By Dorrothy Moyo| Japan has humiliated ZANU PF President Emmerson Mnangagwa over reforms and democracy.

The powerful Asian giant said this is 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.

President @edmnangagwa presented to the journalists after attending a prodigious event in Japan @ticad7 @ZANUPF_Official @MinisterSBMoyo @HeraldZimbabwe @InfoMinZW @MinistryofTID @fortunechasi @MatutuLewis @TogarepiPupurai pic.twitter.com/Bo05hObwri

— Richard Muzezuru (@RMuzezuru) August 30, 2019

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.

By A Correspondent- A 21-year-old Chipinge woman, who connived with her husband to steal thousands of South African Rands and the greenback from her mother, was last week dragged to court on theft charges.

The suspect Sophie Phiri, of Magwede Village under Chief Musikavanhu, appeared before Chipinge magistrate Mr Joshua Nembaware last Friday and pleaded guilty to stealing part of the money.

The matter was remanded to September 2 for continuation of trial.

Sophie has only admitted to stealing R12 000, US$950 and $260.

She is denying stealing an additional R20 000 as alleged by the State.

Ms Sekesai Mayera prosecuted.

Ms Mayera told the court that during the period spanning May 2019 and June 8, 2019, Sophie and Tafadzwa Jenami (her fugitive husband), visited the complainant’s house and had access to her bedroom.

“On the first occasion the couple unlawfully took R12 000 and converted it to their personal use. On the second occasion they stole R20 000 and US$950 from the complainant’s bedroom and vanished.

“The accused would sweep the complainant’s bedroom.

“The complainant took her as her child, and did not suspect that she would steal from her.

“The stolen money was being kept in a monarch in the bedroom. The accused was arrested in Rafingora, Chinhoyi while her husband evaded arrest and is now a fugitive from justice,” Ms Mayera said.

The State closed its case and the court will proceed to hear the defence case.

Sophie indicated that she will call some witnesses to testify.

-ManicaPost

By A Correspondent- A Rusape boy was hauled before the court on allegations of twice prickling a minor girl’s eye with a sharp object, strangling her neck before forcibly drugging and raping her while she was unconscious.

The bizarre manner in which the boy masterminded the crime shocked the court, prompting the Rusape regional magistrate Mr Lucie-Anne Mungwari to order that he undergoes a mental examination from a psychiatrist to establish the exact state of his mind.

The boy (whose name could not be divulged since he is still a minor) was remanded in custody and was expected back in the dock yesterday.

He was not asked to plead.

Ms Event Dhliwayo prosecuted.

Ms Dhliwayo said on August 7, 2019, the complainant (who could also not be named) went to the communal grazing pastures to collect her parents’ cattle and pen them.

On her way to the pastures she passed through the accused’s parental homestead and asked him if he had seen her parents’ cattle.

The accused allegedly directed her where their cattle were.

After some time the accused allegedly followed the girl.

“He grabbed and strangled the girl’s neck by his hands. He forced her to drink a yellowish substance that was in a bottle drink, by putting his fingers in her mouth.

“The boy went on to prickle the girl’s right eye with a shoe maker’s needle twice and once on the back of her left hand. He also bit the girl on the right hand, tried to lower her skirt, and from there the girl lost consciousness and does not know what transpired.

“When she woke up, she was vomiting a lot of foam. She then proceeded to the boy’s homestead and told his uncle about what had happened. The uncle took the girl to her father who then reported the matter to the police.

“The girl sustained serious injuries on the right eye, face and left arm. She had teeth marks on her left arm. The matter (rape) came to light following a medical examination which was conducted on her and indicated that she had been sexually abused,” said Ms Dhliwayo.

The boy is in a senior grade at the same school with the victim.

-ManicaPost

By A Correspondent- Two people  from Harare who allegedly stole 30 tonnes of wheat worth $125 000 which they had collected from Grain Marketing Board Rusape depot have been arrested and appeared in court recently.

Takura Makuyana (44), a truck driver and Anna Abrahams were not asked to plead when they appeared before Rusape magistrate Ms Rufaro Mangwiro who did not ask them to plead. The two were released on bail.

State prosecutor, Miss Ivy Mayimbo told the court that Makuyana instead of delivering wheat to National Foods depot in Workington, offloaded it at Abrahams’ homestead in Ardbenne.

“Makuyana is employed as a truck driver by Knockers Enterprises and Abrahams is not employed. On 13 May, 2019 Makuyana was directed by his director Ranganai Makombore to proceed to Rusape where he was going to be given a consignment of 30 tonnes of wheat at GMB Rusape. The consignment was destined to National Foods Limited Milling, Sterling Working Harare.

“Makuyana in connivance with other accused persons who are still at large diverted the route and offloaded the 30 tonnes of wheat at Abrahams homestead Y10 Finneran Road in Ardbenne.

“On 26 June, 2019 John Mutizira was advised by National Foods that the 30 tonnes wheat was not delivered to them. On 27 June 2019 Mutizira made a police report and on 20 August 2019 at around 1800hrs Makuyana was arrested at Larfage Cement and led the police to Abrahams’ home, where he had offloaded the 30 tonnes of wheat. The value of the stolen wheat is $125 000 and nothing was recovered,’’ said Miss Mayimbo.

Ms Mangwiro postponed the matter to 9 September for trial.

-ManicaPost

First Lady Auxilia Mnangagwa has ignored numerous problems met by expecting rural women and told them to stop having home deliveries.

Zimbabwe women resort to home deliveries due to long distances they have to travel to the nearest health facility, with some reportedly walking for more than 15km.

So bad is the situation in most areas that some mothers reportedly spend two days on the road to health facilities.

Other women are also deterred from making regular visits to clinics for check-ups due to fear of wild animals.

Mrs Mnangagwa made the uncosy call when she commissioned a waiting mothers shelter at Chapoto Clinic where nurses will give medical attention to the expecting mothers when necessary.

Addressing the gathering, Mrs Mnangagwa urged the women to desist from giving birth at home.

“Expecting mothers, I have brought beds for you and other equipment which you will use during your stay at this shelter which was constructed by Angel of Hope Foundation,” she said.

“I urge you all to take good care of this place so that you have a place to stay while nurses monitor you if you have complications,” she said.

Mnangagwa said it was her wish to see the women participating in income-generating projects so that they become self-reliant.

“Women, I do not want you to just sit at home without doing anything waiting for hand-outs, I have brought sewing machines, make use of them,” she said.

Amai Mnangagwa also expressed concern over rampant child marriage cases among the Doma people.

One of the mothers at the newly opened shelter is a 31-year-old woman expecting her seventh child.

She told the First Lady she got married at 15.

“It is painful for a child to bear a child. Children should grow up and mature before getting married.

“Parents stop marrying off your children before they are of age,” said Amai Mnangagwa.

Mashonaland Central Provincial nursing officer, Mrs Elizabeth Manjonjori, thanked the First Lady for building the mothers shelter in Kanyemba.

A Kanyemba woman, Mrs Stella Bhasikoro, said she used to be a professional tailor who sent her children to school using money realised from the venture.

She had stopped due to lack of resources and motivation but thanked the First Lady for reviving her passion, adding she was willing to teach her fellow villagers the necessary skills.

Minister of State for Mashonaland Central, Province Monica Mavhunga, attended the function and applauded the First Lady for supporting the Kanyemba community.

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Agents|Former Economics Association of Zambia (EAZ) president Dr Chrisphin Mphuka says Zambia is not likely to benefit from the government’s austerity measures because there is lack of political will.

Last week, Bank of Zambia (BoZ) governor Dr Denny Kalyalya observed that if austerity measures were working, Zambia would not have the kind of economic challenges currently being faced.

Commenting on this observation, Dr Mphuka concurred, saying that government’s pronouncements were not being fulfilled because there was no political commitment.

He said government was still incurring huge expenditure on account of continuous travel that Zambian taxpayers had to pay for despite repeated announcements of austerity measures.

“I think the problem has been to renege on certain commitments; you make certain pronouncements, but you don’t fulfill because there is no political commitment and at the moment, that is the defining element. We are talking of austerity, but we are still seeing a lot of movements; it is an open secret. Clearly, there are certain things, which we can say government is doing and not responding to austerity measures. For example, you are having certain areas of the economy, which are being starved in terms of resources, but you are having other areas, which keep going above what is programmed and I think that is what’s causing the problem. But again, the argument is are we doing this in all areas of government? So, there are some areas that are really above the others, living as though austerity is not there and that is the problem,” Dr Mphuka told News Diggers! in an interview.

“Well, I think the problem is that you must have budget credibility before you talk of fiscal consolidation. And I would agree with the Bank governor (Dr Kalyalya); the last three years we have set targets and we have missed those targets in terms of (achieving targeted) fiscal deficits, which clearly shows they there are slippages somewhere. We commit, but we really don’t go with the commitments and this is the reason some of us feel strongly that it would be nice to have a programme with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) so that you have a supervisory process that helps your process of being credible in implementing the budget. Maybe this year, we will manage the fiscal target, but I doubt! I doubt clearly going by what we have seen over the years.”

He added that government needed to critically analyze whether it was capable of sticking to its austerity measures agenda, especially ahead of the 2020 national budget.

“We need really need to come back and say: ‘how can we really stick to this austerity agenda?’ In the short-run, it is very painful, but I think in the long-run, it brings back macro-economy stability. And that is what we want to achieve: low inflation and also bringing liquidity in the economy; there is no liquidity because of the same over-borrowing,” he said.

And Dr Mphuka, an UNZA economics lecturer, said fiscal consolidation remained difficult to achieve in Zambia because public expenditure usually outweighed revenue mobilization.

“And why it has been difficult to achieve fiscal consolidation in Zambia? For example, if you looked at how the budget was designed, the aim was to achieve fiscal consolidation using the revenue side rather than the expenditure side. You can’t tax your way out of this fiscal situation! It is almost impossible! So, there must be a commitment to be seen to cut on the side of expenditure and that is one thing that has been seen to be coming in this year’s budget. We hope that in the next (2020) budget, we will see commitment on the side of expenditure rather than achieving fiscal consolidation through raising revenue. There is a limit to which you can raise revenue because when it comes to compliance, it becomes an issue. And this year, the issue of the Sales Tax, which was projected to be one of the mechanisms that would have been used to ensure that government raises more money, that has not come out. Then it directly means less revenue, and less revenue implies that you have a bigger fiscal deficit,” said Dr Mphuka.

ZIMBABWE’S state-owned power utility Zesa Holdings (Zesa) is on the brink of collapse due to a plethora of problems.

It is beset by multiple crippling factors, including rampant power theft, non-payment of electricity bills, vandalisation of infrastructure, as well as insufficient foreign currency, an explosive internal report reveals.

Energy and Power Development minister Fortune Chasi, who confirmed the confidential report to the Zimbabwe Independent this week, said there are even cases where some power sub-stations are running without being connected to the national grid, leading to loss of electricity. This comes as Zesa is pleading with government for a subsidy to cover funding gaps created by its refusal to approve the company’s periodic requests for upward electricity tariff reviews, without which its operations are severely compromised.

Zesa says that the funding gap could balloon to ZW$2,8 million by the end of the year if the government does not approve its requests for higher tariffs. It also says it is failing to repair its critical machinery due to acute foreign currency shortages, as it cannot procure required spare parts sourced outside the country.

Chasi said he will present the report to the next sitting of cabinet, where he will also call for adoption of solutions which can rescue the perennial loss-making parastatal from the brink, including a vigorous debt collection strategy, revival of vandalised power infrastructure and introduction of severe and deterrent measures against vandals and thieves who have decimated Zesa infrastructure in recent years. He said the document sheds light on the true state of affairs at Zesa and what needs to be done to save the company and possibly redefine the country’s power systems.

Chasi said he commissioned the compilation of the report after he learnt of the existence of large-scale abstractions of electricty, where some sub-stations are not linked to the national grid.

“We have cases where some of the Zesa sub-stations are not linked to the national grid and yet the power goes to clients. This can only imply that there is a lot of power being lost. We are currently undertaking thorough investigations on this matter to try and establish the extent of the problem but it appears to be rampant,” Chasi said in an interview this week.

“So this report will guide us in terms of trying to save Zesa and map the way forward in terms of curbing these massive power thefts. We have also established rampant cases of illegal connections. The result of this has been that commercial loss of power in Zimbabwe has gone beyond the internationally agreed limit because the losses are quite significant.

“We have also faced serious problems regarding the vandalisation of power infrastructure and theft of electricity transformers and cables. So when I take the report to Cabinet next week, I am going to propose that as a country, we should tighten the law to, for instance, introduce a mandatory 30-year sentence for those convicted by the courts for committing these sorts of offences. We have been studying what is done in other countries. For instance, in South Africa they have a mandatory 30-year sentence which I think is more deterrent than the 10-year sentence we have here.”

The report recommends that Zesa should have demand-side management strategies for it to survive.

“A number of demand-supply management opportunities are available but their implementation is being guided by their level of complexity, cost, planning, data availability, technological advancement and implementation complexities. General available opportunities include loss of efficiency arising from poor maintenance practices of electric motors, reduction of power abstractions and power theft as well as availability of new generation efficient motors and adjustable speed drives. The absence of reliable power supplies cripples economic growth and retards socio-economic development,” the report reads.

The report further indicates fears that Zesa may collapse if the debt situation is not immediately resolved.

“Zesa has been in a drive to collect its dues from the clients. This is an effort to turn around the fortunes of the company. The debt overhang has resulted in poor cashflows which have negatively impacted performance of the company and is threatening its survival. Various initiatives have been put in place in an effort to collect from the clients,” the report reads.

Zesa, in the report, is also appealing for a subsidy from government to the tune of ZW$1,4 billion which it claims to have lost between January and July this year when President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration refused to approve its tariff hike proposal. Government only approved a power tariff increase last month when Finance minister Mthuli Ncube presented the Mid-Term Fiscal Policy in parliament.

However, Zesa is still requesting for more tariff hikes and fears that the funding gap could balloon to ZW$2,8 billion if government does not approve such proposals.

“The recent 2019 tariff adjustment resulted in a tariff of ZWLc38,61/kWh from ZWc9,86/kWh (292% adjustment). The delay in the award has resulted in a funding gap of ZW$1,4 billion for the period January to July 2019. A tariff of ZWLc79,20/kWh has been applied to July target revenue as per application. The failure to implement the proposed tariff of ZWLc79,20/kWh from August to December 2019 will result in a funding gap of ZW$1,44 billion. Hence the total funding gap for the year is ZW$2,8 billion, which could cripple operations at the company,” the document further reads.

Zesa has also been battered by insufficient foreign currency revenue inflows from its encumbered and non-encumbered exporting customers, who are required to pay electricity bills in forex.

“On average about US$8,5 million (including levies and VAT) per month is expected from customers encumbered on the Afrexim Bank loan facility that provides funding for Hwange 7 and 8 Expansion Project. Then about US$12,7 million (including levies and VAT) is expected per month from the exporting non-encumbered customers. The assumption is that levies and VAT will be paid in local currency to enable enough funding to meet current import bills,” the report says.

“The United States dollar payments from these customers will be used to clear the current bills for power imports. However, the expected USD inflows are not sufficient to meet the average import bills of US$15 million. Hence, the RBZ (Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe) will have to assist in clearing the current bills in addition to clearing the outstanding arrears with a payment plan of US$890 000 per week.

“Though funding for power imports may be met by revenue inflows from potential exporters, funding for critical spares, repair and replacement of vandalised and faulty transformers, just to name a few, remains outstanding.”

Zesa is owed a total of ZW$1,2 billion by consumers who are mainly government departments, parastatals, local authorities and commercial farmers.

The country is currently in the middle of an unprecedented power crisis which has forced Zesa to come up with a severe load-shedding programme which has seen most areas go for up to 18 hours without electricity.

Zimbabwe requires 1 800 megawatts per day, but currently there has been a scaling down at the Kariba Power Plant due to low water levels in the lake, which have limited power production to just 190MW, down from 1 050MW per day. The ageing and frequently breaking down Hwange thermal power station is producing 522MW per day, while the country imports 50MW per day from Mozambique and 400MW per day from South Africa’s Eskom.

Small thermal power plants contribute just about 35MW per day, leaving a power deficit of 700MW per day, which is being managed through rolling load-shedding.

By A Correspondent- A NJUBE woman is living in fear of her granddaughter who beats her up and insults her saying she has decaying teeth because she eats human meat.

It is reported that Kuda Tewe is weary of being abused by her granddaughter, Violet Muwilimi, who accuses her of witchcraft.

While seeking a protection order at the Western Commonage courts Mpofu narrated her ordeal. 

“I am applying for a protection order against Muwilimi who is my granddaughter. She is always insulting me saying that I am a witch and I have killed my family members because I want to stay at our family house alone,” said Tewe. 

She added: “She also insults me saying that I have decaying teeth because I eat human meat. She is very violent and she also assaults me. Her behaviour is now disturbing my peace. May the honourable court grant me this protection order so that she may stop insulting and assaulting me.”

In his ruling magistrate Urgent Vundla ordered Muwilimi to refrain from verbally, physically and emotionally abusing her grandmother.

-BMetro

By A Correspondent- 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. 

-BMetro

By A Correspondent- A Buhera man 47-year-old, Hamutyi Mutangi  was last week jailed for four years after being found guilty of fraudulently claiming Ecosure benefits for two sisters he had registered as policy holders, years after their deaths.

Mutangi, of Parovi Village, under Chief Chamutsa, in Buhera last Friday appeared before Chipinge magistrate Mr Poterai Gwezhira for sentencing on the fraud charges.

He had pleaded not guilty, but Mr Gwezhira convicted him due to overwhelming evidence adduced in court.

Prosecutor Mr Gift Bikita proved that sometimes in February 2017, Mutangi made a mobile Ecosure registration for his sister Kungurirai Violet Chamutsa (as policy holder).

Violet had died in July 2002.

“On May 20, 2017, he made an Ecosure funeral policy claim purporting that the policy holder (Violet) had passed away on May 6, 2017 due to short illness.

“He submitted claim forms and was paid $2 000 on his Ecocash number 0774 420165 from Ecosure as funeral benefits for his late sister,” he said.

Mr Bikita said using the modus oparandi, Mutangi, on September 6, 2017, around 12 noon, made another Ecosure mobile registration for his other late sister Constance Chamutsa (as a policy holder).

Constance had died in 2006.

“On July 31, 2018, Mutangi acquired a death certificate from district registry at Birchenough Bridge sub-office after supplying information that Constance had died on July 20, 2018 when in actual fact she had died sometime in 2007, in South Africa.

On August 1, 2018, Mutangi as the beneficiary of the Ecosure funeral policy, submitted some claims forms at Econet Chipinge branch.

“He was claiming $15 000 on the misrepresentation that his sister had died on July 20, 2018 due to a traffic road accident as reflected on the death certificate.

“The complainant checked into his system and discovered that Mutangi had made a similar claim in respect to his other late sister Kungurirai Chamutsa.

“The complainant then made internal investigations and discovered that the alleged policy holder (Constance) had actually died in 2007.”

The matter was reported at Chipinge CID, leading to Mutangi’s arrest.

Mr Gwezhira treated both cases as one for sentencing.

He was slapped four years in jail, of which one year was set aside on condition that he restitutes Ecosure ($2 000) through the clerk of court.-ManicaPost

Who will win the Glen View South seat?

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) August 30, 2019

By A Correspondent- A Bulawayo councillor is at the centre of a nepotism and partisanship storm amid allegations that she is unfairly employing residents for the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP).

Magwegwe residents on Monday came out guns blazing vowing not to rest until they strip Councillor Concilia Mlalazi of Ward 18 of her employing powers during a community engagement meeting organised by Transparency International Zimbabwe (TIZ) at Magwegwe Hall.

According to the residents, Mlalazi’s employees were mostly MDC party members, her relatives and friends.

During the meeting several residents openly fumed at Mlalazi for employing her associates and family.

“We are not going back on fighting against corruption and nepotism. She is employing people on partisan lines because the people she employed worked as election agents during her campaign in 2018.

“We are not satisfied because she is biased to her party. She must be fair because she is not a party councillor. Vulnerable people must benefit from this programme, not only her relatives as she employs the same faces every time. The councillor must not be partisan and must treat residents equally especially when employing EPWP employees. She must have people at heart,” said a worried resident, Josphat Ncube.

Youths also expressed concern.

“As the youth we are not happy with Mlalazi. Times are hard and we all deserve fair opportunities when it comes to employment so that we can all make ends meet. Nepotism is not fair at all. The most painful thing is that Mlalazi doesn’t engage with the public in regard to employment of people,” said one Gilbert Manwere.

According to a TIZ official the meeting was held as a follow up on a petition against the councillor by residents.

“It is a follow up on residents’ concerns about the councillor. The councillor must attend such platforms and grasp the grievances of the people from her ward,” said Njabulo Ncube.

B- Metro is in possession of the petition which was signed by 500 Magwegwe residents’ and submitted to the Bulawayo City Council on 2 August 2019 by Transparency International Zimbabwe to rid Mlalazi of her employing privileges.

In the petition Mlalazi is blamed for violating residents’ rights.

“EPWP programme is only benefiting a small group of people at the expense of those who genuinely deserve the temporary employment. 

“Ward 18 Residents have alleged nepotism in the recruitment of the residents for EPWP, in accordance with Section 59 of the Constitution which is an empowering provision which enables residents to use their collective voice against poor service delivery. The residents’ petition that the councillor be stripped of her employing powers in EPWP,” read the letter. 

Mlalazi however refused to comment on the allegations before terminating the call.

-BMetro

By A Correspondent- Gun-toting and machete-wielding robbers pounced on The Manica Post Senior Reporter Abel Zhakata’s house in Dangamvura and vanished with cash and an assortment of electronic gadgets worth US$15 000 early Wednesday morning.

The robbers, believed to be eight, ransacked the house and stashed their loot in Zhakata’s new white Toyota Hiace quantum, which they used as a gateway vehicle before dumping it along Jeff Road.

Among other things, the armed robbers made good their escape with $US2 200, RTGS$3 065, 10 cell phones, three laptops, Apple Ipad.

They also took away car keys for Zhakata’s kombi and Jeep Cherokee.

The spine-chilling incident, which happened at 2am left Zhakata’s family, including his three-year old child, traumatised as the ruthless armed robbers threatened to burn them with a hot iron.

Narrating the blood-curdling incident, Zhakata who sustained minor injuries, said the armed robbers were determined to kill.

“I could feel the chilling end of the barrel of a gun placed on my head. It was brutal and terrifying. They gained entrance after cutting the razor wire and jumped over the pre-cast wall at around 2am.

“They were semi-masked. They gained entry into the house by destroying the iron screen and door using huge sledge hammers and iron bars.

“I was awakened by a huge sound only to see a group of robbers scattered everywhere. We were in a state of shock.

“They broke into the main bedroom and pointed a gun at me. They tied my hands and assaulted me demanding the safe keys. They took away some money, phones, laptops and other valuables, but kept demanding more.

“They thought I had more money so they kept assaulting me. I told them I had no more money.

“My three-year-old child refused to comply with the robbers’ orders to keep quiet and this destabilised them.

“They ransacked all rooms and harassed everyone before demanding my car keys. They took away my new white quantum and drove away. The kombi was later recovered along Jeff Road with some bullets inside,” he said.

“We have since launched a manhunt to bring the culprits to book,” added Kakohwa.-ManicaPost

FORMER First Lady Grace Mugabe’s usually uncalled for tantrums have landed her and her husband, former President Robert Mugabe, in trouble and appearing in court.

The former first family are being sued by a Durban based freight company after Grace Mugabe, in a spate of anger, instructed two of her employees identified as Mugombi and Nhari to chase a delivery truck driver out of their Alpha Omega Dairy Farm and further confiscated his vehicle in 2014 when Mugabe was still President.

According to court records, the driver had delivered goods from South Africa when the employees led by Grace attacked the driver who had to flee leaving the truck behind.

Sun Marine Shipping (Private) Limited took the former first couple to court, on the matter.

Grace Mugabe is said to have accused the driver of having damaged one of the machines delivered while transporting it to the farm from South Africa.

The couple’s company, Alpha Omega was cited as the respondent in the application in which Sun Marine Shipping is seeking its properties back.

“The applicant through its driver was enjoying peaceful and undisturbed possession of its international 9800 truck horse, registration number ND 749272, two interlink trailers with registration ND 540422 and ND 539649 and a twenty fit container which it was illicitly ousted or despoiled from by the respondent.

“The said property was illicitly taken from the applicant’s driver by the respondent’s employees, Mr Mugombi and Mr Nhari by forcibly taking the truck keys from him.

“This was soon after delivering and offloading the respondent’s consignment of Aseptic Filler for packing UHT milk, model THP 7200 AS and UHT Packaging Machine, at the respondent’s Mazowe Farm,” reads the complainant’s application.

The founding affidavit further reads, “The applicant’s driver had to run for his dear life leaving his clothing, kitchenware and toiletries in the truck horse. “

It is reported that the goods are still in the truck which is still parked at Gushungo Holdings workshop.

Sun Marine Shipping said Mugombi and Nhari confiscated their truck in the course and scope of their employment without a court order.

“I am advised that the said actions amount to spoliation in that there was no consent of deprivation by the applicant,” said Cutmore Makumbirofa who prepared the affidavit on behalf of Sun Marine Shipping.

He said despite demand, the respondent insists the truck now belongs to it because it is entitled to damages for repair of UHT packaging machine which was damaged while on transit.

Sun Marine said alpha Omega should have approached the courts for recourse.

The company claims that the truck has since been vandalised and things removed include two diesel truck heavy duty batteries, eight rear new tyres, two super single tyres, one from the trailer and another from the spare wheel, driver’s side mirror covers, trailer storage bins, wheel nuts, landing platform on trailer jumbo legs, inner blocking filter and other accessories.

Sun Marine Shipping says the remaining remedy was for it to seek court intervention before it prayed that its application be granted.

The litigant is yet to respond.

By A Correspondent- Yesterday was the International Day of The Victims Of Enforced Disappearance, the US embassy took the time to remember missing activist Itai Dzamara.

Dzamara, a political activist went missing on 9 March 2015 at a barber shop in Glenview, Harare.

Known for his Occupy Africa Unity Square campaign against the former President Robert Mugabe, Dzamara was reportedly abducted by suspected state security agents he has never been seen since.

The US Embassy in Harare on twitter said:

“On this International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearance, we remember journalist & activist Itai Dzamara & all other victims in Zimbabwe. Articles 48-50 of the #Zimbabwe constitution define the right to life, personal liberty & the rights of arrested & detained persons.”

Independent|PARLIAMENT says government finances are in a mess and has summoned Finance minister Mthuli Ncube – as a matter of urgency – to regularise a series of unauthorised expenditures which now include the ZW$10,85 billion supplementary budget which he presented earlier this month.

Legislators also say government – and Treasury’s – accounting systems are in a shambles.

The MPs wants Ncube to appear in parliament to “seek condonation of all the unauthorised expenditure incurred since 2014”.

Government has been engaging in extra budgetary expenditures without parliamentary approval.

For instance, MPs say government spent ZW$2,7 billion – which was then equivalent to US$2,7 billion in 2017; ZW$3,2 billion in 2018 and recently announced plans to spend ZW$10,85 billion – all without parliament authorisation – on top of the ZW$8 billion 2019 budget.

Parliament’s demands and recommendations are contained in a report by the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee (Pac) on Public Accounts titled First Report of the Public Accounts Committee on Compliance Issues for the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development: First Session – Ninth Parliament, obtained by Zimbabwe Independent.

The legislature also wants Ncube to account for state loans and guarantees. MPs have thus given him up to September 30 – in some cases up to tomorrow – to disclose the terms and conditions of all public loans and loan guarantees that have not been published.

The legislators also queried the exact amount of Zimbabwe total debt stock.

Ncube told parliament during his mid-term budget review on August 1 that: “Zimbabwe’s total debt stock is estimated at ZWL$66,8 billion as at the end of June. As at the end of June 2019, external public and publicly guaranteed debt position is estimated at US$8 billion (ZWL$58,1 billion, of which almost US$5,9 billion (ZWL$42,7 billion) is accumulated arrears.

“Multilateral institutions are owed a total of US$2,5 billion (ZWL$18,5 billion), of which the World Bank is owed US$1,5 billion (ZWL$10,6 billion), African Development Bank US$702 million (ZWL$5,1 billion), European Investment Bank US$309 million (ZWL$2,2 billion) and other multilaterals US$74 million (ZWL$535 million).

“Total bilateral debt amounted to US$5,5 billion (ZWL$39,6 billion), with Paris Club creditors accounting for US$3,5 billion (ZWL$25,1 billion) and non-Paris Club US$1,6 billion (ZWL$11,3 billion).”

When Ncube presented his 2019 national budget in November last year, he said the country’s domestic debt stood at US$9,6 billion, while the total debt was US$17,6 billion. This meant external debt was US$8 billion – which it remains as now. The dramatic change, though, has been on the domestic debt. From US$9,6 billion, it is now a mere ZWL$8,8 billion (US$880 million).

“Consequently, adherence to sound fiscal and monetary policy reforms allowed containment of domestic debt stock which stood at ZWL$8,8 billion as at end June 2019, down from ZWL$9,5 billion as at December 31, 2018,” Ncube said.

The Independent scrutinised and analysed Ncube’s figures and discovered a staggering US$7 billion grand heist by government on domestic creditors. Further, parliament also wants accountability on a series of violations of the constitution and the law – at least 17 breaches – on public spending, resulting is massive waste of public funds.

The report reveals government’s financial systems are dysfunctional and that Treasury finances are in a shambles. It also exposes a series of acts of non-compliance by the Ministry of Finance on expenditure in relation to the constitution and the law.

Laws that the Finance ministry has failed to comply with in the course of public expenditures over the past couple of years include the Public Finance Management (PFM) Act and the Public Debt Management (PDM) Act.

“Government must at all times adhere to the approved budget. The Minister of Finance and Economic Development must as a matter of urgency bring to the National Assembly, bills seeking condonation of all the unauthorised expenditure incurred since 2014. Such condonation must be sought by end of August 2019,” the report says.

The report of the Pac committee – chaired by former Finance minister Tendai Biti – gives examples of 17 actions of non-compliance with the constitution and the law on public spending. Among the 17 actions are non-compliance with the provisions of section 300 (3) of the constitution in that Ncube failed to publish, in the Government Gazette, loans contracted and guarantees issued by government within 60 days of their conclusion.

The report also says Ncube did not comply with Section 300(4) of the constitution in that he failed to present to parliament a report on loans raised and guarantees issued by the state and a comprehensive report on public debt. Ncube also failed to comply with section 305(5) of the constitution in that he failed to present in the National Assembly additional or supplementary estimates of expenditure and additional or supplementary bills.

Other acts of non-compliance noted by the report include non-compliance with the provisions of Section 23(1) of the-PFM Act (Chapter 22:19) in that since 2014, the Accountant- General had failed to issue warrants under his hand, authorising accounting officers to incur expenditure up to the limits and for the purposes and subjects to conditions contained therein.

There was also non-compliance with Section 30 of the-PFM Act (Chapter 22:19) in that Treasury failed to withhold funds appropriated to ministries whose functions were assigned to other ministries and to allocate those remaining funds to other ministries or institutions as well as non-compliance with section 11(2) of the Public Debt Management Act in that the limits for government’s borrowing were not fixed by the National Assembly by resolution nor by means of a provision in a Finance Bill.

According to the report, the true extent of the country’s debt is unknown, with Treasury providing varying figures. As a result, Ncube has been summoned to provide accurate figures. What has worsened the chaos is that the total domestic and foreign debt of US$17,69 billion as at August 2018 reported in the 2019 budget statement was different to the US$9,2 billion reflected in the 2019 budget estimates.

“The Committee also noted that some external debts were improperly classified as domestic debt. Examples include China Nanchang Engineering, China International Water and Electricity Corporation and RBZ-/Zisco/Dutch, Mota Engil and HCCL (Hwange Colliery Company Limited) Creditors and PTA Bank among others,” the report says.

“It was further noted that all the loans obtained/debts incurred should have been presented to Parliament for approval as these were acquired outside the budget. The Minister of Finance and Economic Development must cause the terms of loans contracted and guarantees to be published in the Gazette by 30 September 2019. This applies to loans and guarantees that were not previously published.”

Among the recommendations made by the committee in its report are that Ncube must present the first report to parliament on the performance of loans and guarantees in 2019 by August 31 2019.

The committee further stated he should present the second report for 2019 and a comprehensive statement of the public debt in Zimbabwe at the time the estimates of revenue and expenditure for the 2020 financial year are laid before the National Assembly.

Ncube was also directed to cause the terms of loans contracted and guarantees to be published in the Government Gazette by September 30, 2019. This applies to loans and guarantees that were not previously published. The committee further said the Accountant-General should prepare a consolidated quarterly financial statement for the first and second quarter of 2019 for tabling in the National Assembly by Ncube as well as a submission to the Portfolio Committee on Budget, Finance and Economic Development for tabling and presentation to the committee by August 31, 2019 – tomorrow. From Page 1

“Zimbabwe’s total debt stock is estimated at ZWL$66,8 billion as at the end of June. As at the end of June 2019, external public and publicly guaranteed debt position is estimated at US$8 billion (ZWL$58,1 billion, of which almost US$5,9 billion (ZWL$42,7 billion) is accumulated arrears.

“Multilateral institutions are owed a total of US$2,5 billion (ZWL$18,5 billion), of which the World Bank is owed US$1,5 billion (ZWL$10,6 billion), African Development Bank US$702 million (ZWL$5,1 billion), European Investment Bank US$309 million (ZWL$2,2 billion) and other multilaterals US$74 million (ZWL$535 million).

“Total bilateral debt amounted to US$5,5 billion (ZWL$39,6 billion), with Paris Club creditors accounting for US$3,5 billion (ZWL$25,1 billion) and non-Paris Club US$1,6 billion (ZWL$11,3 billion).”

When Ncube presented his 2019 national budget in November last year, he said the country’s domestic debt stood at US$9,6 billion, while the total debt was US$17,6 billion. This meant external debt was US$8 billion – which it remains as now. The dramatic change, though, has been on the domestic debt. From US$9,6 billion, it is now a mere ZWL$8,8 billion (US$880 million).

“Consequently, adherence to sound fiscal and monetary policy reforms allowed containment of domestic debt stock which stood at ZWL$8,8 billion as at end June 2019, down from ZWL$9,5 billion as at December 31, 2018,” Ncube said.

The Independent scrutinised and analysed Ncube’s figures and discovered a staggering US$7 billion grand heist by government on domestic creditors. Further, parliament also wants accountability on a series of violations of the constitution and the law – at least 17 breaches – on public spending, resulting is massive waste of public funds.

The report reveals government’s financial systems are dysfunctional and that Treasury finances are in a shambles. It also exposes a series of acts of non-compliance by the Ministry of Finance on expenditure in relation to the constitution and the law.

Laws that the Finance ministry has failed to comply with in the course of public expenditures over the past couple of years include the Public Finance Management (PFM) Act and the Public Debt Management (PDM) Act.

“Government must at all times adhere to the approved budget. The Minister of Finance and Economic Development must as a matter of urgency bring to the National Assembly, bills seeking condonation of all the unauthorised expenditure incurred since 2014. Such condonation must be sought by end of August 2019,” the report says.

The report of the Pac committee – chaired by former Finance minister Tendai Biti – gives examples of 17 actions of non-compliance with the constitution and the law on public spending. Among the 17 actions are non-compliance with the provisions of section 300 (3) of the constitution in that Ncube failed to publish, in the Government Gazette, loans contracted and guarantees issued by government within 60 days of their conclusion.

The report also says Ncube did not comply with Section 300(4) of the constitution in that he failed to present to parliament a report on loans raised and guarantees issued by the state and a comprehensive report on public debt. Ncube also failed to comply with section 305(5) of the constitution in that he failed to present in the National Assembly additional or supplementary estimates of expenditure and additional or supplementary bills.

Other acts of non-compliance noted by the report include non-compliance with the provisions of Section 23(1) of the-PFM Act (Chapter 22:19) in that since 2014, the Accountant- General had failed to issue warrants under his hand, authorising accounting officers to incur expenditure up to the limits and for the purposes and subjects to conditions contained therein.

There was also non-compliance with Section 30 of the-PFM Act (Chapter 22:19) in that Treasury failed to withhold funds appropriated to ministries whose functions were assigned to other ministries and to allocate those remaining funds to other ministries or institutions as well as non-compliance with section 11(2) of the Public Debt Management Act in that the limits for government’s borrowing were not fixed by the National Assembly by resolution nor by means of a provision in a Finance Bill.

According to the report, the true extent of the country’s debt is unknown, with Treasury providing varying figures. As a result, Ncube has been summoned to provide accurate figures. What has worsened the chaos is that the total domestic and foreign debt of US$17,69 billion as at August 2018 reported in the 2019 budget statement was different to the US$9,2 billion reflected in the 2019 budget estimates.

“The Committee also noted that some external debts were improperly classified as domestic debt. Examples include China Nanchang Engineering, China International Water and Electricity Corporation and RBZ-/Zisco/Dutch, Mota Engil and HCCL (Hwange Colliery Company Limited) Creditors and PTA Bank among others,” the report says.

“It was further noted that all the loans obtained/debts incurred should have been presented to Parliament for approval as these were acquired outside the budget. The Minister of Finance and Economic Development must cause the terms of loans contracted and guarantees to be published in the Gazette by 30 September 2019. This applies to loans and guarantees that were not previously published.”

Among the recommendations made by the committee in its report are that Ncube must present the first report to parliament on the performance of loans and guarantees in 2019 by August 31 2019.

The committee further stated he should present the second report for 2019 and a comprehensive statement of the public debt in Zimbabwe at the time the estimates of revenue and expenditure for the 2020 financial year are laid before the National Assembly.

Ncube was also directed to cause the terms of loans contracted and guarantees to be published in the Government Gazette by September 30, 2019. This applies to loans and guarantees that were not previously published. The committee further said the Accountant-General should prepare a consolidated quarterly financial statement for the first and second quarter of 2019 for tabling in the National Assembly by Ncube as well as a submission to the Portfolio Committee on Budget, Finance and Economic Development for tabling and presentation to the committee by August 31, 2019.

By A Correspondent- Health and Child Care minister Obadiah Moyo has revealed that the country is losing an estimated $400 million annually on overseas medical treatments.

Moyo made the disclosure in Nyanga, while officially opening the second annual general meeting and conference of Private Hospitals Association of Zimbabwe.

Said Moyo:

“Having our own up to standard facilities will make wonders and no-one will be airlifted out of the country for health treatment and I have shared this with the President.

Government and ruling Zanu PF party officials have largely bled the country by flying out to seek medical treatment overseas, running away from local health institutions that have been run down through neglet over the years.

Former President Robert Mugabe and incumbent President Emmerson Mnangagwa, his deputies Constantino Chiwenga and Kembo Mohadi as well as top government officials have in recent months been receiving treatment outside the country.

Mugabe made several trips to Singapore during and after his 37-year rule and Chiwenga is currently in China for medical treatment after initially visiting India and South Africa.

The $400 million the country is losing annually is adequate to renovate and equip several public health institutions.

In his address, Moyo ordered private hospital operators to stop charging in US dollars and abide with government policy of using local currency for the benefit of every Zimbabwean.

Moyo said punitive measures would be taken on hospitals that continue to charge in US dollars.

“Charging in US dollars is illegal and it is an act of corruption which is there to disadvantage the people of Zimbabwe. As government, let me set the record straight, it is illegal, and no one is above the law, action will be taken,” Moyo said.

“There are a lot of health institutions that are mushrooming, registered and unregistered . . . and most of those small hospitals are the ones illegally charging US dollars, but the law will surely catch up with them” he added.

Various groups and institutions who have gathered for the conference aired their grievances to the minister relating to cost of service delivery and challenges they are facing which include electricity and defaulting medical aid societies as well as exorbitant prices of overheads.

The minister assured the delegates that government was doing everything possible to make health service provision easy.

“Let me submit to you that we have started with Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals which will be having a face lift, while I urge you to come together so that we don’t lose that money which is being taken overseas for medical treatments.”-Newsday

VIDEO LOADING BELOW…

VIDEO LOADING BELOW…

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.

THE ever-increasing fares of buses servicing long haul routes has resulted in passengers resorting to rail transport as it is more convenient and affordable. The Herald visited the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) Harare station yesterday and witnessed scores of travellers queueing to purchase tickets to various destinations.

The Herald established that commuters are now opting for trains rather than buses and kombis as they are cheaper and safer. Long-distance public transport is now beyond the reach of many and travellers, especially those travelling to Mutare, are now devoting most of their time to queueing at the NRZ Harare offices for either bookings or waiting for the next available train.

NRZ is charging $40 for the sleeper class to and from Mutare. The standard class is going for $30 while the economy class is charging $25, compared to other public transport forms which are charging between $75 and $85 for the same distance in cash or $100 via EcoCash.

Bulawayo-Harare and Bulawayo-Victoria Falls fares are $60 for the sleeper class, $50 for the standard class and $40 for the economy class. Road public transporters are charging between $100 and $115 in cash while the EcoCash charge is now at $150 for the Harare-Bulawayo route.

The Harare-Mutare route is now the busiest due to the high number of cross-border traders who take advantage of Mutare’s proximity to Mozambique. The Herald survey showed that this week the train to Mutare was carrying 1 000-1 500 passengers per day.

Steven Damster, a passenger queueing to buy a ticket said: “This is actually my first time to board a train, I decided to purchase a ticket since it is way cheaper than buses.”

“I now prefer using trains than buses because the money they are demanding at the terminus is too much, I cannot afford it,” said another passenger, James Daka.

NRZ Public Relations Manager, Mr Nyasha Maravanyika, said they are doing everything in their power to respond to community demands as more people continue to opt for trains.

-State Media

MORIBUND airline Air Zimbabwe (AirZim) has not yet obtained the crucial operating manual for its Embraer ERJ145, four months after taking delivery of the aircraft from the manufacturer, the Zimbabwe Independent can report.

This comes after the flag carrier missed its deadline to fly the twin-engine ERJ145 regional jet, which was initially set to take off within the first six weeks of delivery.

Flying the ERJ145 is dependent upon the embattled airline satisfying a rigorous process known as the “Know Your Customer” (KYC) in aviation circles. The manufacturer will furnish AirZim with the manual after fulfilling requirements of that process.

Under the KYC exercise, clients have to prove their ability to maintain purchased aircraft, as well as show the competence of its cabin crew, among other requirements.

AirZim took control of the aircraft which was purchased in controversial circumstances by murky private airline Zimbabwe Airways from the United States in 2017.

In the absence of the operating manual, the plane cannot take off.

“The ERJ145 is not yet operating as we are still completing the Know Your Customer (KYC) application and approval process with the manufacturer, which process is already work in progress,” the response from AirZim reads.

“Once a KYC approval is granted we will have access to the requisite manuals which will allow the aircraft to become serviceable.”

The troubled airline, saddled with a US$381 million debt, now has three planes in its depleted fleet after the purchase of the ERJ145.

Only one of the three planes is currently flying, as the embattled airline battles to return to viability after decades of mismanagement and corruption. At Independence, AirZim had a fleet of 18 planes.

Government has also indicated that it intends to purchase two additional long-haul Boeing 777s as it seeks to expand the Air Zimbabwe fleet.

The ERJ145 is expected to ease pressure on the Boeing 767 which AirZim is currently flying. The Boeing 767 survived a mid-air scare when it caught fire in May.

AirZim was last year placed under reconstruction after creditors threatened to sue the state-owned airline.

-Zimbabwe Independent

A TEACHER at Amavene Primary School in Bulawayo’s Nkulumane suburb has been arraigned for allegedly beating up and damaging the eardrum of a Grade Seven pupil he accused of poor performance.

Benuka Phiri (52) from Nkulumane 5 suburb allegedly slapped Leo Muriwo twice on his ear for failing a test, resulting in his eardrum discharging yellow pus which has given him problems since 2014. 

Phiri appeared before West Commonage magistrate Ms Tancy Dube facing assault charges.

She was remanded in custody to September 3 for commencement of trial.

The court heard that the boy’s mother only reported the matter to the police after Phiri defaulted paying Leo’s medical bills.

Prosecuting, Mr Tapiwa Solani said the teacher committed the crime sometime in 2014.

“Phiri slapped Leo on his left ear resulting in him being deaf and has sustained internal pain for almost six years since 2014,” said the prosecutor.

He said Phiri only assisted with $60 for hospital bills and the boy’s medical problems have persisted.

“Leo’s ear started discharging more pus and he told his mother who confronted Phiri. However, she refused to pay the bills,” said Mr Solani.

The matter was reported to the police leading to Phiri’s arrest.

-State Media

Jane Mlambo| An unnamed opposition MDC national executive member has been accused of sending threatening messages to outspoken political commentator Pedzisai Ruhanya over his comments about the Nelson Chamisa led party.

Posting on Twitter, Ruhanya said the senior party member was threatening to destroy him.

“Dear MDC NEC member: I take note of your threatening messages that you sent to my WhatsApp making frivolous allegations to destroy me saying you are mother dirty and destroyer. Well, I am sorry to tell you that I am allergic to intimidation thru your bogus democratic credentials,” posted Ruhanya.

Ruhanya is known for posting messages on Twitter that either praise or critique the MDC and this may not have gone well with the unnamed official who decided to threaten the motormouth academic.

Source: Daily News

Jane Mlambo| Journalist, Hopewell Chin’ono has defended former President Robert Mugabe saying he used the Air Zimbabwe flight on all his trips doing away with luxuries that his predecessor Emmerson Mnangagwa seems to be enjoying.

This follows a story published in one of the local dailies which reported that Mnangagwa blew 1,7 million United States Dollars on his recent trip to Japan.

“I flew to London several times on the Air Zimbabwe Boeing 767, which Robert Mugabe used, just after he had gotten of it from a trip. It never had all these luxuries. Mugabe slept on a make shift bed on the left side of the plane, after removing some seats,” said Chin’ono.

FIVE Mthwakazi Republic Party (MRP) activists were arrested for allegedly dancing and singing derogatory songs with tribal connotations outside the Bulawayo High Court while celebrating the release of Chief Felix Nhlanhlayamangwe Ndiweni on bail.

Partone Xaba (43) of Nkulumane, Akim Ndebele (32) of Cowdray Park, Ndabazelizwe Ncube (28) of Mzilikazi and Mongameli Mlotshwa (33) of Magwegwe West appeared before Bulawayo magistrate, Mr Tinashe Tashaya, facing charges of disorderly conduct in violation of section 4(a) of Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.

They were remanded out of custody to September 4 on $100 a bail each.

The accused persons were ordered to report twice a week on Mondays and Fridays at the Bulawayo Central Police Station (CID Law and Order section) and not to interfere with State witnesses as part of the bail conditions.

They were also ordered to reside at their given addresses until the matter is finalised.

The prosecutor, Mr Mufaro Mageza said on August 28, the accused persons gathered outside the High Court in Bulawayo where they were waiting to hear the outcome of Chief Ndiweni’s application for bail pending appeal against his conviction and sentence for malicious damage to property.

“Soon after the hearing of Chief Ndiweni’s bail application, the accused persons gathered outside the High Court building waving placards as they danced and sang derogatory songs with tribal connotations,” said Mr Mageza.

Some of the placards were inscribed with the words “Free Ndiweni,” Ndiweni’s life is in danger,” and “We want justice: No to tribalism.”

The accused persons were captured in action while allegedly committing the offence by a police photographer.

Police detectives were deployed to the scene and arrested the accused persons.

Meanwhile, Mlotshwa also appeared separately before the same magistrate facing a charge of assaulting a police detective who was on duty monitoring the situation.

He was remanded out of custody to September 12 on $100 bail.

Mlotshwa allegedly grabbed the cop by his belt before punching and kicking him in the stomach.

Mr Mageza said on August 28 at around 3PM, the complainant, who was clad in civilian clothes, had been deployed in the area around the High Court to monitor the situation.

Mlotshwa spotted the complainant receiving a phone call and he confronted him and shouted at him before assaulting him.

“The accused person pushed the complainant and punched him before he kicked him in the stomach as he shouted at him calling him a thief,” said Mr Mageza.

The complainant was rescued by his colleagues before they apprehended Mlotshwa leading to his arrest.

-State Media

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.

Association of Healthcare Funders of Zimbabwe chief executive officer Mrs Shylet Sanyanga said the pharmaceutical industry continues to charge medicines in United States dollars with those accepting RTGS converting at very high rates, resulting in many patients failing to access essential medicines.

A snap survey by our Harare Bureau in Harare yesterday showed that some patients had resorted to buying their medicines from neighbouring countries such as South Africa and Zambia where the prices are relatively low.

Some traders who cross the borders frequently are even bringing over the counter medicines such as cough syrups and pain killers into the country to sell on the informal market.

In addition, some foreign based individuals are using social media platforms such as Facebook and twitter to link with Zimbabwean patients and sell them pharmaceuticals from abroad mainly South Africa and United Kingdom at much low prices.

This combined trend is likely to see an increase in expiration of pharmaceutical products due to low consumption, raising other fears that some providers might end up selling expired medicines at cheaper prices to unsuspecting patients.

A local pharmacist who spoke on condition of anonymity said most patients are now buying short-term supplies instead of the whole prescribed course.

“Patients are buying supplies for just a few days to a week. Some are even forgoing medicines like pain killers and cough mixtures to save money and only purchase antibiotics when they have infections,” he said.

However, Pharmaceutical Society of Zimbabwe (PSZ) president Mr Portifa Mwendera attributed the decline of medicine uptake rate to failure by medical aid societies to match current cost of medicines.

“We have noticed that the consumption of pharmaceutical services has declined significantly over the last quarter mainly due to affordability issues.

“The healthcare funders have failed to match the increase in healthcare costs particularly the price of medicines and their reimbursement rates are very low leading to increased shortfalls and out of pocket settlements for medicines,” he said.

Pharmaceutical Wholesalers’ Association chairman, Mr Kudakwashe Chapfika, said economic challenges have contributed to reduced spending at retail level.

“Consumer spending at retail level has reduced markedly due to the worsening economic situation and revenues have tumbled, thereby affecting the whole pharmaceutical value chain with reduced uptake of pharmaceutical products,” said Mr Chapfika.

Government is working flat out to make available affordable medicines at public health institutions.

-State Media

The Minister of Energy and Power Development Fortune Chasi says the Zimbabwe Power situation is set to ease after another unit at Hwange Power Station started to feed power into the national grid.

In an update on Friday Chasi said, “UNIT 4 Hwange Firing started @1522Hrs yesterday. It was Targeted to kick in at 2130Hrs last night. As a result we are Expecting an 80MW boost this morning to ease load shedding. Good morning to you all.”

Zimbabwe electricity woes have been mounting for years and the government is blaming the citizens for the non-payment of bills.

Writing on a weekly newspaper recently Economist Victor Bhoroma said, ” Zesa needs to smart meter all electricity consumers according to their classes as a critical success factor. Zesa so far has less than 700 000 smart meters countrywide against a target of more than 2,5 million. The main targets for the metering exercise should be big debtors such as local authorities, farms, government departments, parastatals and manufacturers who owe the local utility close to US$1 billion. An ideal model can involve periodic deductions or payment plans to settle legacy debts in exchange for electricity.”

-Online

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.

-State Media

Police have recovered Prophetic Healing and Deliverance (PHD) Ministries founder Walter Magaya’s stolen car.

They found it dumped in Whitecliff, Harare, after it was driven away by robbers who attacked his parents’ Waterfalls home on Sunday midnight.

Police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the development, saying investigations into the robbery case were ongoing.

“The car and two cellphones were recovered in Whitecliff, Harare, yesterday (Tuesday) and investigations are still continuing. The car was (found) dumped by the roadside,” Nyathi said.

The car, which belonged to Magaya’s mother, Emma Muvirimi, was stolen by seven armed and masked men, who pounced on the PHD Ministries founder’s parents on Sunday, after beating up security guards at the property and leaving them for dead.

The unidentified armed robbers also went away with large sums of money and cellphones after beating up Magaya’s father, Freddy Muvirimi, leaving him with a fractured hand. They also sprinkled petrol on the PHD leader’s mother intending to set her ablaze.

Clothes, which were removed from bags that had been ransacked, were strewn all over the house.

Some of the clothes were soaked in blood from the heavily battered security guards, who are still receiving medical attention at a private health facility in the city.

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.

-State Media

Phillip Guyo, who contested the St Mary’s seat in last year’s harmonised elections on a Zanu-PF ticket, was yesterday arrested in connection with the land scam involving Chitungwiza Mayor Lovemore Maiko, works director David Duma and Ward 2 councillor Kudakwashe John.

Guyo, who owns Metal Hill Company, reportedly bribed Cllr John — who is the public works committee chairperson — with US$20 000 to ensure that he got land.

The council officials are being charged with abuse of office.

A source close to the goings-on said the four suspects were yesterday taken to Harare Central Police Station for further investigations.

“The mayor, engineer and councillor were released on Thursday night into the custody of their lawyers but reported at St Mary’s Police Station yesterday morning where they were then taken to Harare Commercial Crimes Division,” said the source.

The four are expected to appear in court once police investigations have been completed.

According to a lease agreement in possession of this publication, Guyo bought a 2 500 square metre stand in St Mary’s at a cost of $27 500.

He was supposed to pay at least 30 percent of the total amount by October 22 2019, while the balance would be payable in 12 monthly instalments of $1 845.

The proposed sale of the land at Chigovanyika was shot down by councillors during a recent full council meeting who cited numerous grey areas, but the trio allegedly proceeded with the deal.

The piece of land was never subjected to competitive bidding as prescribed by the Urban Councils’ Act.

Other councillors allegedly involved in the shady deal are said to be Deputy Mayor Musa Makweza, Jabulani Mtunzi, Fungai Magadzire, Dingo, Tichaona Muchakwa, Maria Majoni and Question Dingo although none of them has been arrested as yet.

The MDC-Alliance-run council has failed to deliver basic services to the people in terms of water, waste management and refuse collection services preferring instead to focus on self-enrichment corrupt activities.

Leaders of political parties involved in the national dialogue yesterday met in Mutare yesterday for the validation of the Political Actors Dialogue (POLAD) strategic planning document, which will guide future deliberations. Speaking on the sidelines of the meeting, various party leaders called on the MDC-Alliance to join the national dialogue instead of calling for demonstrations over issues that could be solved at the table.

MDC-T president Dr Thokozani Khupe said the issues being raised by those planning illegal demonstrations were the very same issues being discussed under POLAD.

“As political actors, we are having dialogue for a better life for Zimbabweans. We are here to validate the workplan that our members came up with so that we can come up with an agenda on various issues like the economy, political reforms, re-engagement and other issues bedevilling the country,” she said.

“If you look at the issues being raised by those who wanted to demonstrate, they are the same issues which we want to address as POLAD. Why would they want to get people on the street where they can get arrested when there is a forum where we can talk and agree on a solution without endangering the masses?”

National Constitutional Assembly (NCA) president Dr Lovemore Madhuku all parties should support the initiative if they are to come up with a plan that benefits the country as a whole.

“We believe it is more important for Zimbabweans to engage, to try and find each other. Although protest actions are constitutional, there are times when you have to say we would rather take time to dialogue for solutions,” he said.

He said some parties were dismissing the dialogue for selfish reasons and called for a buy-in from everyone to ensure the next election in 2023 is held under different circumstances.

United African National Council (UANC) Zimbabwe president Mr Nesbert Mutengezanwa called on Zimbabweans to be patient as the political leaders try to come up with lasting solutions to the problems being faced.

“People are quick to talk about politics, but if they have ideas they think can help the country come out of this situation, they should come to dialogue. All political parties should join this dialogue because we need everyone’s input,” he said.

The POLAD strategic planning document was formulated by the political party representatives in last month to reflect the views of their constituencies.

National Peace and Reconciliation Commission (NPRC) chairperson and Polad co-convenor Justice Selo Nare, said the workshop was an opportunity for political leaders to scrutinise the draft strategic planning document and endorse it.

“We as co-conveners saw it fit that the process be led by the political actors themselves and we are proud that your representatives managed to draft a document to guide our dialogue process. It is therefore imperative that this engagement between the principals be fruitful in its purpose. Hence the parties here present should endeavour to produce a justifiable document and thus, attention to detail is vital,” he said.

-State Media

TV host, Steve Harvey is in SA. and Fans are excited of the news  his hit game show Family Feud will have its own SA version.

However, thats not he only thing the US star has in store for us. While on Thando Thabethe’s Thabooty Drive Show on 5FM, he also played matchmaker for one of his sons.

“I have a couple of sons you need to holler at… scoop you up, you’ll be in Beverly Hills by Friday,” Steve said to the beauty.

Thando replied: “We can talk when we’re done here… I mean, we can leave TONIGHT!” Obviously playing along because she’s got Lunga Shabalala, right?

Fans encouraged Thando to take Steve up on his offer, but we doubt she would because she is boo’d-up!

The actress was, however, excited to meet Steve Harvey.

Tweeting some pics of herself and her “father-in-law”, she wrote: “Thank you for a beautiful insightful, candid, honest conversation. Today will forever be inscribed in my heart.”

-Celebgossip

A TEACHER at Amavene Primary School in Bulawayo’s Nkulumane suburb has been arraigned for allegedly beating up and damaging the eardrum of a Grade Seven pupil he accused of poor performance.

Benuka Phiri (52) from Nkulumane 5 suburb allegedly slapped Leo Muriwo twice on his ear for failing a test, resulting in his eardrum discharging yellow pus which has given him problems since 2014.

Phiri appeared before West Commonage magistrate Ms Tancy Dube facing assault charges.
She was remanded in custody to September 3 for commencement of trial.

The court heard that the boy’s mother only reported the matter to the police after Phiri defaulted paying Leo’s medical bills.

Prosecuting, Mr Tapiwa Solani said the teacher committed the crime sometime in 2014.

“Phiri slapped Leo on his left ear resulting in him being deaf and has sustained internal pain for almost six years since 2014,” said the prosecutor.

He said Phiri only assisted with $60 for hospital bills and the boy’s medical problems have persisted.
“Leo’s ear started discharging more pus and he told his mother who confronted Phiri. However, she refused to pay the bills,” said Mr Solani.
The matter was reported to the police leading to Phiri’s arrest.State media

The Government has reacted to a decision by FIFA not to dissolve the entire Zifa board and replace it with a normalisation committee.

The Sport and Recreation Commission (SRC) had written to the world football body two weeks ago, accusing ZIFA of mismanaging their finances.

Speaking to the Chronicle on Friday, Minister of Youth, Sports, Arts and Recreation Kirsty Coventry said the Government has welcomed FIFA’s response and they are prepared to work with relevant bodies including Zifa to move the local game forward.

“That is a step in the right direction,” said Coventry.

“The thing that I took from the Fifa letter was that they are willing to work with Zifa, willing to work with the SRC, willing to work with the Government and for me I think that was very positive because they understand that there is work that needs to be done.

“Even though they are not putting in the normalisation committee, they have said that they are working with Zifa, they want to work with us in terms of moving soccer forward and that is a step in the right direction.”

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

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.

President @edmnangagwa presented to the journalists after attending a prodigious event in Japan @ticad7 @ZANUPF_Official @MinisterSBMoyo @HeraldZimbabwe @InfoMinZW @MinistryofTID @fortunechasi @MatutuLewis @TogarepiPupurai pic.twitter.com/Bo05hObwri

— Richard Muzezuru (@RMuzezuru) August 30, 2019

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|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.

Video loading below …

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

WATCH VIDEO- ZANU PF YOUTHS CAMPAIGN IN GLEN VIEW SOUTH pic.twitter.com/CjuET8lLXC

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) August 30, 2019

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

Who will win the Glen View South seat?

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) August 30, 2019

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.

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.

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.