livestock to be shared equally.
Moyo’s response is set to be heard when the parties appear in court.B-Metro
London — Arsenal and Tottenham battle for North London supremacy tomorrow in an early indicator as to who will be Manchester City and Liverpool’s closest challengers for the Premier League title.
City and Liverpool have already moved clear of the chasing pack with Jurgen Klopp’s men boasting the only 100 percent record after three games to open a two-point lead over the champions.
Both will expect to add another three points before the international break as City host Brighton, while Liverpool travel to Burnley.
But below them the rest have plenty of room for improvement with Tottenham, Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea having already tasted defeat.
Arsenal were given a lesson in how far they still have to go to challenge for the title in losing 3-1 at Anfield last weekend, but the Gunners can quickly erase the memory of that defeat should they get the better of Spurs at the Emirates.
A thrilling 4-2 win over the Champions League finalists in this fixture last season was the highlight of Unai Emery’s first season in charge and Arsenal have little to fear from Tottenham’s start to the season.
Mauricio Pochettino believes his squad is unsettled by speculation over the futures of Christian Eriksen, Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld. Vertonghen has been dropped for all three games so far this season, while Eriksen started on the bench against Aston Villa and Newcastle.
A shock 1-0 reverse to the Magpies last weekend showed Pochettino can ill afford the luxury of leaving out two of his better players, even if they seem set to leave the club at the end of the season after failing to agree new contracts.
Arsenal missed out on Champions League football to their local rivals by a point last season, but still reinforced well in the transfer market.
Nicolas Pepe shone on his full debut against Liverpool last weekend and could be unleashed alongside Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette from the start for the first time. Should Arsenal’s exciting new attacking trio click, they can lay down an early marker in the battle to be the best of the rest behind the top two.AFP
Andile Tshuma|The general trend is that younger children need more sleep and naturally, should be allowed less screen time compared to adults.
Gone are the days of the good bedtime stories and a cup of warm milk before sending kids to bed. These days parents find it easy to give kids smartphones to watch some bedtime shows.
Those that grew up when grandparents, aunts, uncles, mothers and fathers told folktales are privileged. Those moments remain cherished. Remember going to your grandparents’ house for the holidays or going to your rural home, all the stories told around a fire. It was wonderful.
There was real human interaction. I used to love reading Sunrise readers and Uncle Arthur ’s bedtime stories before going to bed. I owned very few of the volumes but borrowed a lot of them from the library. I think most people my age or older could say they had a healthy childhood.
I got messages from concerned parents who were responding to last week’s column on digital addictions and how they affect child development during the week. I then felt that the issue could be the subject matter for this week too.
Most parents who communicated with me had interesting confessions to make. They know that too much gadget time is not healthy but it keeps sanity in the household. On the surface, screen time appears to get the job done as a pre-bedtime ritual for getting the little ones to sleep as it helps them to relax, unwind and most importantly, keeps them happy.
Unfortunately, a growing body of research is proving that screen time before bedtime is detrimental to your child’s sleep.
The most obvious way in which screen time disrupts your child’s sleep is that it pushes back bedtime for your child. Children love the moving graphics, the cheerful music and the seemingly endless on-demand entertainment they get from the screen and as such will give up their sleep for more screen time.
When screen time is unsupervised or curfews aren’t strictly imposed, children end up pushing their bedtime back.
It keeps your child alert and awake way longer than he or she should be. Even if curfews are strictly enforced, the very nature of engaging in screen time will make it harder for your child to fall asleep.
First of all, content that keeps your child engrossed also keeps their brains alert, way too alert for sleep. Besides fuelling them with adrenaline, screen time also messes with the expression of the sleep hormone in your child’s body.
Screen time before bedtime doesn’t only keep your child up late at night and make it harder for them to fall asleep, it also heightens your child’s risk of developing insomnia, a sleep condition in which sleep disturbances are experienced over a prolonged period of time, often lasting more than a month.
We all know how difficult it is to function when we are running low on sleep. Our focus and alertness falters, and we can’t make ourselves move faster than a snail’s pace. For children, however, the signs that they aren’t sleeping enough can be a bit different, not all sleep-deprived children behave like walking zombies. Sometimes, unusually high levels of energy akin to hyperactivity is the result of not getting enough sleep.
When children don’t get enough sleep, they can be a lot less physically active and end up spending more time engaged in sedentary activities.
Sleep deprived children who engage in considerable amounts of screen time also tend to have poorer dietary habits such as eating more junk food, which contributes to the problem of obesity as well. While obesity itself may not be that serious a problem since children’s bodies are in a state of development, being obese can put your child at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, which is a growing health epidemic among young children in recent times.
A lack of sleep is often associated with depression, anxiety and other mental health orders, not just in children but in adults as well. This is because quality, restorative sleep is extremely important in alleviating mental stress as children experience stress too and are perhaps more sensitive to its effects. Children who don’t get enough sleep are often unmotivated, uninterested, irritable and even aggressive.
A short attention span and trouble concentrating are side effects of not having enough sleep, so naturally this could lead to problems with academic performance. Children who stay up late on their devices will tend to be sleepier in classes and this affects their ability to learn and recall information.
Ultimately, less screen time is always better as it will help your child get more quality sleep. No matter how old your child is, quality sleep is of utmost importance to ensuring good physical and mental health.
The most obvious way to help your child get more sleep is definitely by limiting their screen time. For babies and toddlers, avoid exposing them to screen time as they are still young. For children in pre-school and primary school, imposing screen time curfews is extremely important.
Children are very impressionable and mimic what most adults do. Whatever habits you want your child to embody, be it sleeping early or spending less time on screens, you must exhibit it first. So, put away your smartphones and laptops at home, or at least don’t use them in front of your child and keep to the TV curfew limits that you designated.
At the end of the day, getting quality sleep is important for the child’s well-being. Screen time is playing an increasingly bigger role in the lives of our children and we should take active steps to protect them from its disruptive effects.State media
A ROMANTIC gesture by a Cowdray Park woman who asked her partner to join her for a bath earned her a beating from her husband who accused her of disrespecting him.
On Friday last week Mavis Muleya (34) invited her husband, Washington Mphini (42), to bath with her.
“I collected hot water from the fire and went inside the house. I asked my husband to bath with me. He followed me and closed the door,” said Mavis, as she narrated her ordeal at the Western Commonage courts this week.
Mphini bashed his wife with fists all over the body several times using fists, accusing her of disrespecting him.
He denied the allegations in court but he was convicted at the close of the trial. Mphini was fined $100 (or 30 days in prison) by magistrate Stephen Ndlovu.
"I don't care whether that person is in authority or out of authority: no problem in Zimbabwe can be solved by violence," the late Vice President Joshua Nkomo told the nation. pic.twitter.com/xN8ulkiZtd
By Dorrothy Moyo| Japan has told ZANU PF President Emmerson Mnangagwa to implement reforms as a necessity for business to thrive.
Mnangagwa is currently visiting Japan to participate in the Seventh Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) held from August 28 to 30.
At a time when Mnangagwa went on video to claim that during his meeting with that country’s Prime Minister, he was given promises of support, the Japanese Foreign Ministry issued the below statement of events:
On August 30, for about 15 minutes, from 8:45 a.m., Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held a summit meeting with H.E. Mr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, in Yokohama, Japan. The overview of the meeting is as follows. President Mnangagwa is visiting Japan to participate in the Seventh Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) held from August 28 to 30.
At the outset, Prime Minister Abe mentioned the importance of institutional reforms for promoting business, as discussed at the TICAD7, and stated that, “We hope that reform will be promoted and democratization will be advanced in Zimbabwe under the leadership of President Mnangagwa.” President Mnangagwa stated, “I appreciate for the invitation to the TICAD. The TICAD process initiated by Japan is the first common platform to discuss African development”, and expressed that he would like to strengthen the bilateral relations including business.
Following that, Prime Minister Abe expressed his condolences to the people who have been affected by Cyclone Idai that hit Zimbabwe this March. He also stated that Japan was providing assistance, expressing Japan’s intention to support early reconstruction. In addition, Prime Minister Abe announced Japan’s intention to support the improvement of hospital facilities and food security, notified that Japan will dispatch an experienced agricultural expert to Zimbabwe, and requested an improvement of the business environment for the promotion of trade and investments between Japan and Zimbabwe. In response, President Mnangagwa expressed his gratitude for Japan’s support in elections, infrastructure, and health. He also expressed Zimbabwe’s intention to promote activities for strengthening economic relations between the two countries.
The two leaders also exchanged views regarding cooperation in the international arena, including UN Security Council reform, and the North Korea situation.
Farai Dziva|Chivi South MP Killer Zivhu has stirred a hornet’s nest after reportedly referring to MDC leader Nelson Chamisa as CCC in a tweet he posted.
According to Zanu PF stalwarts Zivhu posted messages on his Twitter handle
lobbying for dialogue between President Emmerson Mnangangwa and opposition leader Nelson Chamisa.
He allegedly referred to Chamisa as CCC which stands for Chamisa Chete Chete.
“Zivhu referred to Chamisa as Chamisa Chete Chete and how can we protect him?
He is a sellout -it is very clear,” said a Zanu PF Official.
Farai Dziva|
A Zimbabwean business mogul has displayed pictures of 33 women he bedded.
The businessman took pictures and recorded videos of himself having sex with 33 women.He is an engineer by profession and he is based in Gaborone, Botswana.
In the video footages he is seen kissing, fondling breasts and private parts of the women.
According to The Masvingo Mirror , the businessman appears with the women doing it on the bed, on the couch, in the kitchen, in the car and in the bathroom.
The pictures display the faces of his sexual partners.
Farai Dziva|The MDC Deputy Organising Secretary has been granted bail.
“MDC Deputy National Organising Secretary Hon Masara who appeared in court today has been granted RTGS$400 bail.
Hon Masara was summoned yesterday to Harare Central Police’s law and order where she was charged with ‘failing to take steps to stop demonstrations.’
FreeZimbabweCampaign
ThePeopleShallGovern,” the MDC said in a statement.
Farai Dziva|Zanu PF stalwarts In Masvingo have been incensed by Chivi South MP Killer Zivhu’s refusal to attend a disciplinary hearing.
“We received a complaint against Zivhu on July 28 from the provincial committee over his tweets.
We called him for a disciplinary hearing and he did not show up.
He actually wrote a letter accusing some senior members of having a personal vendetta against him.He also denigrated senior party officials in the same letter.
It is clear he is working with the opposition because he said that ED has failed and the country needs Chamisa.
We have recommended for his expulsion. Our decision will be reviewed by the national disciplinary committee though,” a senior party official said in a statement.
Farai Dziva|
Round 22 of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League will be played this over three days.
On Saturday, CAPS United will face Bulawayo Chiefs at Luveve Stadium while Dynamos welcome TelOne at Rufaro Stadium.
Mandava will host a potentially explosive encounter between reigning champions FC Platinum and Chicken Inn.
Five matches are scheduled for Sunday while on Monday, Yadah will round up the action against ZPC Kariba.
Match-day 22 fixtures:
Saturday, August 31
Dynamos vs TelOne (Rufaro Stadium)
Bulawayo Chiefs vs CAPS United (Luveve Stadium)
FC Platinum vs Chicken Inn (Mandava Stadium)
Sunday, September 1
Highlanders vs Mushowani Stars (B/F Stadium)
Ngezi Platinum vs Herentals (Baobab Stadium)
Black Rhinos vs Harare City (Rufaro Stadium)
Chapungu vs Triangle United (Ascot Stadium)
Manica Diamonds vs Hwange (Vengere Stadium)
Monday, September 2
Yadahvs ZPC Kariba (Rufaro Stadium).
United Kingdom based Zimbabwean Scholar Brilliant Sgabande Mhlanga says International Trade Minister General Sibusiso Busi Moyo must not talk about anything related to the economy because he is not qualified to.
Sgabade who was commenting on General Moyo’s OP-ED on local currency said, “You (Moyo) are mad. What do you know about the economy? Just announce another coup because that is what you are popular for.”
The outspoken scholar is known for his fiery engagements on social media that is pro-Mthwakazi agenda.
The Former University of Zimbabwe student activist was recently invited by the Queen of England to be party of her birthday celebrations at the Buckingham palace.Bulawayo 24
By A Correspondent- Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation Minister Kirsty Coventry on Wednesday visited the art spaces and interfaced with artists in Harare with the aim of formulating policies and laws that empower and protect players in the sector.
She was accompanied by the chief director in her office, Dr Benson Dube, director of arts, culture promotion and development, Dr Biggie Samwanda among other arts stakeholders.
The minister conversed with creatives and arts administrators to familiarise with their work, and discussed issues affecting the arts industry.
Speaking at the Zimbabwe College of Music, Minister Coventry said the tour sought to give her a better understanding of the arts industry.
“The purpose of this visit is to listen to practitioners as to what the challenges they are facing so as to formulate policies and laws that empower and protect them,” she said.
The tour kicked off with a visit to the Zimbabwe College of Music where she was greeted by the institution’s brass band. She toured their auditorium, workshop and music studio where Dr Dube could not resist showcasing his mbira and guitar playing skills.
Her next stop was Tambira Lab, a recently established arts hub where the delegation met various creatives, including the space’s co-founder Kumbulani Zamuchiya, who narrated their operations.
“Our space is there to provide linkages between local artists and the international world through various projects, including the Zimbabwe Culture Centre of Detriot, an online portal that links the country’s creatives with those in the United States of America,” he said.
Other creatives operating at the hub include Avac Arts, an online market for sculpture, and Youth Against Alcoholism and Drug Dependency, a non-governmental organisation that uses art as a tool against drug abuse. Fashion designer, Godknows Nyakuridyisa, who uses recycled clothes to create trending designs, also interfaced with the minister.
At her next stop, Patsime Trust, Minister Coventry toured the newly built Jason Mphepo Little Theatre. The minister’s last stop was the Mbira Centre in Eastlea.
The founder Albert Chimedza took time to narrate the history of the centre, its achievements, and the various works they are conducting. Minister Coventry endorsed the forthcoming annual Mbira Festival, which will be held on September 14 at Mukuvisi Woodlands in Harare. Today, the minister will be visiting art spaces in Msasa, Chitungwiza, Mufakose and Mbare.-StateMedia
By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Republic Police has arrested five suspected armed robbers who raided a business premise in Ardbennie, Harare and stole various goods and property worth over US$40 000.
The five are still assisting with investigations and they will appear in court soon.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrests.
This is a developing story. Refresh this page for latest updates.
By A Correspondent- Uptake of medicines in local pharmacies has drastically gone down, raising fears that some patients could be defaulting.
The development, is likely to complicate their medical condition in a development that has showed that some patients were buying their medicines from neighbouring countries such as South Africa and Zambia where the prices are relatively cheaper.
Some traders who cross the boarders frequently are even bringing over-the-counter (OTC) medicines such as cough syrups and pain killers into the country to sell them on the informal market.-StateMedia
By A Correspondent- Government has started working on licensing 40 community radio stations countrywide as it moves a gear up to enhance a total broadcasting coverage, an official has said.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Media and Broadcasting Services Mr Nick Mangwana said they will start with radio stations that would broadcast in local languages before moving to other categories.
Mr Mangwana was speaking in an interview in Beitbridge on Friday on the sidelines of a community sensitisation meeting on the setting up of such radio stations.
It is understood that the Venda (Beitbridge), Shangani (Chiredzi), Ndau (Chipinge), Kalanga (Plumtree) and Tonga (Binga) will benefit in the first phase.
This is a developing story. Refresh this page for latest updates.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi
The Zimbabwe Republic Police has arrested five suspected armed robbers who raided a business premise in Ardbennie, Harare and stole various goods and property worth over US$40 000.
The five are still assisting with investigations and they will appear in court soon.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrests.
Nigerian-American singer Jidenna, whose music makes frequent hits in Zimbabwe has opined that homosexuality is part of African culture and not a foreign concept as advertised by leaders.
He made this statement known in an interview on Sway’s universe when he said that African leaders had it wrong when they said that homosexuality was form Europe.
He said:
“You hear these African leaders who are dressed in three-piece suits, got an iPhone, speaking in English and not their native tongue, saying, ‘it’s unafrican to be homosexual, it’s unafrican, we don’t have it.That was brought as a European import.
It’s not true. It’s not true at all. You got Uganda, the kingdom of Buganda at the time. Before Uganda, there was an openly gay king. If you go to Zimbabwe, the bushmen as they call them, you’ll see homosexual acts in the Cape paintings.
If you go to different communities in Africa, there were different rights of passage where if a woman was with a woman, or a man was with a man, they were thought to be more powerful.
There was never a time where this didn’t exist. Or where it was just hands down that homosexuals were wrong. That’s not actually an African thing, which means it’s not a Black thing to be homophobic. So, what is a foreign import is actually the idea that this is somehow wrong.
“That’s the truth. That’s actual history. Y’all can google it. You can look it up. Don’t take my word for it. Look it up.”
A Zimbabwean man, Felix Dube, has dragged his wife, Nombulelelo Moyo, to a divorce court, for habitually shouting her ex-lover’s name during sex with him.
Dube approached the Bulawayo Customary court, claiming he suspects Moyo was still dating her ex, given the frequency, with which she calls out his name during their intimate moments.
He told the court, “I’m customarily married to Nombulelelo Moyo and our union has irretrievably broken down as I suspect that she is still dating her ex-lover because, whenever we are in bed, she calls out his name.
“As a result there are no prospects of restoration to a normal relationship because we now have irreconcilable differences which render the continuance of the relationship impossible. As a couple, we have also lost love and affection for each other”
Moyo also told the court that he had tried to resolve the issue but his wife verbally and physicallyasaw assaulted him.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s special advisor and former war vets minister Christopher Mutsvangwa has been ill with an undisclosed ailment.
Mutsvangwa, who has shied away from publicity in recent months, attended a war veterans’ press conference on Thursday when the former liberation fighters castigated the MDC Alliance over their anti-Mnangagwa demonstrations.
Welcoming the media, war vets spokesperson Douglas Mahiya revealed that Mutsvangwa who is the body’s chairperson had been indisposed for some time.
“We are happy to welcome our chairperson who is with us today, he has not been feeling well for some time but we are happy he has recovered and is here with us today,” said Mahiya.
Mutsvangwa, famous for his acerbic tongue and verbosity, left all the talking to Mahiya, confirming that he was still on the mend.
Mutsvangwa joins a long list of Zanu-PF senior figures that have been in and out of hospital with various illnesses.
These include Vice Presidents Kembo Mohadi and Constantino Chiwenga, Foreign Affairs minister Sibusiso Moyo among other high ranking officials.
STUDENTS at higher and tertiary institutions struggling to pay their fees can start applying for Government’s non-collateral loan facility being administered through one of the country’s commercial banks.
Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development Minister, Professor Amon Murwira, last month revealed that the loans would be accessible starting at the end of this month.
Students have previously raised concerns that they were struggling to access loans from the private sector due to stringent conditions, resulting in some of them deferring their studies. The loan facility is meant to promote inclusion for financially incapacitated students at the tertiary institutions.
In an internal memorandum to the National University of Science and Technology (Nust) students, the institution’s registrar Mr Fidelis Mhlanga confirmed that the loans are now accessible as per Ministry’s communication.
“All the students are hereby advised that the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development promulgated the establishment of Higher and Tertiary Education loan scheme, starting August 2019. The loan scheme is administered by Commercial Bank of Zimbabwe Private Limited,” read the internal memorandum.
He said the loans will be awarded to deserving students after strict assessment of their applications.
The loan is targeting vulnerable students who were failing to access education as they could not meet collateral requirements demanded by other financial institutions. “Communication from the Ministry indicates that needy students should access the loan first and foremost. The communication from the Ministry further states that the selection process will be strict and transparent to ensure that deserving students are supported. The loan must be paid either during the years of training or immediately after completion of studies,” he said.
Mr Mhlanga said students should start collecting application forms from the university’s students’ affairs division.
“The applications will be vetted by the university committee and the successful applications will be then be submitted to CBZ Bank Pvt Ltd which will additionally carry out further due diligence on the status of the applicant. For those students whose applications are successful, the loan will be paid directly to the university to cover tuition, ancillary fees and accommodation charges,” said Mr Mhlanga.
He said students who are able to repay their loans should not wait until they complete their studies.
Mr Mhlanga said the repayments should commence even at the end of each semester.
A MOTHER and her newly born baby were injured after a violent man broke into Mpilo Central Hospital’s maternity ward and assaulted them while damaging the health institution’s property.
The mother and her two-day-old baby were injured as they tried to escape from Mthabisi Moyo (22) from Nketa suburb, who had broken into the maternity ward through a window.
The suspect is said to have smashed window panes to gain entry into one of the country’s biggest referral hospitals.
Some expecting mothers reportedly fled when Moyo stormed the ward but the woman who had recently given birth failed to escape.
Mpilo Central Hospital’s clinical director, Dr Solwayo Ngwenya, confirmed the development which he said left patients traumatised.
“We are quite shocked that someone so violent could enter a hospital. We don’t know this person. We don’t know whether he is of sober habits or his mental status.
“But what happened is very unusual. Apparently, the mother tried to run away and then the person assaulted her and the new-born baby which is extremely strange. Fortunately, the mother and her infant did not sustain life threatening injuries. They just suffered discomfort, shock and pain following an incident which is totally unwarranted at the hospital,” said Dr Ngwenya.
He assured patients that Mpilo Central Hospital has enough security to protect them.
Dr Ngwenya said the incident was unexpected and will not happen again as the hospital has used it to bolster its security. He apologised to the public following the traumatic incident.
“There was a security guard manning the hospital’s entrance and this person forcibly entered the hospital through breaking in through a window. This is something that is quite unexpected and out of the blue. We want to reassure the public that their security is of uttermost importance. Unfortunately, there are some of the incidents that are out of our control and extremely unusual. It’s not normal,” said Dr Ngwenya.
Bulawayo acting police spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube said Moyo has been charged with assault and malicious damage of property.
“We arrested a 22-year-old man who invaded Mpilo Central Hospital attacking a new mother and her two day old baby.
“He is being charged with assault and malicious damage to property. The man is suspected to be a mental patient but it’s not for us as police to confirm. That will be left to be confirmed by two doctors as required by the law,” said Insp Ncube.
Sources at Mpilo Central Hospital said Moyo had spent the day in the casualty ward.
“Thinking back, I saw him several times at the casualty and I think he was seeking treatment. I don’t know what could have caused him to behave in this bizarre manner. Imagine a grown man assaulting an infant. Maybe he is mentally unstable,” said a source.
NewsDay|The MDC Women’s Assembly has expressed concern over the ongoing abductions and abuse of women being perpetrated by suspected State security agencies and members of the ruling Zanu PF party.
This came after MDC Midlands youth assembly chairperson Sekai Marashe, popularly known as “Muchaina”, was allegedly abducted and assaulted by Zanu PF youths in Kwekwe on Tuesday.
Last week, suspected State security agents reportedly abducted and tortured comedienne Samantha Kureya, widely known as “Gonyeti”, a move widely condemned by local non-governmental organisations and the diplomatic community.
“The MDC Women’s Assembly, representing progressive mothers of Zimbabwe, would like to express its anger over the various acts of women abuse that continue to be perpetrated by Zanu PF and alleged members of the uniformed forces,” spokesperson Barbra Tanyanyiwa said in a statement yesterday.
“In this instance, the abduction of Muchaina by Zanu PF and her subsequent beatings, torture and the dehumanisation done at Zanu PF Kwekwe offices this past week is yet another testimony of the callous nature of this party.
“Just last week, we saw them abduct our popular comedian Gonyeti and forced her to drink sewage water. On August 16, 2019, we again saw them beating up women in Harare over nothing. On the 14th to the 16th of January 2019, Zanu PF thugs, with the help of soldiers, beat, raped and tortured several women in various cities in the country following demonstrations, which we believe were turned violent by planted Zanu PF elements.”
Tanyanyiwa accused President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration of deliberately protecting the perpetrators of violence against women by not holding them accountable.
“On the 1st of August 2018, we saw soldiers shooting dead innocent women and up to this day, no one wants to account, although the (former South Africa President Kgalema) Monhlante Commission pointed fingers telling Mnangagwa to take action against the culprits,” she said.
Tanyanyiwa accused the Zanu PF leadership, including Victor Matemadanda and Pupurai Togarepi, of taking the law into their own hands, saying such moves were unacceptable in a democratic society.
She called on all women movements in the country to unite and defend the rights of women.
Tanyaniwa said women would not be silenced by the ruling party’s acts of violence, adding that they would march in the streets of all villages, towns and cities as a way of expressing their anger.
A security guard has been awarded by his company for his kind and honest gesture.
The man, identified as William Okogbue, was rewarded by Hogan Guards Limited after he returned a missing bag containing cash.
According to Okugbue, who recounted the story, he stated that in July and while on duty, he found a bag in the banking hall, picked it up and discovered some dollars inside. He revealed that he took the bag to the toilet, where he counted the money and discovered that it was US$10,000.
He added that he reported the situation to the customer service manager of the bank, who held the bag until the owner came to claim it.
On receiving the award, William Okogbue had this to say: “It is my pleasure to be in Lagos today to be celebrated. I work as a supervisor for Hogan Guards. I’ve been working in Ecobank for almost ten years. Somebody forgot their bag in the banking hall and it contained $10,000,”
“When the owner came, he introduced himself as a former deputy governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria in Abuja to my customer service manager whom I reported the matter to. My CSM interviewed him and gave him the bag. He was very happy and he said he would take it up because he had never seen someone like me. So, he took me to the manager and here we are.”
Okugbue, who has now been appointed a full staff member at the company, was asked whether he was tempted to keep the money. See his response below:
“I am not rich but those values have been put in me. If I had taken the money, I will be in problem, Hogan Guard, Ecobank will also be in problem. When I picked the money, I took the money to the toilet, checked if it was real or fake. I said God, is this a temptation or what. I prayed to God. One part of me was telling me to take the money and run, another said I should return it. I was inside the toilet for almost one hour.
“Now, I have been given a letter of appointment as a full staff; Ecobank gave me a letter of recommendation. I feel good about it. People abused me on Facebook that I want to remain a poor man, that I should have taken the money. But my advice to people is that whatever will be your own will be, just trust God and don’t tamper with things that are not yours.”
Chukwuemeka Pindas, chief operating officer of Hogan Guards, said Okogbue displayed the core values of the organisation, adding that their efforts to be top-notch are not in vain.
Highlanders coach Mandla Mpofu says he is not losing hope amid rumours that he is facing a sacking at the club.
Bosso lost their third consecutive match on Thursday, going down 2-1 at the hands of Triangle United.
The Bulawayo giants are now sitting one place above the drop zone with 23 points.
According to reports, Mpofu now needs to collect maximum points against Mushowani Stars and Hwange to save his job.
“I don’t despair, I don’t lose hope. The performance is something I can control and today I have to appreciate what my guys did.
“This is the industry where we rely on results, the most important thing is can I channel all the energy that I have into the team and see if they play well and win games.
“If I am not a good coach I will go and if I am a good coach I will stay with the team,” said Mpofu.
Meanwhile, United got their goals from Allan Tavarwisa and Ralph Kawondera while Nqobizita Masuku secured the consolation for the visitors.
WATCH: Apostle Chiwenga Accident – 60km Speed Limit, Did Mnangagwa’s Bloody CIOs Force Apostle To Accelerate To 120km Per Hour In Meandering Strip Road? https://t.co/RWDCd67RQ5 via @ZimEye
The following is Talent Chiwenga’s his exact narration of from his hospital theatre video shot a day after the accident: As I drove I was using an average speed of 100km [per hour]. The maximum speed I drove for was 120 [km]. I did this because the fan belt that we had replaced was not a new one, so it was not wise to drive at a faster speed than that. So the fan belt was also going to get broken.
We only wanted to arrive to Harare so that we can buy [a] stronger brand new fan belts. So while I was driving I saw a car coming from the opposite direction, (I was going to Harare) it was coming from Harare side. That car swerved into my lane and I flashed him with my headlamps to show him that he was doing something wrong. So he went back to his lane. He drove for about 10 metres towards me, but this time he just swerved back onto my lane, appearing like he wanted to have a head on collision with me. I flashed him several times, I horned.
I rang my hooter, but he didn’t show any signs that he was going back to his line, to his lane. Instead of going to his lane, I was afraid that he was going to come back to my lane and he was going to hit me by my side and the car was going to overturn more times. I also wanted to avoid a head-on because it would have been more fatal. The car’s front looked like a Toyota, one tonne truck, or a Toyota Hilux, or a Ford T6, I don’t know. We were driving so we, we were facing each other… so I couldn’t see the exact details concerning the car but it had a bumper on it. I remember the bumper.
It had round head lamps, and some few yellow lamps on top of the roof. It could not have been a smaller car. When I tried to avoid him by going extreme left outside the road, there was no road there, so both my wheels front and rear left caught into something that looked like a hump or a ditch, so the car had a great noise, bummm!, and then it went back to the road. At that point I realised that I was no longer in control, the steering was more loose that it usually is.
When we went into the road, it crossed the road again to face directly to a tree, which I knew that if I don’t do something, we were going to hit against that tree and it was also not going to safe for us, so when I tried to turn the car to come back, avoiding that tree, because of whatever had happened, I think one of those wheels was no longer in its right shape, the car overturned. That was the last time I remember what happened, I think it was about an hour later when I woke up. A lot of people were gathered around the car. The person close to me was Baba Kanyuchi, my wife and Mai Vhurumuku I didn’t see them . Baba Kanyuchi said to me Apostle don’t mention your name, they are still here.
Warriors interim coach Joey ‘Mafero’ Antipas has defended his selection on his first squad on the job, describing the team as ‘youthful and balanced’.
The Chicken Inn coach, two days ago named his first Warriors squad after replacing Sunday Chidzambwa and many were skeptical of his decision to exclude some regular players but Antipas believes in the squad to face Somalia in a 2022 World Cup qualifier preliminary round.
“One thing I don’t want to do is comment about the players who are missing (on the squad). All I will comment on is on the team that is going. The team is a youthful side, it’s a balanced team,” he said according to NewsDay.
“I would say I believe they will definitely do the business in Somalia, but the main thing was to create more of a player base for the substantive coach who will come in.” he added.
After arriving in France in August last year, Zimbabwean striker Tinotenda Kadewere has found himself in the history books.
The 23-year-old scored his eighth goal in five games last weekend to surpass his last season’s tally and set a new personal best since joining Ligue 2 side Le Havre.
According to French website France Bleu, Kadewere’s scoring ratio in this campaign has also seen him equaling a record set by Abraham Gneki Guié at Tours in the 2010/2011 season.
The Ivorian, however, struggled in the following games and ended the season with 13 goals.
This is something the Zimbabwean striker will be praying to avoid as he hopes to finish the campaign on top of the scoring chart.
Meanwhile, Kadewere’s momentum could be interrupted in this Friday’s game against Caen due to a minor knock. He has spent the whole week training under the supervision of the medical team.
Social media is awash with ailing Vice President Constantino Chiwenga’ s latest picture which stands as the only solid confirmation that he is recovering well. It is known that Chiwenga brought Mugabe down through a military coup in 2017 and replaced him with Mnangagwa. Will history repeat itself through the same man, will Chiwenga topple his proxy, Mnangagwa and save Zimbabweans from the jaws of cruelty and corruption?
Surprisingly, the picture did not come via Presidential mouth piece, George Charamba, Zanupf info department or state media. In fact there is deafening silence in that space.
The photo was provided by a very unlikely and controversial source, G40 member Johnathan Moyo, still in exile after the 2017 coup that overthrew former President Mugabe and this raises a lot of questions than answers.
This is a political egg on the face for Zanupf. It substantiates talk that a serious rift has developed between Chiwenga and Mnangagwa, factional battles are escalating within Zanupf, Chiwenga is now working with G40 to topple Mnangagwa. And that the plot to assassinate Chiwenga through poisoning has failed.
However, according to information as supplied by our intelligence department, CIB, polonium 210 the same poison that was used by Lacoste faction agents to attack Chiwenga, was also used in the killing of a high profile hero from Matabeleland. But this is subject to another article.
According to spotlight, the Zimbabwe military has already given President Mnangagwa until 2020 to vacate the office of the President to avoid a humiliating exit.
But spotlight has made it look like a walk in the park for Chiwenga, which may not be the case. Of course, Mnangagwa was assisted by the army to ascend the throne. But he now enjoys some form of legitimacy acquired through elections and the Con- court. He has a mandate with the people of Zimbabwe that expires in 2023. He is currently the Commander in Chief of the same Zimbabwe army that is said to have given him notice to vacate office.
Furthermore, he has made wholesale changes in all security departments to replace Mugabe, and to some extent, Chiwenga’s deployees with his loyalists.
This makes it a bit difficult to topple him.
“You can’t employ the same strategy twice. Good luck to you daydreamers. We will respond in kind”, That was Mukupe, Lacoste faction die hard. His statement is an indication that Lacoste is aware of Chiwenga- G40 political maneuvers and not only calculating but waiting to pounce.
There you have it. The Lacoste faction will not take it while lying down. The battle lines have been drawn.
Its now clear that when Chiwenga returns, all hell shall break loose. And the question is who is going to blink first between Chiwenga and Mnangagwa? That very moment will mark the beginning of a bitter, tribal based civil war in Zimbabwe in which Shona clans led by power hungry Karanga and Zezuru fight for power.
Four years back, MLO President, Cde Paul Siwela spoke of Zimbabwe becoming the next Somalia after the deposition of Mugabe. “History is repeating itself, Mashonaland is reverting back to its original form where there was no central authority to govern the diverse Shona people”, he said.
How accurate he was. Like Somalia, Zimbabwe will see coup after another and civil war after another. Like Somalia which broke into two to give birth to The Republic of Somaliland, Zimbabwe will implode and give birth to the Republic of Matabeleland.
Izenzo kungemazwi!
Israel Dube
MLO Secretary for Information and Public Affairs.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank you all our colleagues, friends and family who stood by us during a storm that proved not to affect us only but all our dear ones.
We felt and saw all your concerns about Gonyeti and the Bustop TV team. We also saw all your posts, tweets and retweets which strengthened us.
As Bustop TV, we are law-abiding citizens, we create content using humour to help citizens of this beloved nation cope and smile as outlined in section 16 which guarantees artistic expression.
We would like to give a special mention to our partners, associates and supporters who worked and are still working night and day to ensure that we obtain justice and all possible assistance.
A resounding thank you to MISA Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, Counselling Services Unit, Zimbabwe Human Rights Forum, Magamba Network, Hivos Southern Africa.
If everything was in our power we would mention each one of you individually, but this is to let you know that we are fully grateful.
Sadly, Gonyeti still has leg and back pains, but she is gradually recovering.
WATCH: Apostle Chiwenga Accident – 60km Speed Limit, Did Mnangagwa’s Bloody CIOs Force Apostle To Accelerate To 120km Per Hour In Meandering Strip Road? https://t.co/RWDCd67RQ5 via @ZimEye
The following is Talent Chiwenga’s his exact narration of from his hospital theatre video shot a day after the accident: As I drove I was using an average speed of 100km [per hour]. The maximum speed I drove for was 120 [km]. I did this because the fan belt that we had replaced was not a new one, so it was not wise to drive at a faster speed than that. So the fan belt was also going to get broken.
We only wanted to arrive to Harare so that we can buy [a] stronger brand new fan belts. So while I was driving I saw a car coming from the opposite direction, (I was going to Harare) it was coming from Harare side. That car swerved into my lane and I flashed him with my headlamps to show him that he was doing something wrong. So he went back to his lane. He drove for about 10 metres towards me, but this time he just swerved back onto my lane, appearing like he wanted to have a head on collision with me. I flashed him several times, I horned.
I rang my hooter, but he didn’t show any signs that he was going back to his line, to his lane. Instead of going to his lane, I was afraid that he was going to come back to my lane and he was going to hit me by my side and the car was going to overturn more times. I also wanted to avoid a head-on because it would have been more fatal. The car’s front looked like a Toyota, one tonne truck, or a Toyota Hilux, or a Ford T6, I don’t know. We were driving so we, we were facing each other… so I couldn’t see the exact details concerning the car but it had a bumper on it. I remember the bumper.
It had round head lamps, and some few yellow lamps on top of the roof. It could not have been a smaller car. When I tried to avoid him by going extreme left outside the road, there was no road there, so both my wheels front and rear left caught into something that looked like a hump or a ditch, so the car had a great noise, bummm!, and then it went back to the road. At that point I realised that I was no longer in control, the steering was more loose that it usually is.
When we went into the road, it crossed the road again to face directly to a tree, which I knew that if I don’t do something, we were going to hit against that tree and it was also not going to safe for us, so when I tried to turn the car to come back, avoiding that tree, because of whatever had happened, I think one of those wheels was no longer in its right shape, the car overturned. That was the last time I remember what happened, I think it was about an hour later when I woke up. A lot of people were gathered around the car. The person close to me was Baba Kanyuchi, my wife and Mai Vhurumuku I didn’t see them . Baba Kanyuchi said to me Apostle don’t mention your name, they are still here.
Farai Dziva|Zanu PF stalwarts In Masvingo have been incensed by Chivi South MP Killer Zivhu’s refusal to attend a disciplinary hearing.
“We received a complaint against Zivhu on July 28 from the provincial committee over his tweets.
We called him for a disciplinary hearing and he did not show up.
He actually wrote a letter accusing some senior members of having a personal vendetta against him.He also denigrated senior party officials in the same letter.
It is clear he is working with the opposition because he said that ED has failed and the country needs Chamisa.
We have recommended for his expulsion. Our decision will be reviewed by the national disciplinary committee though,” a senior party official said in a statement.
Farai Dziva|Highlanders coach Mandla Mpofu says he is not losing hope amid rumours that he is facing a sacking at the club.
Bosso lost their third consecutive match on Thursday, going down 2-1 at the hands of Triangle United.
The Bulawayo giants are now sitting one place above the drop zone with 23 points.
According to reports, Mpofu now needs to collect maximum points against Mushowani Stars and Hwange to save his job.
“I don’t despair, I don’t lose hope. The performance is something I can control and today I have to appreciate what my guys did.
“This is the industry where we rely on results, the most important thing is can I channel all the energy that I have into the team and see if they play well and win games.
“If I am not a good coach I will go and if I am a good coach I will stay with the team,” said Mpofu, told The Herald.
Meanwhile, United got their goals from Allan Tavarwisa and Ralph Kawondera while Nqobizita Masuku secured the consolation for the visitors.
Farai Dziva|Round 22 of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League will be played this over three days.
On Saturday, CAPS United will face Bulawayo Chiefs at Luveve Stadium while Dynamos welcome TelOne at Rufaro Stadium.
Mandava will host a potentially explosive encounter between reigning champions FC Platinum and Chicken Inn.
Five matches are scheduled for Sunday while on Monday, Yadah will round up the action against ZPC Kariba.
Match-day 22 fixtures:
Saturday, August 31
Dynamos vs TelOne (Rufaro Stadium)
Bulawayo Chiefs vs CAPS United (Luveve Stadium)
FC Platinum vs Chicken Inn (Mandava Stadium)
Sunday, September 1
Highlanders vs Mushowani Stars (B/F Stadium)
Ngezi Platinum vs Herentals (Baobab Stadium)
Black Rhinos vs Harare City (Rufaro Stadium)
Chapungu vs Triangle United (Ascot Stadium)
Manica Diamonds vs Hwange (Vengere Stadium)
Monday, September 2
Yadahvs ZPC Kariba (Rufaro Stadium).
United Kingdom based Zimbabwean Scholar Brilliant Sgabande Mhlanga says International Trade Minister General Sibusiso Busi Moyo must not talk about anything related to the economy because he is not qualified to.
Sgabade who was commenting on General Moyo’s OP-ED on local currency said, “You (Moyo) are mad. What do you know about the economy? Just announce another coup because that is what you are popular for.”
The outspoken scholar is known for his fiery engagements on social media that is pro-Mthwakazi agenda.
The Former University of Zimbabwe student activist was recently invited by the Queen of England to be party of her birthday celebrations at the Buckingham palace.-Bulawayo 24
As ZimEye (Zimbabwe's most read and the most followed investigative news network) we have more than this, we have LIVE video recorded phone calls of Walter Magaya himself telephoning seeking to bribe for PR purposes, ahead of police and commission investigations… https://t.co/6VaRSOh86M
By Tariro Moyo| South African gospel icon Deborah Frazer touched down at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport yesterday, ahead of local gospel songbird Olinda Marowa-Ziwenga’s Yahweh album launch tonight at 7 Arts Theatre in Avondale, Harare.
Frazer, who will be the guest artiste at the launch, features on the song Mweya Mutsvene, co-produced by Lyton Ngolomi at his Lyton Studios and Bheki Nqoko of Kuwe Records in South Africa.
The award-winning Marowa-Ziwenga told NewsDay Life &Style yesterday that the message on her 11-track offering is about God being at the centre of people’s lives. She said the album also carries a dedication song in memory of her husband, Michael Mufaro Ziwenga.
“On my latest album, I am mainly talking about God being the centre of our lives, He is Yahweh, God I am. He provides all we want in life,” she said.
“There is another song where I talk about Jesus being the owner of my life; who gives me all I want. I lost the people who were on my heart, that is my mum in 2010 and my husband in 2017. Although I longed to be with them for long, God took them and I realised crying became the order of the day in my life, but having Jesus soothes me.”
Marowa-Ziwenga described working with Frazer in the studio as an amazing experience.
“I really treasure the moments I worked with Mama Deborah in the studio. The commitment, hard work and love she showed me touched my heart. I was privileged to have her as my backing vocalist, with producer Bheki Nqoko of Kuwe Records coming on board on our collaboration,” she said.
“These guys do not rush when working in the studio. They take their time in order to ensure perfection. I learnt a lot on that, and I believe the exchange notes will go a long way in my career.”
Marowa-Ziwenga believes that songs on the album, including two singles, Tichengeteiwo and Zvandiri, recorded in 2017 and 2018, respectively, will touch people’s hearts and transform their lives.
After the launch, the songster said she will embark on massive online marketing programmes and international tours as a way of introducing the new album to the people while also marketing her previous works.
Farai Dziva|The MDC Deputy Organising Secretary has been granted bail.
“MDC Deputy National Organising Secretary Hon Masara who appeared in court today has been granted RTGS$400 bail.
Hon Masara was summoned yesterday to Harare Central Police’s law and order where she was charged with ‘failing to take steps to stop demonstrations.’
FreeZimbabweCampaign
ThePeopleShallGovern,” the MDC said in a statement.
Farai Dziva|Liverpool star defender Virgil van Dijk has won the 2018-19 UEFA Player of the Year.
The Dutchman shrugged off competition from Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi to win the award after playing a crucial rule in Liverpool win the Champions League in Madrid.
The defender becomes the first Dutchman to win the award and the first Liverpool player to scoop it since Steven Gerrard in 2005.
Farai Dziva|Chivi South MP Killer Zivhu has stirred a hornet’s nest after reportedly referring to MDC leader Nelson Chamisa as CCC in a tweet he posted.
According to Zanu PF stalwarts Zivhu posted messages on his Twitter handle
lobbying for dialogue between President Emmerson Mnangangwa and opposition leader Nelson Chamisa.
He allegedly referred to Chamisa as CCC which stands for Chamisa Chete Chete.
“Zivhu referred to Chamisa as Chamisa Chete Chete and how can we protect him?
He is a sellout -it is very clear,” said a Zanu PF Official.
Farai Dziva|Energy Minister Fortune Chasi has ordered ZESA to restore power supply to former President Robert Mugabe’s farm.
Last week ZESA disconnected electricity supply to farms owned by Mugabe and Information minister Monica Mutsvangwa over unpaid bills.
According to The Independent, former First Lady, Grace Mugabe reportedly approached Chasi for assistance to have power restored while working on a payment plan.
“As you know, Zesa is owed huge amounts of money by some of its clients and farmers are among the biggest culprits.
So it was decided that there should be no sacred cows and everyone indebted to Zesa must have the power disconnected at their properties.
This is how Mugabe and Mutsvangwa ended up having their farms disconnected. But they are not the only ones, there are hundreds others.
However, last week, the minister called management to a meeting and told them that they needed to immediately reconnect the affected farmers and work out a payment plan while allowing them to continue with their operations,” a source told the paper.
In response Minister Chasi said:
“What I can say is that last week ZESA disconnected several farmers, including some very prominent people who I cannot name, that owe it huge amounts of money on electricity bills.
Some of them then approached me and I decided that they should immediately be reconnected while we work towards a payment plan and to solidify payment arrangements.
Whilst disconnection is the ultimate weapon where people are not paying, the timing is not appropriate because we are having a food deficit and we need not be food insecure.
We could incur further costs at a time we are already having serious food shortages. So anything that worsens it would not be good for us.”
At a time when we should be Diplomatic in our approach, VP Mohadi is going gung-ho! Zimbabwe needs the co-operation of the West bcoz we owe them money, and we need trade & investment. Venezuela has the highest annual inflation in the world, 19574%. What a friend to be courting! pic.twitter.com/ye1Gob5rXN
Farai Dziva|
A Zimbabwean business mogul has displayed pictures of 33 women he bedded.
The businessman took pictures and recorded videos of himself having sex with 33 different women.He is an engineer by profession and he is based in Gaborone, Botswana.
In the video footages he is seen kissing, fondling breasts and private parts of the women.
According to The Masvingo Mirror , the businessman appears with the women doing it on the bed, on the couch, in the kitchen, in the car and in the bathroom.
The pictures display the faces of his sexual partners.
By Tariro Moyo| Former Bikita West Lesgilator Munyaradzi has filed an application claiming Prosecutor General Kumbirai Hodzi lied.
According to Kereke, Hodzi’s lies were relied upon by a High Court judge to pass a determination in one case he was accused of being given preferential treatment by prison officials.
“Application is to restore and protect applicant’s fundamental human rights that would be irreparably violated the case CO 0603/19 proceed before correction of 1st respondent’s untruthful, erroneous and misleading declarations in it’s court papers,” the former Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Advisor said.
In 2016 Kereke was jailed 14 years for raping his niece a minor and has been fighting tooth and nail to get out of prison with little success.
According to the papers issued by Kereke at the High Court, the former Zanu PF MP dismissed claims that he is a trustee of a Humanity Earth Trust, which is alleged to have corruptly sponsored a chicken project to Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison in a bid to buy him preferential treatment while serving time.
“The applicant is not and has never been a trustee of Humanity Earth Trust. Also applicant is not an employee of the Trust,” reads part of the application.
Last month Kereke once again wrote to the Supreme Court seeking the establishment of an independent tribunal to investigate alleged criminal abuse of office by Judicial Services Commission (JSC) officers who handled his High Court appeal.
He also recently lost his appeal against both conviction and sentence after High Court Judge, Charles Hungwe ruled that he deserved his jail sentence.
But the Harare businessman insists through his court papers that the judgment was biased. His latest application to the Supreme Court was triggered by Judge President Justice George Chiweshe’s refusal to entertain his claims.
But Justice Hlatshwayo ruled the application was before him improperly.
Jane Mlambo| High Court Judge Justice Jacob Manzunzu granted bail pending appeal of ZWL$1000 to opposition MDC activist, Paddington Japajapa after spending nearly two months at Chikurubi Maximum Prison.
He was convicted for inciting the public to commit political violence.
Police yesterday arrested Chitungwiza Mayor Lovemore Maiko, a councillor and an engineer on allegations of abuse of office through corrupt activities involving the sale of commercial stands.
The mayor, who assumed office four months ago, is among top officials that have been arrested in the new dispensation under President Mnangagwa, who is calling for zero tolerance to corruption.
The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) is fighting hard to implement the President‘s call which has started yielding results as there are no sacred cows despite political affiliation with former Environment, Tourism and Hospitality Industry and Zanu-PF member Minister Prisca Mupfumira among several bigwigs who have been arrested.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi last night confirmed the arrest of the trio, saying they were still assisting with investigations at St Mary’s Police
“I can confirm that we arrested ward 7 councillor Chitungwiza mayor Lovemore Maiko, ward 2 councillor Kudakwashe John and works director David Duma and they are currently assisting police with investigations.
“The trio are being charged with criminal abuse of office involving the selling of commercial land in Chitungwiza, 2 000 square metres at Chigovanyika Shopping Centre. They later sold 1 500 of land to the wife of the mayor after a council resolution they made,” he said.
However, reports from sources at Town House said another councillor who is also alleged to be deeply involved in the scam Richard Chamutsa is said to be on the run.
The sources close to the on-goings said the councillors were bribed and allocated some commercial stands at Chigovanyika shopping centre without a proper council resolution.
“Mayor and his other councillors were bribed by a suspected MDC top official and sold out commercial stands at Chigovanyika for allocation of a service station without the knowledge of the town clerk Dr George Makunde.
“The whole this was not procedural, no certificates from either ZERA or EMA were submitted and presented before full council meeting,” said one of the sources.
The recommendation to sell the land at Chigovanyika was shot down by councillors during a recent full council meeting due to many grey areas, but the trio allegedly proceeded with their decision.
City fathers argued that it was not proper to have a service station in the area which was too close to residential houses as it was dangerous because of its vicinity to residential houses.
The sources further allege that Maiko was no longer seeing eye to eye with Dr Makunde’s whom he was now undermining as the town clerk and is said to have written him a letter on Wednesday warning him to be effective in his duty threatening to fire him.
We understand that Mayor Maiko has not been in good books with the town clerk Dr George Makunde.
“As such he wrote a letter warning Dr Makunde that he must report for work daily and attend council meetings since he is usually absent most of the times. This did not go down well with him”.
Informal land deals have been the order of the day at Chitungwiza Town house mostly being spearheaded by councillors in connivance with some members of management and some junior employees.
Dr Makunde last night could not respond to the allegations saying he was yet to get information regading the arrest of the trio.
In April 2017 Government suspended former Chitungwiza Mayor Phillip Mutoti and 24 other councillors for allegedly corruptly allocating themselves tracts of land worth over $7 million.
By A Correspondent- A married woman together with her married lover who decided to secretly wed without the knowledge of their spouses were left with egg on their faces after the wedding was stopped just before they exchanged vows.
Priscilla Mashonganyika (43) who has been customarily married to Christopher Kachipare (53) for the past 15 years, and her lover Enerst Mudimu (75), of Riverside suburb became the joke of the day last week on Friday at Gweru Civil Court when Mudimu’s wife of 35 years stopped the wedding citing that she was the official wife.
Ironically, Mudimu and his wife, whose name could not be established, go to the same Methodist church with Mashonganyika and Kachipare.
As if that is not enough, Mai Mfundisi Sithole, whose husband is the pastor of the city centre branch where the two couples fellowship, was also part of the invited guests at the wedding.
A witness who saw the whole drama unfold said Mudimu’s wife heard from the grapevine about her husband’s secret wedding while Kachipare only got to know about the wedding after it was stopped.
“Mudimu and Mashonganyika planned their wedding while still staying with their spouses meaning their affair has been going on for a long time. Very few relatives were told about the wedding as they didn’t want the news to reach their spouses. But what boggles the mind is that their pastor’s wife graced the shameful occasion knowing very well that the two love birds were customarily married to other people,” said the source.
It also emerged that Mashonganyika was also dating John Mpala (73), a widower, and the two were in the process of getting married customarily.
“This woman was also dating Mpala, a widower and Mpala was finalising preparations to marry her not knowing that she was planning a wedding with another man. Mpala used to pick her up everyday at her work place in South view suburb,” added the source.
Contacted for comment Mpala denied the allegations saying he last saw her a long time ago. He, however, changed goalposts alleging that Mashonganyika was his niece.
“That’s a very old story and l last saw her long back ad l didn’t have any relationship with her people were just speculating. Actually she is my sister’s child which makes her my niece,” said Mpala.
Kachipare declined comment on the matter saying he was still hurt by the whole incident.
“Am still hurting because of that issue so l don’t want to talk about it now, but all l can say is that men should beware of cunning women out there who pretend to love them yet they are only after their money and property,” he said.
Pastor Sithole who commented on his wife’s behalf could not shed more light on the matter saying there was a hierarchy that must be followed in the Methodist Church.
“Unfortunately she cannot comment on that matter because in our church there’s protocol that must be followed,” said Pastor Sithole.
Mudimu and Mashonganyika could not be drawn to comment as their mobile phones were unreachable.-BMetro
According to MDC Vice President Tendai Biti, police have arrested the party deputy organising secretary Buda Masara accusing her of being the convenor of the August 16 demonstration in Harare.
Posting on Twitter, Biti said; “The regime has arrested our Deputy Organising Secretary Mrs Buda Masara. Her crime is she is a co -convenor to our 16 August #demo which the police themselves thwarted by a dubious #Prohibition order.This regime has no shame ,no limit , no elasticity, no boundary, no principle.”
By A Correspondent- A chaplain based at Nkulumane Police headquarters in Bulawayo allegedly tried to entice a married woman into a sexual relationship by sending an image of his male organ to her.
This was after Constable Valiance Mlotshwa had approached the man of cloth, Assistant Inspector Elias Ndlovu, for counselling since her marriage with Constable Stephen Chada was on the brink of collapse.
However, the man of cloth, who is a respected figure as he is regarded as a pastor, took advantage of Mlotshwa’s sour romance with Chada and allegedly started to propose love.
In WhatsApp messages in possession of this publication Ndlovu took his sexual cravings a gear up as he asked for Mlotshwa’s nude picture.
Mlotshwa said: “I don’t have the pictures dear, my phone crushed.”
After several exchanges of chats, Ndlovu says: “Gaya sengin**** ngobuhle bakho (Your beauty has aroused me).”
Mlotshwa laughs it off saying: “But for the why Chaplain nhai. Interesting to realise that you are already horny.”
Ndovu did not stop there as it seems his sexual cravings had taken toll on him and he asked: “Was your husband sexually satisfying you?”
After which, he passionately begs to send his male organ to Mlotshwa who responded saying: “Yes, he was satisfying me in bed. If it’s less than 8cm do not send it and I wanna compare with of my hubby (sic).”
Clouded by sexual urge Ndlovu captured his male organ and sent it to Mlotshwa. After which he asked Mlotshwa to send her private parts but she declined.
“I told you that my phone crushed,” responded Mlotshwa.
Determined to view Mlotshwa’s flesh, Ndlovu sent her his passport size picture before asking for a picture from her.
“I have just sent my passport size picture which is not nice but kindly send your picture, I want to see how beautiful you are,” said Ndlovu.
After her marriage collapsed Mlotshwa asked Ndlovu to facilitate a transfer.
“I have talked to the boss and he will help you. So what are you going to pay me with (sic),” asked Ndlovu.
Mlotshwa said she would pay with a bucket of fish but Ndlovu said: “Angizithandi inhlanzi ngifuna okumnandi (I don’t like fish . . . I want something nice).
Mlotshwa then launched a fierce attack on Ndlovu: “You call yourself man of God while you are this wicked. Instead of helping people with counselling services and solving their marriages you hit on their wives.”
Contacted for a comment Asst Insp Ndlovu who was cagey said: “I don’t know anything about that. You know people fabricate stories, uxolo, just ignore the story.”
Chada was not reachable by the time of going to print.
Mlotshwa said: “I’m not allowed to talk to the media.” She then terminated the call.-BMetro
Another earth tremor struck Chipinge district on Wednesday evening, hardly a month after another judder, on July 30, hit the eastern part of the district.
No property damages or casualties were recorded following the incident.
Chipinge residents who spoke to The Manica Post expressed shock over the frequent occurrence of tremors in the district.
Chipinge Town Council community relations officer Mr Tawanda Maoneke confirmed the incident, adding that the local authority and civil protection unit (CPU) were on high alert monitoring the situation.
“On Wednesday around 9pm Chipinge experienced a tremor which hit mostly the upper part of the district. The tremor was generally felt by many residents within our jurisdiction.
“I actually experienced the shaking at home. Most residents were still awake when the tremor hit the town, though it subsided quickly. Immediately after it had subsided, the local authority was inundated with calls from concerned residents and stakeholders, some sharing their experiences and expressing various fears.
“No reports of casualties or damage of property were reported. The tremor may not have been that powerful, but all the relevant structures are on high alert and monitoring the situation,” he said.
Mrs Vivian Chimbongora said most residents were now living in fear, given the high frequency of such unusual occurrences.
“We are not sure what is likely to happen as these unusual natural occurrences affect the district. Chipinge is now experiencing more tremors than in the past, and this is so devastating. Experts should tell us what is happening,” she said.
Another resident Mr Amos Mundadzoka, of Gaza, said the recent tremor shocked many residents.
“I was outside the house with my family, preparing super, when it occurred. There was a sudden a wave-like strong wind, which shook and vibrated the ground.
“We really need to be helped to understand these things because they are occurring so frequently. This is really a serious cause of concern for the people of Chipinge, and we need assurance that we are safe from natural disasters,” he said.
Chipinge has over the past years been hit by tremors.
In July, tremors hit parts of Mount Selinda, Beacon and Jersey.
In December 2018 another tremor hit the greater part of the district, destroying buildings.
In March, the district was shredded by the furious Cyclone Idai.
By A Correspondent- A 12-year-old boy from a village under Chief Mkoka in Gokwe has sent tongues wagging after he impregnated his 13-year-old neighbour.
A local publication reported that the two juveniles had been dating since last year in June. The two children both stayed with their grandparents who never suspected anything until the girl fell pregnant.
“These two have been friends since childhood so when they started dating, no one noticed as we all thought they were just friends. They used to visit each other more often and they even went to school together. The boy would sometimes sleep over at the girl’s home under the pretext that they were doing their homework.
“The girl’s grandmother would let them share the same room although they used different beds as she never suspected that the two might play the adult game,” said the source.
The matter only came to light when the girl fell sick and was taken to a local clinic where a pregnancy test was done and it revealed that she was two months pregnant.
“The girl was asked who the father of the baby was and she confessed that she had been dating her neighbour for more than a year. She narrated how they would watch porn on the boy’s uncle’s phone and how they would then copy what they would have seen,” said the source.
It is understood that the matter brewed tension between the two neighbours as they all blamed each other for bad parenting.
“The girl’s grandparents did not take the matter lightly. They accused the boy’s grandparents of failing to raise their grandson properly. As a result, the matter was taken to Chief Mkoka’s traditional court where it was deliberated on,” said the source.
Contacted for comment, Chief Mkoka confirmed the incident saying he warned the two youngsters against engaging in sex.
“I presided over a matter of two grandmothers who were fighting after their grandchildren had a relationship which resulted in pregnancy. I counselled the two women and l also strongly warned the two children to stop engaging in sex. I have since forwarded the girl’s name to an organisation that deals with children who get pregnant so that she can be assisted,” said Chief Mkoka.-BMetro
Zesa HOLDINGS has reverted to Stage Two load-shedding schedule hardly two weeks after assuring consumers of significant relief.
Zesa spokesperson Mr Fullard Gwasira earlier this month said they had downgraded load-shedding from Stage Two to Stage One after it started receiving 400MW from Eskom of South Africa.
Zesa spokesperson Fullard Gwasira
However, before most consumers had improved supplies, Zesa yesterday announced increased load-shedding due to depressed generation of power.
Writing on his Twitter handle yesterday, Mr Gwasira said load-shedding was now at Stage Two.
“Load-shedding is at Stage 2. The small Stage 1 generators, whilst online, are producing very little and a major Stage 2 unit gone out for repairs. Shedding has increased phenomenally,” said Mr Gwasira.
However, Energy and Power Development Minister Fortune Chasi told The Herald that improved electricity supplies could be witnessed in September.
Minister Chasi said following the return to service of Unit 5 at Hwange Power Station, adding 160MW to the grid, power supply had improved, but Zesa was prioritising the productive sector.
He said Government negotiations with Mozambique to increase power imports were also underway.
“Following the return to service of Unit 5 at Hwange adding 160MW to the grid, we expect to see improvement in power supply.
“Unit 6 will be opened up for inspection on the first week of September for fault diagnostic,” said Minister Chasi.
“Currently, Zesa is prioritising the productive sector such as mining, winter wheat and the manufacturing sector.
“Our intention is to ensure that we are giving as much power to the productive sector.
“The Government wants to make sure that the mines are operating. On the farms, particularly now, there is winter wheat, we want to make sure the farmers have got power.
“So the domestic consumer admittedly will find that there will be load shedding, but we should look at the global picture and what our priorities are,” said Minister Chasi.
He added that it was the responsibility of Zesa to inform consumers on changes in load-shedding, especially in residential areas.
“I must admit that there has been a bit of regression over the past few days, that is not a permanent situation.
“It will be resolved very soon. Zesa should publicise load-shedding schedules to customers so that they make informed decisions.
“It has been due to challenges we faced on a number of units in Hwange.
“They are actively being sorted out.
“We want to continue to improve the availability of power and I want to assure the public that we are working very actively around the clock on the challenges facing the country,” said Minister Chasi.
By A Correspondent- In a matter yet to be heard at the Bulawayo Customary Court, a man from Hope Fountain on the outskirts of Bulawayo is seeking divorce after suspecting that his wife was cheating on him because she was constantly calling out her ex-lover’s name during s_e_x.
For Felix Dube, his wife Nombulelelo Moyo’s habitual actions of repeating her ex-lover’s name when in the throes of passion may seem like the sort of blunder which is better suited to a bad film.
This came to light when Dube filed for divorce at the Bulawayo Customary Court claiming his wife always calls out her former boyfriend’s name whenever they are making l0ve.
In his suit he stated that there was no love anymore between him and Moyo reiterating that their customary marriage had irretrievably broken down and there were no prospects of a restoration to a normal relationship.
The main reason being that his wife was constantly shouting another man’s name while the action was going on.
“I am customarily married to Nombulelelo Moyo and our union has irretrievably broken down as I suspect that she is still dating her ex-l0ver because, whenever we are in bed, she calls out his name.
“As a result there are no prospects of restoration to a normal relationship because we now have irreconcilable differences which render the continuance of the relationship impossible. As a couple we have also lost l0ve and affection for each other,” read the papers in part.
He further claimed whenever he confronted her about the issue; she became violent and started verbally and physically abusing him.
Dube, who said he would take care of their two children‘s upkeep upon the dissolution of their marriage, wants to have their property mostly household items and livestock to be shared equally.
Moyo’s response is set to be heard when the parties appear in court.-BMetro
By A Correspondent- The Ambassador EU Delegation in Zimbabwe, Timo Olkkonen said the EU does not favour any political party but is only amplifying what is prescribed in the Zimbabwean Constitution.
He said this while speaking at SAPES Trust Dialogue Forum, Thursday held under the topic “The Deepening Crisis In Zimbabwe.
He said:
“I have been accused of driving a partisan agenda. I just want to say that we deny that. We are not favouring any political party; everything that myself and my colleagues have been saying; basically it is all reflected in the Constitution of Zimbabwe…issues that have been highlighted in the national transition stabilisation program.
… These are our references and we have these concerns in our discussions with the government… Obviously we want to see Zimbabwe succeed. I have seen all sorts of conspiracy theories about how we have an agenda to foil efforts of making Zimbabwe prosper.
Obviously these accusations, they are smokescreens obviously to divert attention. Why would we want to see Zimbabwe fail?”
By A Correspondent- Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Praz) chief executive officer Nyasha Chizu yesterday told a Harare magistrate that former National Social Security Authority (NSSA) general manager Elizabeth Chitiga, as the accounting officer, failed to follow laid down procedures when dealing with contracts that exceed $500 000.
Chitiga is facing allegations of swindling $31 million from the pension fund in a housing project scam.
Chizu, who was testifying as the State witness, further told magistrate Bianca Makwande that the procurement board must have approved the contracts, but she failed to follow the said procedure.
“My comment on the allegations is that the law that was supposed to be followed in this case was breached,” Chizu said.
“There was no procurement board approval, so the whole process was not lawful. It is the responsibility of the accounting officer, who is the accused, to make sure that the laws and regulations are followed, but she failed to follow.”
The trial of the former pension fund boss, who is represented by Jonathan Samukange, will continue today with the cross-examination of the witness, Chizu.
The State alleges that Chitiga’s accomplice James Tirivavi, who was a strategic executive assistant at NSSA, instructed National Building Society (NBS) to carry out projects in Dzivarasekwa (Harare), Chikanga Extension (Mutare), Shropshrine (Gweru), Lot 834 and 835 (Zvishavane) and Elsmond (Zvishavane) at a cost of $78 827 500, without following due process. NBS is a subsidiary of NSSA.
The bank had been given a mandate by the pensions authority to construct 10 000 low-cost housing units countrywide in September last year and a team led by head of housing projects, Silas Mukono, had identified 14 possible projects out of which they selected five – Victoria Range in Masvingo, Denver Township (Bulawayo), Mkoba (Gweru), Dulivhadzimo (Beitbridge) and Emganwini Phase 4 (Bulawayo).
The value of the project was $80 991 200. This was turned down by Tirivavi.
The State alleges that on August 24 last year, in an effort to regularise directives to NBS, Chitiga and Tirivavi connived and misrepresented to the board’s investments committee that NBS required funding for five projects. The board allegedly acted on the misrepresentation and approved funding for the projects totalling $78 827 500 on the understanding that due process had been done by both NSSA and NBS.
It is alleged that due diligence was done for only two of the five projects, and that Chitiga and Tirivavi’s actions potentially prejudiced NSSA of $31 727 500.-Newsday
By A Correspondent- Government says it has paid US$10 million to the Hidroeléctrica de Cahora Bassa (HCB), Mozambique’s power utility to clear part of the US$35 million debt it owes them to unlock fresh power imports.
A local weekly reported that the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe pledged to release US$10 million to HCB towards clearing the debt owed to it to import more power.
Speaking at the 53rd Southern African Power Pool Management (SAPP) Committee official opening Thursday, Energy deputy minister Magna Mudyiwa said the payment had been made.
SAPP is a co-operation of the national electricity companies in southern Africa under the Southern African Development Community, which allows for excess electricity to be sold to power utilities with insufficient power.
In June, Energy minister Fortune Chasi stated that US$10 million had been paid to South Africa’s power utility, Eskom, only for the South Africans to later deny those claims.
“If we can get up to 400 megawatts from HCB, that will be fine for us. We have to source for the funds because our electricity situation is not that good so we have to source for funds to pay HCB,” Mudyiwa said.
Zimbabwe is in the throes of severe power outages caused by low water levels at Kariba Dam, the main source of the country’s hydro-electric power.-Newsday
By A Correspondent- Police yesterday arrested Chitungwiza Mayor Lovemore Maiko, a councillor and an engineer on allegations of abuse of office through corrupt activities involving the sale of commercial stands.
The mayor, who assumed office four months ago, is among top officials that have been arrested in the new dispensation under President Mnangagwa, who is calling for zero tolerance to corruption.
The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) is fighting hard to implement the President‘s call which has started yielding results as there are no sacred cows despite political affiliation with former Environment, Tourism and Hospitality Industry and Zanu-PF member Minister Prisca Mupfumira among several bigwigs who have been arrested.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi last night confirmed the arrest of the trio, saying they were still assisting with investigations at St Mary’s Police
“I can confirm that we arrested ward 7 councillor Chitungwiza mayor Lovemore Maiko, ward 2 councillor Kudakwashe John and works director David Duma and they are currently assisting police with investigations.
“The trio are being charged with criminal abuse of office involving the selling of commercial land in Chitungwiza, 2 000 square metres at Chigovanyika Shopping Centre. They later sold 1 500 of land to the wife of the mayor after a council resolution they made,” he said.
However, reports from sources at Town House said another councillor who is also alleged to be deeply involved in the scam Richard Chamutsa is said to be on the run.
The sources close to the on-goings said the councillors were bribed and allocated some commercial stands at Chigovanyika shopping centre without a proper council resolution.
“Mayor and his other councillors were bribed by a suspected MDC top official and sold out commercial stands at Chigovanyika for allocation of a service station without the knowledge of the town clerk Dr George Makunde.
“The whole this was not procedural, no certificates from either ZERA or EMA were submitted and presented before full council meeting,” said one of the sources.
The recommendation to sell the land at Chigovanyika was shot down by councillors during a recent full council meeting due to many grey areas, but the trio allegedly proceeded with their decision.
City fathers argued that it was not proper to have a service station in the area which was too close to residential houses as it was dangerous because of its vicinity to residential houses.
The sources further allege that Maiko was no longer seeing eye to eye with Dr Makunde’s whom he was now undermining as the town clerk and is said to have written him a letter on Wednesday warning him to be effective in his duty threatening to fire him.
We understand that Mayor Maiko has not been in good books with the town clerk Dr George Makunde.
“As such he wrote a letter warning Dr Makunde that he must report for work daily and attend council meetings since he is usually absent most of the times. This did not go down well with him”.
Informal land deals have been the order of the day at Chitungwiza Town house mostly being spearheaded by councillors in connivance with some members of management and some junior employees.
Dr Makunde last night could not respond to the allegations saying he was yet to get information regading the arrest of the trio.
In April 2017 Government suspended former Chitungwiza Mayor Phillip Mutoti and 24 other councillors for allegedly corruptly allocating themselves tracts of land worth over $7 million.
By A Correspondent- Zesa Holdings has reverted to Stage Two load-shedding schedule hardly two weeks after assuring consumers of significant relief.
Zesa spokesperson Mr Fullard Gwasira earlier this month said they had downgraded load-shedding from Stage Two to Stage One after it started receiving 400MW from Eskom of South Africa.
However, before most consumers had improved supplies, Zesa yesterday announced increased load-shedding due to depressed generation of power.
Writing on his Twitter handle yesterday, Mr Gwasira said load-shedding was now at Stage Two.
“Load-shedding is at Stage 2. The small Stage 1 generators, whilst online, are producing very little and a major Stage 2 unit gone out for repairs. Shedding has increased phenomenally,” said Mr Gwasira.
However, Energy and Power Development Minister Fortune Chasi told The Herald that improved electricity supplies could be witnessed in September.
Minister Chasi said following the return to service of Unit 5 at Hwange Power Station, adding 160MW to the grid, power supply had improved, but Zesa was prioritising the productive sector.
He said Government negotiations with Mozambique to increase power imports were also underway.
“Following the return to service of Unit 5 at Hwange adding 160MW to the grid, we expect to see improvement in power supply.
“Unit 6 will be opened up for inspection on the first week of September for fault diagnostic,” said Minister Chasi.
“Currently, Zesa is prioritising the productive sector such as mining, winter wheat and the manufacturing sector.
“Our intention is to ensure that we are giving as much power to the productive sector.
“The Government wants to make sure that the mines are operating. On the farms, particularly now, there is winter wheat, we want to make sure the farmers have got power.
“So the domestic consumer admittedly will find that there will be load shedding, but we should look at the global picture and what our priorities are,” said Minister Chasi.
He added that it was the responsibility of Zesa to inform consumers on changes in load-shedding, especially in residential areas.
“I must admit that there has been a bit of regression over the past few days, that is not a permanent situation.
“It will be resolved very soon. Zesa should publicise load-shedding schedules to customers so that they make informed decisions.
“It has been due to challenges we faced on a number of units in Hwange.
“They are actively being sorted out.
“We want to continue to improve the availability of power and I want to assure the public that we are working very actively around the clock on the challenges facing the country,” said Minister Chasi.-StateMedia
“I don’t care whether that person is in authority or out of authority: no problem in Zimbabwe can be solved by violence,” the late Vice President Joshua Nkomo told the nation just before his death.
Nkomo is credited for bringing sanity to government at the height of rising corruption and he is the one who practically produced Zimbabwe’s first self made black billionaire, Strive Masiyiwa. VIDEO:
"I don't care whether that person is in authority or out of authority: no problem in Zimbabwe can be solved by violence," the late Vice President Joshua Nkomo told the nation. pic.twitter.com/xN8ulkiZtd
Former Permanent Secretary for Labour Ngoni Masoka
Former Permanent Secretary for Labour Ngoni Masoka has been charged with four counts of criminal abuse of office and released on Z$5 000 bail.
Masoka who was the ministry’s chief accounting officer when Prisca Mupfumira was the minister is reported to have instructed the National Social Security Authority to buy Mupfumira a US$90 000 vehicle from Croco Motors in 2015.
He also allegedly used his position in connivance with Mupfumira to unlawfully authorise the purchase of four Metbank properties for US$4 908 750.
Masoka allegedly directed NSSA in 2016 to release US$68 000 from its social corporate responsibility budget for activities that were outside its mandate to the benefit of Mupfumira’s business associates.
He also allegedly approved a new salary structure at NSSA, and the payment of performance related bonuses, and prejudiced the authority of US$7 187 780.
Masoka is among a number of high profile civil servants and politicians arrested for graft but so far no one has been convicted.
• L-R: Frenkie de Jong (Barcelona), Alisson Becker (Liverpool), Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool), UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin and Lionel Messi (Barcelona) with their awards at the UEFA Champions League group stage draw ceremony in Monaco …on Thursday.
Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk has been named UEFA Men’s Player of the Year for 2018/19.
The Dutch international beat off competition from three-time UEFA Men’s Player of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo and two-time winner Lionel Messi.
The 28-year-old centre-back received the trophy on stage in Monaco during the UEFA Champions League group stage draw.
In addition to the UEFA player of the year award, Van Dijk was also named the defender of the year.
Alisson Becker won the goalkeeper award, beating Tottenham’s Hugo Lloris and Marc-Andre ter Stegen of Barcelona.
Barcelona star Messi beat rival Ronaldo and Liverpool’s Sadio Mane to the forward award, after scoring 12 goals in 10 Champions League appearances for the Catalan giants last season.
By Chido Makunike|In the weeks leading up to the poorly kept secret of his impeding appointment as Minister of Finance, Mthuli Ncube campaigned hard for the position, coming out of a long diasporan silence to write articles outlining what he would do to tame Zimbabwe’s unwieldly economy.
His many slavish supporters hyped up his scholarly qualifications, the international financial institutions where he had been a functionary and so forth.
It was as if the man could walk on water like Jesus purportedly did, or jump over skyscrapers with a single leap, like Superman. Given all the hyperbole around him, his eventual appointment in October 2018 was almost an anti-climax.
It was not long before he began to backtrack on some of the views he had expressed prior to his appointment, such as the need to swiftly “abolish” the widely derided “bond note” currency/non-currency (and it really depends on who you ask, and what time of day it is).
Having been parachuted into his position after more than a decade in places like South Africa, Tunisia, Switzerland, the Zimbabwean social, economic and political realities quickly and rudely began to dawn on him.
His unwise forecasts on when things would begin to normalise began to shift with the wind, depending on which audience he happened to be addressing. Every time he said “six months”, it was as if he had forgotten that the internet never forgets! It turned out that a Ncube’s “six months” is as undervalued as the US dollar was in the mad, mythical period of it being officially pegged at “one-to-one” with the Zimbabwean dollar!
Holding on to the fiction of the parity between those two currencies — despite pre-appointment pledges to let go of that fantasy and let the market determine the rate between them — was yet another factor that quickly began to dent Superman’s credibility.
When reality could no long be ignored and the Zimdollar was allowed to float, it was done in an arrogant, capricious way that gave no nod at all to the fact that he had flip-flopped on the issue. Instead of getting accolades for accepting the exchange reality out on the street, his grudging official acceptance of that reality only earned him more scorn and distrust.
But Ncube is not one to admit mistakes or self-contradictions. Reminders of his flip-flopping or his widely off-the-mark targets were simply brushed off with “we know what we’re doing”, despite “the market” in which he claimed to be a strong disciple, showing that it stubbornly disagreed. Many policy adjustments were made on-the-fly, making a mockery of the arrogant confidence with which those policies had first been announced, even amidst strenuous disagreement from key stakeholder sectors without whose cooperation his reforms cannot work.
When he has to flip-flop in response to market and stakeholder resistance to some policy measure of his, he just hunkers down and pretends he never pronounced the policy he was renouncing, and bullishly plows ahead.
Alas, while a professor can get away with intimidating, talking down to and bulldozing his students because their progression to a large degree depends on his approval, the real world of “the market” and the political and economic publics are much more stubborn.
Months shy of the first anniversary of his appointment, his so-called “austerity for prosperity” plan appears to be ruthlessly on course, but at the cost of socio-economic devastation across the land. No matter what happens now, it is clear as never before that his “six month” projections were either a cruel lie or bad joke.
Alternatively, perhaps Ncube just did not comprehend what the effects of taking the International Monetary Fund’s “austerity” dogma and applying — lock, stock and barrel — to Zimbabwe’s real-life situation.
Yet this is Zimbabwe’s second attempt in living memory to implement what is essentially Esap II (Economic Structural Adjustment Programme). What went wrong the first time that moved the regime of then president Robert Mugabe to abandon Esap I mid-stream? How, if it all, have the lessons of that first nasty “austerity” experience been applied by Ncube to attempt to prevent the socio-economic devastations and protests that forced Mugabe to scupper the implementation of Esap I?
One of the unspoken expectations of many was that “the professor” had a special bag of economic tricks up his sleeve. Surely with his long curriculum vitae and his love for the use of impressive-sounding economic jargon — even when talking to audiences that know very little about textbook economics — surely with all that big talk and hand-waving, he must have had a special, secret plan?
Only to find out the “special, secret plan” of the man from Oxford University was simply to introduce Esap II! Alas! No original or brilliant economic recovery plan for Zimbabwe from Superman!
The IMF’s Esap-based austerity script is well-known all over the world, including in Zimbabwe, which is one reason it seems so astonishing that this is what Ncube came all the way from faraway Switzerland to implement. It is meant for countries like Zimbabwe in deep economic trouble, including being way behind and unable to service their debts, and unable to productively kick-start their way out of the doldrums to prosperity. Unable to borrow on the market, they crawl on their knees to the IMF to plead for bailout debt under virtually any conditions.
Those IMF conditions for debt are what we are being subjected to in 2019 Zimbabwe, not any special “prosperity plan” coming out of Ncube’s head!
This also explains why his assessments of his own performance vastly differ from those of the average Zimbabwean.
He defines the success of his efforts by how closely and to-the-script he is following the Esap II plan that has been laid out for him as a pre-condition for accessing funding from the international financial institutions. His pre-occupation is not the effect of that script on the long-suffering and increasingly impoverished people of Zimbabwe!
When he jumps back to kiss himself over his self-claimed “budget surplus”, as he does at every opportunity, it is not so much to convince a sceptical and unimpressed Zimbabwean public as to try to convince his bank manager at the IMF that he is doing a good job. Having the IMF embedded as supervisors at the Finance ministry as part of a Staff-Monitored Programme is marketed as if the gods have smiled upon Zimbabwe and manna is about to rain down from heaven.
Will Ncube’s IMF-ordered Esap II work any better than Esap I did? If you pay close enough attention to his carefully crafted confusionist rhetoric, he intends or hopes that having proved what a disciplined, hard economic taskmaster he is against the screaming Zimbabwean public, the IMF will then pat him on the back as a good boy and advance Zimbabwe a “bailout” package, in the form of the first new external debt in a long time.
Many readers will ask: what is wrong with that? Surely, Zimbabwe badly needs an external cash injection, does it not? Are you not just criticising for the sake of it? That depends on the purpose for which that new debt is being incurred.
What is that debt to be invested in? To what brilliant use does Ncube intend to put that loan? Would that help Zimbabwe transition from austerity to prosperity? Ncube’s idea is to use the new IMF debt; wait for it … to pay off other debt! Out of all these games and schemes, it is hoped that eventually — somewhere down the line, somehow, some way — we can then begin attracting investment and actual productive debt!
What are the chances that this harebrained “economic plan” will work any better this time than it did under Esap I1, or than it has done elsewhere?
The issue before us is not whether Zimbabwe badly needs reforms or not. Rather, it is whether going back to the IMF to essentially let its Esap-debt conditions determine Zimbabwe’s policies is the only or best way. Where — and in which public or private forums — have the pros and cons of adopting Ncube’s Esap II (disguised as “austerity for posterity”) been discussed and agreed on?
Ncube is not used to being questioned about his almost embarrassingly unquestioning acceptance of IMF-style austerity dogma. Yet in the decades it has been experimented with across the globe, there are many thoughtful voices who would say it has mostly wreaked havoc on the societies it has been inflicted on. After seeing the long-term destruction this latest version of Esap has caused in Zimbabwe in less than a year, it is time to interrogate it.
It is time to question whether there is any prospect of an IMF/Mthuli Ncube-authored prosperity on even the distant horizon, or whether it is yet another pie-in-the-sky scheme that will leave this country more indebted, less productive, poorer and even less able to eventually stand on its own feet than it is now.
Zimbabweans have revealed that they are forced to part with at least US$200 bribe to get a passport that normally costs ZWL$52.
Sources who spoke to ZimEye.com said that authorities in the offices charge as high as US$600 to the rich who want to get their passports issued immediately at the Harare passport offices.
Since the beginning of last year, government has been failing to process passport applications with people who applied in March last year still waiting to get their passports.
Though government has been making assurances that the situation will improve following acquisition of new processing equipment, things have actually been getting worse on the ground with further delays being experienced as those paying bribes by past the long queue of outstanding passports.
Meanwhile, Registrar General Clemence Masango has called on Zimbabweans to stop paying bribes to his officials when seeking for passports and any other identity documents.
Speaking to the media after a tour by the Home Affairs Portfolio Committee at the Registrar General’s Department of Passport Production Centre in Harare on Thursday, Masango said there was no justification in Zimbabweans parting with any extra fee other than the one stipulated for passport application.
“Do not pay. There is no justification for that. Corruption is a crime. Everybody must take responsibility in resisting it, fighting it and reporting it,” said Masango an ex police officer.
“If anybody has paid more than the statutory fee and there is no receipt obviously please come and also feel free to report to the police. The law will take its course. We will not condone corruption, we will not protect corruption.
“The President Emmerson Mnangagwa has made a very strong statement which we all must take responsibility to implement and give effect to.”
Masango said the department is governed by the civil service regulations and those who fail to follow the rules and regulations would be liable to penalties.
“If anyone offends those regulations, there are also clear regulations for punishment. I have always said that it is easy to allege corruption but it is always not easy to prove it.
“But I do not find most of our people willing to cooperate which make it impossible for law enforcement agents to detect for prosecution purposes. Why are we doing that?” he said.
The Zimbabwean passport remains a much sought after document by locals who are keen to find greener pastures outside.
Mozambiquen fishermen living in gadget danger of Islamic militants
Five people, including four fishermen, have been beheaded by suspected Islamist militants in Mozambique’s northern province of Cabo Delgado.
Reports say four fishermen, from the village of Nacotuco in Macomia district, were returning home from the sea when they were brutally attacked along a main on Tuesday.
The fifth victim was reportedly caught by the insurgents near Simbolongo village in the same district as he was cutting thatch for the roof of his hut.
Last Friday, insurgents shot dead two villagers in Nangade district who were returning home after spraying their cashew trees with pesticides.
Later the same day, three people died in an attack on an outlying neighbourhood of Nangade town.
The militants, who are known locally as “al-Shabab” although they are not linked to the Somali group of the same name, have been terrorising some areas of the gas-rich Cabo Delgado since 2017.
It is believed they are making millions of dollars from selling timber and rubies.
Since the crisis began, more than 200 people, most of them defenceless villagers have been killed.
The witness says unknown men asked her family members about her whereabouts and an attempt was made to break into her house.
A witness at the commission of inquiry into state capture, Babadi Tlatsana, has left the country “in fear for her life”, the chair of the inquiry, Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, heard on Thursday.
Tlatsana is a North West businesswoman and sole owner of Koreneka Trading and Projects who appeared before the commission in June and had testified about how her company won a R51 million airports job in the province without having experience and without a tender process being followed.
Evidence leader at the commission senior counsel Kate Hofmeyr told Zondo that after her testimony she was requested to provide a further affidavit to the commission in which she would account for the R51 million paid into Koreneka.
Hofmeyr said in the process of obtaining the said affidavit, the commission interacted with Tlatsana’s legal representative, Julian Knight, who indicated that the businesswoman had been threatened and intimidated after her testimony, which led to her fleeing the country “in fear for her life”.
Hofmeyr said Knight submitted an affidavit with the commission which outlines Tlatsana’s fears.
Hofmeyr said Knight stated in the affidavit that he was advised by Tlatsana that “out of fear for her safety” she decided to leave the country to a destination unknown to him.
Knight stated in the affidavit that Tlatsana had told him that she had observed “suspicious activity” around her place of residence in Mahikeng and that unknown men, who did not identify themselves, had approached her family members to enquire about her whereabouts.
Tlatsana further told Knight that an attempt was allegedly made to gain entry to her house.
Hofmeyr said Knight stated that Tlatsana had advised him that she had appointed an auditor for the purposes of completing the additional affidavit the commission had sought.
Hofmeyr said the commission took this information very seriously and has engaged its investigators to deal with matters relating to security and for them to provide regular updates.
Zondo said the threats and intimidation to Tlatsana were quite concerning and requested that he be kept up to date about the matter.
Tlatsana is not the first witness to raise security-related issues.
Former president Jacob Zuma told the commission in July that a threat to his life was made following the first day of his testimony at the inquiry.
Earlier in the year, a senior police officer informed the legal team of the commission that former Bosasa COO Angelo Agrizzi’s life was under threat following his marathon testimony at the inquiry.
Last year, a teary-eyed Vytjie Mentor, the former ANC MP, told the commission that she was worried about her safety in the hotel she was staying at while she testified at the inquiry.
Zondo also said it was concerning that police in Mahikeng, North West, had seemingly made no progress in a separate case of intimidation that Tlatsana had lodged more than a year ago.
Hofmeyr said Tlatsana lodged the case at Mahikeng on 4 January 2018.
The evidence leader said a senior police official said after perusing the docket, officers “were in dismay to learn that there was nothing positive that the investigator did in the docket and there was no command and control from the commander’s side”.
She said this led to the investigator in the matter being removed from the investigation and the case now is being investigated by the police’s provincial office.
Furthermore, a disciplinary probe has been instituted against the said investigator.
“It appears as if no investigation whatsoever was done on it and that raised concerns to the provincial commissioner,” Hofmeyr said.
She added that the commission’s investigators are seeking to take up aspects of that intimidation case and work with the police.
The commission will hear the testimony of Vivien Natasen, the director of Neo Solutions, who is back on the witness stand for a second time.
Finance union Sasbo said on Thursday it was calling on its 73,000 members across South Africa to strike on 27 September in protest against the economic crisis in the country and job losses
Sasbo, which started 1916 as the South African Society of Bank Officials and is an affiliate of the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) said the protest action was legally protected under section 77 of the Labour Relations Act and would result in a total shutdown of the finance sector.
“We will be calling on our members to down tools … in protest against the contemplated and current job losses in the country but we are in particular expressing our dismay (at) what is happening in the finance sector,” it said in a statement.
“We are worried about the high level of unemployment (29 percent) in our country and the wretched state of our economy. Coupled with this is our concern that the finance sector should have already taken drastic steps to up-skill their workforce in preparation for the future “world of work” and the 4th industrial revolution.”
Sasbo general secretary Joe Kokela said the union would soon communicate the logistics of the protest to its members.
Watch video downloading below as COSATU endorses the strike.
A group of Nigerians Thursday staged a protest at the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, South Africa’s capital.
The protesters, mostly victims of xenophobic attacks in South Africa, according to Channels TV, said they are angered by the recent massive looting of foreign-owned shops in the city by some South Africans.
Many of the protesters lamented that they have lost their goods and business investments to the looting spree, which occurred on Wednesday at Pretoria Business district.
The protesters in separate interviews told Channels Television that the protest was needed because they are now feeling unsafe in the foreign country.
They claimed that Nigerian representatives in South Africa were slow towards responding to their plight.
“They came to my shop and burnt everything to zero,” one of the victims told Channels Television.
“We are appealing to our Consulate via the High Commission here to please intervene in this whole situation. We are so unsafe in this country,” another victim said.
However, Defence Adviser, Nigerian High Commission in South Africa, Abubakar Mustapha condemned the protesters for venting anger on the commission by destroying some property.
“The way they went about it (the protest) was quite unfortunate; they scaled the fence and almost destroyed the gate,” Mustapha said, adding that the quick intervention of security officers curtailed the incident.
Nigeria High Commission officers later visited the scenes of the looting spree to see the level of destruction on shops owned by Nigerians.
The acting High Commissioner to South Africa, Umar Bako later assured those who came to complain of their losses that quick actions would be taken to intervene in the matter.
Violence was recorded on Tuesday in Pretoria Business district as South African indigenes who were apparently angered by the killing of a taxi operator by a yet-to-be identified man, on Tuesday resorted to looting shops owned by foreigners in their country.
South Africa police have since arrested 17 people in connection with the looting spree.
THE ED Pfee singer who was on Tuesday denied bail for rape allegations by the court and ordered to seek bail at the High Court was yesterday brought to the same court and granted bail by another magistrate under unclear circumstances.
Admire Sanyanga, who was initially denied bail by magistrate Rumbidzai Mugwagwa, was yesterday granted $200 by magistrate Barbara Mateko after the intervention of the Prosecutor-General Kumbirai Hodzi.
The State on Wednesday opposed bail, saying Sanyanga should approach the High Court, but surprisingly, the State yesterday said the PG’s Office was now consenting to bail.
According to the law, an accused who has been denied bail by the lower court can approach the High Court for bail.
He or she can approach the lower court when there are changed circumstances, but Sanyanga was brought to court after he had been remanded in custody to another date.
It is suspected that there was interference in the case of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s praise singer.
Sanyanga is accused of raping a maid employed at a house where he was receiving spiritual healing.
The 18-year-old complainant was allegedly raped at Sanyanga’s apartment after he asked her to assist him with his luggage.
The alleged rape came to light when the complainant’s employer read her diary and came across the recorded statement.
While addressing the court, prosecutor Sebastian Mutizirwa indicated that the State had shifted its position and was consenting to Sanyanga’s admission to bail.
No reasons justifying the position were proffered.
Mateko granted the accused person bail and ordered him to report to the nearest police station twice a week on Mondays and Fridays.
She also ordered him not to interfere with witnesses and to continue residing at the address he gave to the police until the finalisation of the matter.
He will be back in court on September 6, and not the initial remand date of September 10.
Allegations are that on July 30, 2019 at around 1pm, Sanyanga asked the complainant to assist him carry his luggage from the house where he was receiving spiritual healing to his house and she agreed.
When they arrived at Sanyanga’s flat, the complainant stood outside the door, but he invited her inside, an invitation she declined.
He allegedly dragged the girl to get into the apartment, where he then raped her.
The girl recorded down the rape in her diary and hid it in her bedroom and the matter came to light when her employer came across the diary and went through it. A police report was made, leading to Sanyanga’s arrest.
Independent|THE Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC), a subsidiary of Zesa Holdings, last week disconnected power supplies to farms belonging to former president Robert Mugabe and Information minister Monica Mutsvangwa, among other high-profile individuals, over unpaid bills.
They were, however, reconnected after the intervention of Energy and Power Development minister Fortune Chasi.
Sources told the Zimbabwe Independent this week that Zesa switched off Mugabe’s Gushungo Dairies Farm in Mazowe, about 40km north of Harare last week after the family failed to settle an undisclosed electricity bill.
However, the sources said, former first lady Grace Mugabe approached Chasi for assistance to have power restored while working on a payment plan.
Zesa officials also revealed the power utility disconnected electricity supplies to Mutsvangwa’s farm, as Zesa moves to recover ZW$1,2 billion it is owed by clients.
Mutsvangwa is said to have personally approached Chasi.
The sources said following the development, Chasi called senior Zesa executives and ordered them to immediately reconnect all affected farms after her farm was switched off.
“As you know, Zesa is owed huge amounts of money by some of its clients and farmers are among the biggest culprits. So it was decided that there should be no sacred cows and everyone who is indebted to Zesa must have power disconnected at their properties,” a senior official said.
“This is how Mugabe and Mutsvangwa ended up having their farms disconnected. But they are not the only ones, there are hundreds others. However, last week, the minister called management to a meeting and told them that they needed to immediately reconnect the affected farmers and work out a payment plan while allowing them to continue with their operations.”
Chasi confirmed the developments when contacted by the Independent this week. He said he ordered Zesa to reconnect the farmers to avert a potential food crisis if operations at farms were disrupted because of the disconnections, which came at a time the country is in the middle of the winter wheat season.
Other crops grown during winter include peas and horticultural products.
In the case of Mugabe’s farm, the disconnection meant the disruption of milk production.
Currently, the country is facing a major bread crisis after running out of stocks and is solely reliant on wheat and flour imports.
“What I can say is that last week Zesa disconnected several farmers, including some very prominent people who I cannot name, that owe it huge amounts of money in electricity bills. Some of them then approached me and I decided that they should immediately be reconnected while we work towards a payment plan and to solidify payment arrangements,” Chasi said.
“Whilst disconnection is the ultimate weapon where people are not paying, the timing is not appropriate because we are having a food deficit and we need not be food insecure. We could incur further costs at a time we are already having serious food shortages. So anything that worsens it would not be good for us.”
Chasi said he was in the process of tabling a proposal in cabinet for electricity to be considered a strategic input in the government’s controversial specialised agriculture input scheme — command agriculture.
“If you look at it, you realise that costs for water, seed, fertilisers and agro-chemicals are covered under the command agriculture scheme except for electricity which is also a very critical input. So I am going to propose in cabinet that it should also be included among those inputs and, that way, farmers can be able to relax a little bit,” he added.
Mutsvangwa denied approaching Chasi, saying her farm bills are handled by the farm manager.
“As is the practice, farmers negotiate to settle bills as they get paid on season deliveries to the market. I have a farm manager who deals with Zesa issues and this does not involve the minister at all. My manager organises such payments from time to time and he says he is in a satisfactory standing,” she said.
Zesa’s acting chief executive officer Patrick Chivaura disclosed in May this year that the power utility is owed over ZW$1,2 billion by its customers.
He said the company, currently bedeviled by a major power deficit caused by a sharp decline in water levels at Lake Kariba which has seriously affected production at the Kariba hyro-power plant.
The situation has been worsened by frequent breakdowns at Hwange Thermal Power Plant.
The country has had to turn to neighbouring countries South Africa and Mozambique to augment power supplies.
Zimbabwe is importing 400 megawatts from South Africa and intends to import an additional 400MW from Mozambique.
Media Statement|The people’s party, MDC remains resolute in its recently launched course of public action and now plans to intensify the people-led Free Zimbabwe Campaign.
The people-led Free Zimbabwe Campaign was formally launched at Harare on Friday 16th August 2019
The Free Zimbabwe Campaign is an essential part of the implementation process of the people’s party strategic RELOAD document.
Under RELOAD, the people’s party, MDC has proposed a 5 step process towards the full restoration of a legitimate and popularly elected people’s government in Zimbabwe:
Political and Diplomatic Pressure
Broad based and lnclusive all-Stakeholders National Dialogue
Agreement on a national Transitional Mechanism
lmplementation of Comprehensive Reforms
Free and Fair Elections leading to an undisputed popularly elected people’s government
As such, RELOAD emphasises the fact that Zimbabwe will only be able to embark on the true path towards sustainable socio-economic recovery only under an undisputed and popularly elected people’s government.
This then explains why the MDC as a people’s party, remains unshaken by the illegitimate regime’s rather desperate efforts to stop the Free Zimbabwe Campaign.
lndeed, during the past two weeks, the illegitimate regime has used all the available tricks in the book
The illegitimate regime’s desperate efforts include unleashing a wave of personal abductions, violent assaults, unjust arrests and political detentions, and a determined attempt to characterise the people’s peaceful Free Zimbabwe Campaign as a criminal and violent one.
Added to that, there has been a high handed response from the clearly politically compromised police, coupled with the apparent blanket ban of all street marches or demonstrations; through the indiscriminate issuance of wholesale prohibition orders.
This of course is manifestly in blatant violation of Section 59 of our national Constitution that guarantees all citizens of Zimbabwe the Right to Demonstrate and Petition in a peaceful manner.
To this end, the people’s party has decided to take a step back this week and call for progress review consultation meetings with the intention of boosting the already existing efforts under the Free Zimbabwe Campaign
The review process is set to start at the end of this week, with the holding of the crucial meeting by the people’s party’s highest decision making body in between the Congresses; the National Executive Council (NEC)
The NEC meeting will then be followed by further consultations with local party leaders and members especially at a district level with the ultimate aim of boosting and renewing the already existing momentum that the Free Zimbabwe Campaign has clearly gained during the last two weeks.
THE High Court yesterday nullified the election into council of beleaguered Bulawayo deputy Mayor, Councillor Tinashe Kambarami.
The ruling by Bulawayo High Court judge, Justice Thompson Mabhikwa, 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 the Kambarami’s election as councillor for Ward 3 and the city’s deputy Mayor.
In papers before the court, Kambarami, the Bulawayo City Council, Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) and MDC were cited as respondents.
Justice Mabhikwa ruled that the election of Kambarami was in violation of section 119 (2) (e) of the Electoral Act following his conviction of theft.
Kambarami was in July last year convicted of theft by Bulawayo provincial magistrate, Ms Sharon Rosemani, under case number CRB 1981/18.
He was fined $80 or 18 days in prison for stealing an extension cord from an electrician he had hired to work at his offices.
“It is the court’s finding that once the first respondent (Kambarami) was convicted of theft on 27 June 2018, which was before the election day, he was obliged, not only by his conscience and inner conviction, but also by the law, to advise the third respondent (MDC-Alliance) and even fourth respondent (Zec) that he was no longer eligible to stand for a public office,” said Justice Mabhikwa.
He said Kambarami’s failure to notify his party and Zec was in itself an act of dishonesty and an illegality, which rendered his subsequent election a nullity.
“I am convinced therefore that indeed in this case, it is not the outcome of the election results that is being challenged but simply the first respondent’s suitability to hold public office wherein he may especially in the office of deputy mayor, be called upon at some stage or another, to deal with public finances or assets,” said Justice Mabhikwa.
“Clearly, this court cannot, as it were, and in the circumstances bury its head in the sand and pretend that nothing happened. It would run the risk of setting a precedent that is very bad at law.”
Justice Mabhikwa said the court cannot condone an illegality with a limited mental vision following a criminal offence.
“The court has to protect the rule of law and doctrine of legality. Accordingly, it be and is hereby declared that the election of first respondent as councillor for ward 3 in Bulawayo was in contravention of section 119 (2) (e) of the Electoral Act following his conviction of theft at the Bulawayo magistrate’s court under CRB number 1981/18 on 27 June 2018. It (Kambarami’s election) is therefore set aside on account of it being null and void and his unsuitability to hold public office,” ruled the judge.
Justice Mabhikwa ordered Kambarami to pay the costs of suit on an ordinary scale.
In its application, 1893 Mthwakazi Restoration Movement Trust sought an order declaring Kambarami’s nomination and subsequent election as councillor for Ward 3 in Bulawayo null and void on the basis that he was convicted for stealing an extension cord from an electrician he had hired to do manual work at his offices.
In her founding affidavit, Ms Dorothy Ndlovu, who is the applicant’s secretary, said the application is premised on the provisions of the Electoral Act which disqualify a convicted person from being nominated as a candidate for council elections.
“It has come to our attention as an organisation that the first respondent (Clr Kambarami) has a criminal record and should not have submitted his nomination papers to Zec.
“He was charged and convicted of theft on July 27, 2018 under case number CRB1981/18,” she said.
Ms Ndlovu said as an organisation they could not sit back and watch an illegality being perpetuated.
According to section 119 (2) (e) of the Electoral Act, a person shall be disqualified from being nominated as a candidate for or from election as a councillor if he or she has been convicted of an offence involving dishonesty.
Kambarami was convicted on his own plea of guilty to theft.
Mr Nyoni said the election of Kambarami as councillor and deputy mayor was a nullity right from the onset.
He said the law disqualified Kambarami and whatever then happened thereafter was not in terms of the law. “Kambarami failed to disclose his criminal record to Zec prior to his nomination in the run up to the July 30 harmonised elections,” he said.
Mr Nyoni said 1893 Mthwakazi Restoration Movement Trust represents citizens of this country who have a direct interest in this matter since it is in the interest of the public and their constitutional right.
He said Kambarami was given a chance to voluntarily relinquish his posts as councillor and deputy mayor and he declined.
Kambarami’s lawyers, Messrs Dickson Moyo and Maqhawe Ndlovu of Samp Mlaudzi and Partners, argued that the High Court had no locus standi to handle the matter, arguing that the application was an election petition.
They said the application was a petition, which was supposed to be heard by the Electoral Court as defined in terms of the Electoral Act.
“The Electoral Court, which existed through the General Notices, expired on December 31, 2018, and extending its tenure through this court would be improperly constituted,” said Kambarami’s lawyers.
They further argued that there has to be a tribunal that was set in terms of section 174 of the constitution to handle the disqualification of Kambarami.
Section 41 (7) of the Urban Councils Act states that a councillor who is convicted of an offence and sentenced to imprisonment for a period of six months or more shall forthwith cease to exercise his or her functions or to be entitled to any remuneration as a councillor, and subject to subsection (8), he or she shall cease to be councillor at the expiry of 30 days from the date of such sentence.
On August 1, 2017, Kambarami engaged the complainant, Mr Washington Chirikuudzi (68), to do some manual work at his offices.
Kambarami then asked the complainant to leave his tools at his offices inside a safe before knocking off.
When the complainant returned the following morning, he discovered that his extension cord was missing.
When Mr Chirikuudzi inquired about the whereabouts of his cable, Kambarami admitted that he took it and promised to return it.
However, Kambarami did not return the cable despite pleas from the complainant.
Mr Chirikuudzi reported the matter to the police leading to Kambarami’s arrest.
Kambarami was elected deputy mayor in September last year after beating his closest rival, Clr Mlandu Ncube of Ward One.
War veterans have hailed President Mnangagwa for what they claim is his commitment in reviving the economy.
The liberation war fighters claim that Mnangagwa’s policies have brought unity of purpose among Zimbabweans.
Speaking on the sidelines of a war veterans, war collaborators, ex-political prisoners, detainees and restrictees executive meeting in Harare yesterday, war veterans spokesperson Douglas Mahiya said President Mnangagwa had no other mission other than reviving the economy for the benefit of society.
“Zimbabweans must come on board to assist the President to achieve his vision of reviving the economy,” he said.
“This will remove antagonism amongst the people of Zimbabwe and further reduce contradictions amongst the people.”
Mahiya said war veterans fully supported President Mnangagwa’s re-engagement exercise, as it was the right path to follow, which will result in the improvement of people’s livelihoods.
He urged Zimbabweans to unite and throw their weight behind President Mnangagwa as he continued with the re-engagement exercise which will lead to the country’s economic revival.
“The President is re-engaging and his mantra ‘Zimbabwe is open for business’, is getting full support from the war veterans because it is the way to go,” said Mahiya.
“Let’s unite as Zimbabweans to ensure that we go behind our President and be able to fight against imperialism and capitalism by growing our own economy and be able to deliver economic benefits to our people. The President is on record as gearing everything to ensure that Zimbabwe becomes an upper-middle income economy by 2030.”
The war veterans congratulated President Mnangagwa on assuming chairmanship of the Southern African Development Committee (SADC) Organ on Politics, Defence and Security, saying the appointment showed that he was a force to reckon with.
Mahiya said they were organising an event to celebrate President Mnangagwa’s appointment and all the war veterans will be in attendance to show their full support.
