The Mighty Warriors will not camp at the Zifa Village ahead of their Olympic qualifying match against Zambia this week.
The women national team is scheduled to play on Wednesday in the first leg of the second round encounter before travelling back home for the return fixture on Sunday.
According to Zifa, the ladies will camp at the Yadah Complex after owner Prophet Walter Magaya agreed to offer accommodation.
“The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) would like to express sincere gratitude to Prophet Walter Magaya and PHD Ministries for agreeing to our request to offer accommodation to the Mighty Warriors ahead of their departure to Zambia for the Women Olympic qualifier match against Shepolopolo,” the association said in a statement.
All women’s teams have been using the Zifa Village for camp, but they always complained about the sub-standards at the facility.
Manchester United star Paul Pogba has taken to social media to hit back at racism trolls with a powerful message.
Both Pogba and his teammate Marcus Rashford have been subject to foul racist abuse in recent days, with United quick to condemn the behaviour of a minority of fans.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said he was “lost for words” when asked about the Pogba abuse and then said it was “crazy” when more vile comments appeared to target Rashford.
United fans responded to the abuse of Pogba by displaying a flag that read ‘United against racism’, while they chanted ‘there’s only one Paul Pogba’ before kick off and during the game, with the player responding by applauding the Stretford End at Old Trafford.
And posting on Instagram, Pogba has reiterated his powerful stance.
He said: “My ancestors and my parents suffered for my generation to be free today, to work, to take the bus, to play football. Racist insults are ignorance and can only make me stronger and motivate me to fight for the next generation.”
Pogba posted the words alongside a picture of himself holding his baby son, with artwork which depicted American race campaigner Martin Luther King in the background.
“It’s the same as we spoke about before the weekend,” Solskjaer said. “It’s unheard of, and it needs to stop. I’m just lost for the words if it keeps going.
“We keep having all these campaigns, ‘no to racism’, and they still keep hiding behind fake identities, and it’s just crazy we talk about this in 2019.”
Liverpool have now scored 26 goals against Arsenal since Jurgen Klopp took over in October 2015.
There have been more one-sided affairs than this, but at this stage of the campaign it was a showing of remarkable physical strength.
“It was a brilliant game from my side so early in the season,” said a beaming Klopp.
“It was outstanding. It was a performance full of power, energy, greed and passion, which I think you need to have against a team like Arsenal.
We were completely in charge of the game. We are not Disneyland, we do not need to excite everyone in every second. Our identity is intensity, and we showed that today.”
It was hard to know what was more frustrating for Emery: the defensive collapse or the wasted opportunities in the first half.
Arsenal had their chances in those opening exchanges, causing plenty of problems through the speed of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Nicolas Pepe, but their hope dwindled with every wayward shot and tame finish.
Was it an improvement on last year’s 5-1 thrashing here? Certainly. Was it enough of an improvement to make them think they are ready to seriously challenge sides like Liverpool and Manchester City? Absolutely not.
Arsenal remain worryingly frail under pressure, with Luiz’s addition seemingly doing little to paper over last season’s cracks.The Telegraph
Well Mr Mnangagwa @edmnangagwa this is not President Chamisa @nelsonchamisa defining you as an autocrat, it is President Zuma @PresJGZuma. I can assure you that this is your legacy and if we are all lucky, all those abusing armed power will face constitutional justice soon. pic.twitter.com/3RqRzEy5Sh
— Citizen Nkululeko Sibanda zw (@DrNkuSibanda) August 25, 2019
Farai Dziva|Zanu PF Political Commissar Victor Matemadanda has described “reports of comedian Gonyeti’s abduction as the work of the ruling party’s political foes.”
“This is an attempt to tarnish the government’s image by detractors.”
Matemadanda was addressing war veterans and traditional leaders from Mashonaland East Province in Marondera on Friday.
“It is laughable to hear people saying the government is abducting its citizens. Surely what would we get from abducting a comedian like Gonyeti, that is the work of our detractors bent on tarnishing the image of the government,” claimed Matemadanda.
A NEW case study done by exiled former cabinet minister Jonathan Moyo, a political science professor, in collaboration with publisher Ibbo Mandaza, under his Southern African Political Economy Trust (Sapes), reveals how last year’s presidential election was systematically rigged by state institutions for President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa
The detailed monograph which will be released soon as a book to be published by Sapes exposes the mechanism used to manipulate the vote dubbed “Excelgate”.
The use by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) of Excel — a spreadsheet programme included in the Microsoft Office suite of applications — instead of a Server, a computer that provides information to associated network of processors, to capture election data, is at the centre of the story which Moyo describes as Excelgate.
Advocate Nelson Chamisa tried to gain access to the server through a belated subpoena to Zec, but the Constitutional Court (ConCourt) blocked him.
The book explains problems associated with Excel, efficient at protecting formulas and text from accidental corruption, but weak on security-related issues to keep sensitive information and data encrypted.
It says the manipulation was done through V.23Bs — not V.11 forms — as the presidential constituency returns that are referred to in Section 110(3)(d) of the Electoral Act.
Mandaza, Sapes director, confirmed that he would be publishing Moyo’s work soon.
“It’s a comprehensive and important book; a case study, which will add new light and insight mainly into how the electoral processes around the 2018 presidential election were run and the election itself conducted,” Mandaza said.
“The detailed study, a first of its kind locally, is thoughtful, reflective and insightful; it shows the processes were deeply flawed and the result ultimately manipulated or simply rigged.”
This comes ahead of the first anniversary of the ConCourt ruling on the matter in favour of Mnangagwa tomorrow.
Nelson Chamisa had challenged Mnangagwa’s victory in the ConCourt complaining of fraud, manipulation and rigging.
The court heard the case from August 22, 2018 and delivered judgment on August 24, 2018.
However, a year later, Chief Justice Luke Malaba has not yet released the ruling. Malaba has previously demanded competent and efficient delivery of judgments to expedite the dispensing of justice.
Legal scholars, students of law and analysts have been anxiously waiting to scrutinise and analyse the judgment.
Judicial decisions are not just important in relation to cases they deal with, but perform numerous functions, including the setting of precedents and shaping or influencing jurisprudence.
The book says at the ConCourt, there was reference to V.23s without acknowledging that there are various V.23s and without distinguishing between them in order to establish the particularity of the V.23Bs.
The study finds that Zec systematically gave and maintained “the false and fraudulent impression” that V.23s are one document or one election return, yet the truth is that there are four very different V.23s. This misrepresentation and deception of V.23s, it says, was not an innocent mistake, sloppiness or a referencing convenience.
The book says it was in fact premeditated deception to camouflage the fraud that Zec had perpetrated by contaminating V.11s, polling station returns; and V.23A forms, the ward returns.
With 518 polling stations at which the MDC – Alliance 2018 had no election agents, V.11s and V.23As were possible, and even easy, to manipulate and forge because there are too many of them: 10 985 V.11s and 1 985 V.23As; whereas there are only 210 V.23Bs.
Zec’s misrepresentation of V.23s, to hide the particularity of V.23Bs with respect to Section 110(3)(d) of the Electoral Act, and its deceitful narrative about and around V.23s, was greatly assisted by the ConCourt, the study says.
Due to the manipulation and fraud, the book says, Mnangagwa, who initially came to power through a military coup which toppled former president Robert Mugabe in November 2017 before controversially defeating his main rival opposition MDC leader Nelson Chamisa by a wafer-thin margin, stole the election.
It says he was aided and abated by government institutions, particularly the military, Zec, Zanu PF, biased state media and other state institutions to scrape through amid rigging charges and protests.
The Masvingo High Court recently ruled that the state media was biased in favour of Mnangagwa and Zanu PF during the elections.
In his ruling on June 19, 2019, in a case brought before the court by Veritas, a lawyers’ platform which deals with the parliamentary legislative agenda and laws, Justice Joseph Mafusire said there was “evident bias of the public media in this country in favour of the Zanu PF party, its leadership, members and supporters”.
He added: “They enjoy a disproportionate amount of coverage in both the electronic and print media.”
The study says shortly after midnight on August 3, 2018, Zec chairperson, Justice Priscilla Chigumba controversially used the unreliable Excel, instead of using the more secure server, to declare Mnangagwa as the winner of the 2018 presidential election with 2 460 463 votes or 50,8%. Zec said Chamisa got 2 147 436 or 44,3%. It put Mnangagwa’s margin of victory at 313 027 votes — around 38 000 votes over the 50% threshold.
Moyo says Mnangagwa, who initially took over after toppling his predecessor Mugabe, won due to “massive rigging” of the election held concurrently with legislative and municipal polls on July 30 last year.
A summary of the study says there were egregious breaches of the electoral processes and misrepresentations of critical information and data to make Mnangagwa win.
Moyo’s work argues Chamisa lost the petition — that is over and above the use of Excel instead of the server — partly because his defence counsel, led by top lawyer Thabani Mpofu, and the ConCourt got bogged down on V.11 forms at the expense of the relevant V.23Bs as the presidential constituency returns in terms of Section 110 (3)(d) of the Electoral Act. It says that was Zec and its lawyers’ diversion strategy to win the case at all costs.
“In essence, the determination and verification of the result was so fundamentally flawed and fraudulently conducted with respect to Section 110(3)(d) of the Electoral Act and the breach so materially compromised and affected the result of the election that it rendered it a product of electoral fraud and a usurpation of the will of the people of Zimbabwe expressed at the polls on 30 July 2018,” the book says.
The study also explains how the state machinery operated to manipulate the vote, mostly in rural areas where Mnangagwa received the majority of votes.
Drawing parallels with the bloody presidential election run-off on June 17, 2008, in which Mugabe unleashed a brutal military campaign for political survival after losing the first round of polling to the late Morgan Tsvangirai, founding MDC leader, the book says Zanu PF had free reign to rig the elections in 518 rural constituencies where the MDC did not have polling agents.
A series of co-ordinated activities were then taken to rescue the situation: manipulation of the vote, crush the protests and preparing for a bruising court challenge, it says.
“In the rural areas, the surrounding circumstances of the run-up to the 2018 general elections were not different from those that characterised the 2008 run-off election,” the book says.
“The November 2017 coup, and especially the fact that the military had toppled Mugabe and his government, put the fear of God among traditional leaders and their communities across rural Zimbabwe. The fact that the army had deployed 2 000 soldiers and embedded them in all rural areas in the country ahead of the military coup, virtually put these communities under siege in the run-up to the 30 July 2018 (polls), especially because the number of the (soldiers) embedded bloated to 5 000.
“The situation that prevailed in the rural areas ahead of the 2018 general elections was particularly conducive for rigging in unprecedented ways. The embedded soldiers were not only out there in the open as Zanu PF political commissars mobilising votes; but some were also visible on election day at polling stations in the rural areas as polling officers. What made this situation worse is that the MDC Zimbabwe did not have polling agents in 518 polling stations in rural areas considered to be Zanu PF strongholds.
“These 518 polling stations were used to contaminate and manipulate V.11s as part of the rigging that took place between 31 July 2018 and 2 August 2018. The case of the Zec officers who were found by European Union observers completing V.11s, all by themselves, two days after the election, was rampant in the 518 polling stations at which the MDC-Alliance failed to field election agents.
“The completion of fresh V.11s, which occurred after the authorities realised that Chamisa had won the presidential election by 66% of the vote, with Mnangagwa getting 33%, based on the results that Zec had received through its server in the morning of 31 July 2018 after which it commenced a bogus verification exercise at its National Command Centre with ‘a group of people, in excess of 20, punching in what was identified as V.11 data into an Excel spreadsheet’ for a period of two days.
“Against the backdrop of the evidence that has been presented in this monograph, this culminated in the massive rigging of the result of the 2018 presidential election.”
The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission’s duped Nelson Chamisa’s lawyer by diverting him from V23 forms so he becomes bogged down with V11s, a book by the exiled professor Jonathan Moyo says.
The new book
The book will be released tomorrow.
The study says shortly after midnight on August 3, 2018, Zec chairperson, Justice Priscilla Chigumba controversially used unreliable Excel spreadsheets, instead of using the more secure server, to declare (Emmerson) Mnangagwa as the winner of the 2018 presidential election with 2 460 463 votes or 50,8%. Zec said Chamisa got 2 147 436 or 44,3%. It put Mnangagwa’s margin of victory at 313 027 votes — around 38 000 votes over the 50% threshold.
Moyo says Mnangagwa, who initially took over after toppling his predecessor Mugabe, won due to “massive rigging” of the election held concurrently with legislative and municipal polls on July 30 last year.
A summary of the study says there were egregious breaches of the electoral processes and misrepresentations of critical information and data to make Mnangagwa win.
Moyo’s work argues Chamisa lost the petition — that is over and above the use of Excel instead of the server — partly because his defence counsel, led by top lawyer Thabani Mpofu, and the ConCourt got bogged down on V.11 forms at the expense of the relevant V.23Bs as the presidential constituency returns in terms of Section 110 (3)(d) of the Electoral Act. It says that was Zec and its lawyers’ diversion strategy to win the case at all costs.
“In essence, the determination and verification of the result was so fundamentally flawed and fraudulently conducted with respect to Section 110(3)(d) of the Electoral Act and the breach so materially compromised and affected the result of the election that it rendered it a product of electoral fraud and a usurpation of the will of the people of Zimbabwe expressed at the polls on 30 July 2018,” the book says.
The study also explains how the state machinery operated to manipulate the vote, mostly in rural areas where Mnangagwa received the majority of votes.
Drawing parallels with the bloody presidential election run-off on June 17, 2008, in which Mugabe unleashed a brutal military campaign for political survival after losing the first round of polling to the late Morgan Tsvangirai, founding MDC leader, the book says Zanu PF had free reign to rig the elections in 518 rural constituencies where the MDC did not have polling agents.
A series of co-ordinated activities were then taken to rescue the situation: manipulation of the vote, crush the protests and preparing for a bruising court challenge, it says.
“In the rural areas, the surrounding circumstances of the run-up to the 2018 general elections were not different from those that characterised the 2008 run-off election,” the book says.
“The November 2017 coup, and especially the fact that the military had toppled Mugabe and his government, put the fear of God among traditional leaders and their communities across rural Zimbabwe. The fact that the army had deployed 2 000 soldiers and embedded them in all rural areas in the country ahead of the military coup, virtually put these communities under siege in the run-up to the 30 July 2018 (polls), especially because the number of the (soldiers) embedded bloated to 5 000.
“The situation that prevailed in the rural areas ahead of the 2018 general elections was particularly conducive for rigging in unprecedented ways. The embedded soldiers were not only out there in the open as Zanu PF political commissars mobilising votes; but some were also visible on election day at polling stations in the rural areas as polling officers. What made this situation worse is that the MDC-Alliance did not have polling agents in 518 polling stations in rural areas considered to be Zanu PF strongholds.
“These 518 polling stations were used to contaminate and manipulate V.11s as part of the rigging that took place between 31 July 2018 and 2 August 2018. The case of the Zec officers who were found by European Union observers completing V.11s, all by themselves, two days after the election, was rampant in the 518 polling stations at which the MDC-Alliance failed to field election agents.
“The completion of fresh V.11s, which occurred after the authorities realised that Chamisa had won the presidential election by 66% of the vote, with Mnangagwa getting 33%, based on the results that Zec had received through its server in the morning of 31 July 2018 after which it commenced a bogus verification exercise at its National Command Centre with ‘a group of people, in excess of 20, punching in what was identified as V.11 data into an Excel spreadsheet’ for a period of two days.
“Against the backdrop of the evidence that has been presented in this monograph, this culminated in the massive rigging of the result of the 2018 presidential election.” -MORE ON Independent
The Castle Lager Premier Soccer League matchday 20 resumes this afternoon with two blockbuster clashes on the cards.
At Rufaro, a resurgent Dynamos meet Joey Antipas’ Chicken Inn, in what promises to be cracker.
DeMbare have not lost a league game in the last 6 outings and their consistency has led to some believing they are in for a title shot.
The Gamecocks however, are without a win in the last 3 and will also play for the first time this season without topscorer Clive Augusto, who moved to Maritzburg United.
When the two sides met in April, Chicken Inn dispatched DeMbare 2-0 but today’s encounter will be a different ball-game.
Elsewhere, Highlanders host Harare City at Babourfields. Soccer 24
England star Marcus Rashford was a victim of racist abuse on Twitter last night after his penalty miss proved costly in Manchester United’s shock defeat at home to Crystal Palace.
The 21-year-old crashed his second half spot kick against the inside of the post when United was trailing to a Jordan Ayew opener, in a game they ultimately lost 2-1.
Twiiter was awash with messages in reaction to Rashford’s miss, some of them racist, just days after Paul Pogba suffered the same predicament after missing one against Wolves.
United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer condemned the actions.
“We spoke about this before the weekend. We need to stop it,” said Solskjaer after the game.
“I’m lost for words. We keep having all these campaigns – no to racism, and they keep hiding behind fake identities. It’s just crazy that we’re talking about this in 2019,” he added-Soccer24
By Farai D Hove| ZANU PF President Emmerson Mnangagwa will not kill the Whistleblower who last week began speaking concerning alleged mass murders he committed on behalf of the ruling party, newsreaders have said.
The 41 year old man is Mr Anesu Kapere, who says he killed 6 MDC members in Uzumba in 2008.
He is seen on video narrating how he committed the mass murders.
Using religious insinuations from the Bible on the consequences of and the fear of receiving successive damnation or retribution from murder, it was said the chances of the Zanu-pf politician carrying out a hit job on his own hit man are nill. DO YOU BELIEVE IN THIS? COMMENTS BELOW –
He won't get killed bro,he has 6 people he killed in Uzumba. So if that person kills him, there will be 7 people on that person.
By A Correspondent- Two people have been arrested in Bulawayo after they allegedly forged a hospital stamp to generate fake birth certificates.
Cheneso Clara Mumbire (42) and Claudus Chigwere (41), recently appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Mr Jochonia Ncube to answer to charges of forgery. The duo was remanded out of custody to 28 August 2019 for trial.
Presenting the State’s case, Mr Nathan Marime said the duo used a record book belonging to the Registrar General’s office, in committing the crime.
“Allegations are that on 30 July 2019 and at Manly Court corner 13th Avenue and Simon Parirenyatwa St, Mumbire and Chigwere plotted to fake a date stamp for Mpilo hospital. Chigwere then processed the date stamp while he was at Hi-gate Complex along Fort Street opposite Pick ‘n’ Pay supermarket,” said Mr Marime.
The court heard that Chigwere who was now in possession of a fake date stamp and birth record serial numbers 0930236 to 0930335 lured one Miss Evelyn Tavengwa who has two children without birth certificates and offered to assist her with birth records.
“Two fake birth records where processed with serial number 0930242 and 0930243 stamped with a fake Mpilo date stamp in the name Absolom Masasa aged four years and Jacob Masasa aged three years old. The mother took the birth records to Bulawayo Registrar’s office for processing.
“The Registrar discovered that the two records were not genuine and he alerted the police leading to the duo’s arrest,” said Mr Marime.
He said the police found two birth records and processed baby cards. Mumbire and Chigwere led the police to Hi-gate Complex, where they recovered a stamp which they used to serialise the receipt book.
“The police led by Mumbire and Chigwere went to Mumbire’s place of residence where a fake birth record with serial numbers 0930236 and 0930335, affidavits in the name Beauty Ncube and Bethina Sibanda which were yet to be deposited before the commissioner of oaths were found,” said Mr Marime.
The court heard that the police approached the Registrar General’s office and recovered a processed birth certificate record with serial number 0930323 in the name of Nonhlanhla as the child and Ruth Ncube as the mother. The fake record book, affidavits and birth records were recovered.-StateMedia
Farai Dziva|Zanu PF Political Commissar Victor Matemadanda has described “reports of comedian Gonyeti’s abduction as the work of the ruling party’s political foes.”
“This is an attempt to tarnish the government’s image by detractors.”
Matemadanda was addressing war veterans and traditional leaders from Mashonaland East Province in Marondera on Friday.
“It is laughable to hear people saying the government is abducting its citizens. Surely what would we get from abducting a comedian like Gonyeti, that is the work of our detractors bent on tarnishing the image of the government,” claimed Matemadanda.
But ZBC already has business muscle no other media house has. It also has business monopoly (organisers likely influenced to favour) which makes the award a self goal. An Award of any nature becomes laughable.
What are you failing to see here – The sole broadcaster in the country with absolute business monopoly gets an award for having the best stand, and you say this is a joke, urikurasikiswa neiko apa apa? https://t.co/QdtOE7vRWU
A Pastor at Fountain of Life Ministry has appeared in court facing 12 counts of fraud for allegedly defrauding congregants of over US$11 000 and over R3 000 whom he had promised to secure studying places and help them import cars.
The man of the cloth, Pastor Christopher Mudawarima (36) pleaded not guilty when he appeared before Zvishavane Magistrate Mr Archie Wochiunga. He was remanded in custody to August 29.
It is the State’s case that on October 23 in 2015, Mudawarima approached Juannita Ndlovu alleging that he was connected to administrators at Marondera School of Nursing. He asked Ndlovu to pay him US$430 so as to help her secure a place at the nursing school.
During the same month, the accused misrepresented to Password Chilanda, Nelly Dliwayo and Aaron Tolani that he was selling cars which he imported from Japan. As a result, the four complainants paid US$3 954 to the accused as instalments for the cars.
The court heard that in November 2015, Mudawarima approached Richard Mugandani and Edwin Tagwirei alleging that he was a car dealer and can get cheaper cars for them. Mugandani and Tagwirei paid US$1 882 to the accused who then vanished into thin air.
In December 2015, Mudawarima defrauded Winnie Charashika of US$775 after promising to help her secure a studying place at Mutare Teachers’ College. During the same month, he also defrauded Goddard Moyo of US$2 582 after promising to help him buy a car at a cheaper price.
In February 2016, the accused conned Brenda Nyaguze and Yukai Charumbira of US$2 550 after promising to help them secure places to study at Marondera Nursing School.
In March 2016, he misrepresented to Antony Mandizvidza that he was an Administrator at Paramount Teachers’ College before asking for US$566 and R3 700 to help him get a place at the same institution. The court heard that the accused used the money he got from the complaints amounting to US$11 464 and R3 700 to buy two cars and a residential stand. A report was made to the police leading to Mudawarima’s arrest.
AN infant was on Monday morning found dumped in Sakubva River, in an incident that left residents in the sprawling high-density suburb of Sakubva shell shocked.
The lifeless body was found floating in the river on Monday around 10 am.
Police said they were yet to ascertain further details, particularly the mother of the child. Eye witnesses told The Manica Post that the body was found floating in the river Monday morning.
“I was heading to where I stay in St Joseph’s when I saw the body floating in the river. We were shocked and in a few minutes people were gathered jostling to see it. We have no idea who the mother of the infant is but we were all shocked,” said one eye witness.
Police arrived at the scene and covered the infant with a plastic wrapper.
A GROUP of five men reportedly ambushed a Filabusi couple, threatened the man who fled from the scene before one of them raped the woman.
Kennedy Wonder Ndlovu (23) of Marumba B Village in Filabusi was not asked to plead when he appeared briefly before Gwanda magistrate, Miss Lerato Nyathi facing a rape charge last week. He was remanded in custody to 9 September for trial.
Prosecuting, Miss Ethel Mahachi said Ndlovu raped the woman on 13 February at around 3am while she was on her way from a nightclub with her boyfriend.
“On 13 February at around 3am the complainant and her boyfriend left Sibiya Nightclub in Theleba Business Centre in Filabusi where they had been drinking and proceeded home. After they had walked a distance of about 500 metres from the nightclub they were approached by a group of five men who were flashing torches and Ndlovu was among them.
“Ndlovu produced a catapult and threatened to assault the complainant’s boyfriend who fled from the scene leaving his girlfriend behind. Ndlovu dragged the complainant into the bush for a distance of about 100 metres while his friends followed,” he said.
Miss Mahachi said Ndlovu pulled the complainant into a disused mine about five metres deep and raped her while his friends watched. She said after he was done Ndlovu and his friends left and he forgot his catapult and a black hat at the scene.
Miss Mahachi said the complainant went back to the business centre where she sought assistance and the matter was reported to the police. The police attended the scene and recovered Ndlovu’s belongings. She said Ndlovu who was on the run was arrested on July 10.
Meanwhile, a 38-year-old Bulawayo man has been arrested for allegedly raping a 16-year-old girl who is a Form Four pupil at a local college.
The man from Queens Park West who cannot be named to protect the identity of the minor, pleaded guilty when he appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Mr Franklin Mkhwananzi last week.
Prosecuting, Mr Nkathazo Dlodlo told the court that on 31 July, the girl was coming from a butchery in the area when she met the man who was driving along the way. The man however, drove along Free Road and upon reaching Robert Mugabe Way, he turned at the Post Office into Cardigan Road towards a bush.
Then along the way he suddenly parked his car. The court also heard that he then jumped to the passenger’s seat where the girl was seated and opened a condom. He adjusted the seat and raped the girl once.
After the incident he threatened the complainant not to tell anyone what had happened. The case was later reported to Queens Park police station leading to the man’s arrest.
FC Platinum held off Nyasa Big Bullets to make it to the Caf Champions League first round following a hard fought triumph over the Malawians in a preliminary stage, second leg fixture at Barbourfields Stadium yesterday, a match where the Zimbabwean champions played with one man short for most of the time.
It was an action filled seesaw battle in which FC Platinum faced elimination with the scores level at 2-2 until substitute Perfect Chikwende ensured the men from Zvishavane made it to the next round with a header 10 minutes before the end. The other scorers for Pure Platinum Play were Devon Chafa from the penalty spot and Never Tigere. Peter Banda and Patrick Phiri were on target for the visitors.
FC Platinum will now play against the winner between UD Songo of Mozambique and Simba Sports Club of Tanzania.
Cameroonian striker, Albert Eonde was given a straight red card by Zambian referee Janny Sikazwe in the 26th minute for a lunge on Precious Sambani in the middle of the park. Eonde was in tears as he walked off the field.
FC Platinum started off brightly when they were awarded a penalty in the fourth minute. Gift Mbweti was brought down in the box by Yamikani Fodoya and Sikazwe pointed to the spot. Chafa sent Ernest Kakhobwe the wrong way.
With a one man advantage, the visitors hit back in brilliant style with half-an-hour played, Banda with a stunning goal struck from outside the box with what seemed like a cross from the right only for the ball to sail over Wallace Magalane.
Tigere restored Platinum’s lead eight minutes before the break when he blasted in from close range after being put through inside the box.
With Tigere having rattled the cross bar in the 64th minute, Nyasa Big Bullets refused to give in, with the scores level at 2-2 in the 73rd minute, the impressive Phiri controlling the ball with the chest before firing past Magalane. Had it ended that way FC Platinum would have been eliminated from the competition on the away goals rule.
Mapeza removed Chafa and replaced him with Chikwende with 12 minutes left. The move paid off as Chikwende, two minutes after coming rose high to head in a Raphael Muduviwa cross from the right.
The Malawians were not giving up easily with substitute, former Orlando Pirates striker Chiukepo Msowoya’s effort coming off the cross bar two minutes into the referee’s optional time. FC Platinum managed to withstand the barrage and walked away victorious.
A delighted Mapeza conceded it was not easy for him and his players playing with one man short. He believes victory was achieved because his players stood firm as a group.
“It’s always difficult to play against 11 men, it was difficult for me as a coach, it was difficult for the players outside there but at the end of the day we worked hard as a group and I am happy we are going to the next round,’’ Mapeza said.
He bemoaned the inconsistency displayed by his team, which he attributed to a loss of key players. Midfielder Kelvin Madzongwe was deployed in central defence where he partnered skipper Gift Bello.
“We have lost players, it’s not going to be easy, we have been working on combinations, this week Madzongwe is playing as a centre back, next week he is playing as a midfielder, we are struggling in terms of consistency, we lost the core of the team and its difficult especially building another team during the middle of the season.”
Nyasa Big Bullets coach, Zimbabwean Kalisto Pasuwa felt that his boys were punished for making mistakes at the back, which he thought was maturity since most of his players are still young.
“It’s as this stage where we need maturity, the boys maybe were playing the ball in front of the goalkeeper, a mistake we were being punished for, they are still young, they are still learning, that’s a stage where for a small mistake you are punished,” Pasuwa said.
The former Warriors and Dynamos coach was still proud of the way his boys played, seeing that he is building the team around youngsters.
By A Correspondent- Cheneso Clara Mumbire (42) and Claudus Chigwere (41), last week appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Mr Jochonia Ncube to answer to charges of forgery.
The duo was remanded out of custody to 28 August 2019 for trial after they were arrested for allegedly forging a hospital stamp to generate fake birth certificates.
Presenting the State’s case, Mr Nathan Marime said the duo used a record book belonging to the Registrar General’s office, in committing the crime.
“Allegations are that on 30 July 2019 and at Manly Court corner 13th Avenue and Simon Parirenyatwa St, Mumbire and Chigwere plotted to fake a date stamp for Mpilo hospital. Chigwere then processed the date stamp while he was at Hi-gate Complex along Fort Street opposite Pick ‘n’ Pay supermarket,” said Mr Marime.
The court heard that Chigwere who was now in possession of a fake date stamp and birth record serial numbers 0930236 to 0930335 lured one Miss Evelyn Tavengwa who has two children without birth certificates and offered to assist her with birth records.
“Two fake birth records where processed with serial number 0930242 and 0930243 stamped with a fake Mpilo date stamp in the name Absolom Masasa aged four years and Jacob Masasa aged three years old. The mother took the birth records to Bulawayo Registrar’s office for processing.
“The Registrar discovered that the two records were not genuine and he alerted the police leading to the duo’s arrest,” said Mr Marime.
He said the police found two birth records and processed baby cards. Mumbire and Chigwere led the police to Hi-gate Complex, where they recovered a stamp which they used to serialise the receipt book.
“The police led by Mumbire and Chigwere went to Mumbire’s place of residence where a fake birth record with serial numbers 0930236 and 0930335, affidavits in the name Beauty Ncube and Bethina Sibanda which were yet to be deposited before the commissioner of oaths were found,” said Mr Marime.
The court heard that the police approached the Registrar General’s office and recovered a processed birth certificate record with serial number 0930323 in the name of Nonhlanhla as the child and Ruth Ncube as the mother. The fake record book, affidavits and birth records were recovered.
Presidential spokesman George Charamba has reportedly dismissed and poured cold water on circulating reports that Vice President Constantino Chiwenga has returned from China.
Online media platforms posted that Chiwenga spoke to President Emmerson Mnangagwa by phone on Monday, according to Charamba, and the VP is continuing treatment in China.
Reports that circulated on Saturday said the ailing General landed in the country in the company of Chinese medical expert who had come to attend him.
Chiwenga was airlifted to China in July from South Africa after his sickness worsened.
He is being attended in China by doctors from China, Zimbabwe, South Africa and India.
Chiwenga became sick in November 2017 during the bloody coup that ended 37 years of President Robert Mugabe’s rule.
A South African pastor Alph Lukau said Chiwenga had stepped on a lion’s tail and needed spiritual help lest he dies.
On Saturday there was rumour saying the ailing Vice President General Chiwenga has arrived in the country to continue with his road to recovery a website edited by Award winning journalist Elias Mambo Zimmorning post has reported.
The former Military strongman was reported to be accompanied by a team of medical experts from China.
Political analyst Dr Pedzisai Ruhanya posted on Twitter that people should be excited because the General was getting better.
“Don’t listen to rumors, Gen VP Chiwenga is well and recovering big time. Get this from the Zaka villager. Calm down fellow citizens! The next few months are going to be very interesting in Zanu-PF politics. Take note fellow compatriots!”
Ruhanya also said Zimbabweans needs factions in ZANU PF for the party to collapse.
“ZANU PF and Zimbabwe politics without factional and elite fights do not mean anything to me. For authoritarian erosion, breakdown and possible collapse factions in ZANU PF must not die. That’s why Gen VP Chiwenga must be part of the dynamics than celebrating his demise.”
A 79-year-old Kwekwe man has been slapped with a four-month jail term for failing to control a fire which went on to burn a nearby TeleCash booth, destroying property worth thousands of dollars.
Juaki Smart of House Number 21 Rusununguko Road in Redcliff, was doing land preparation and burning maize shrubs in his field when he failed to control the fire which went on to burn down the booth which was only a few metres away.
He was arrested and arraigned before Kwekwe magistrate Mr Tayengwa Sangster facing charges of negligently causing serious damage to property.
Mr Sangster sentenced him to four months imprisonment before he suspended the sentence on condition that Smart restitutes a total of $3 185,60 before 30 October 2019. The State proved that on 13 August this year along Rutendo Road near Chemhere Business Centre, Smart was doing land preparation in a field.
The fire which he was using to burn the shrubs in his field however, ended up being blown by wind thereby burning a TeleCash booth belonging to Ms Caroline Mushayandebvu. Ms Mushayandebvu reported the matter to the police leading to the arrest of the man.
Meanwhile, a Kwekwe man has been slapped with a three-year jail term for allegedly kidnapping and assaulting a rival following a wrangle involving mining explosives.
Honest Mandiku (24) in company of two others, James Mpofu, Clifford Phiri and Bekhithemba Sicha, who are still at large, allegedly bundled Mr Zivanai Kamunhukamwe into an unregistered vehicle before they took him away and tortured him before dumping him by the roadside.
Mandiku appeared before Kwekwe magistrate Mr Storey Rushambwa facing kidnapping or unlawful detention and assault charges and was sentenced to 36 months in prison.
Mandiku will however, serve an effective 24 months behind bars after Mr Rushambwa suspended 12 months on condition of good behaviour.
Prosecuting, Mr Freddy Ndoro proved that on 4 May this year around 12pm, at Blackman compound, Mandiku and three other accused who are still at large, approached the complainant who was drinking beer at a bar in Amaveni.
The gang then accused the complainant of stealing their mining explosives and slapped him on the face before they manhandled him and forced him into the back-seat of an unregistered blue Toyota Mark 2 vehicle before they sped off.
They then drove, the court further heard, to Zesa Mine in Kwekwe, approximately five kilometres outside Kwekwe Central Business District without the complainant’s consent.
Upon arrival, Mandiku allegedly hit the complainant with an iron bar twice on the back and other accused persons also assaulted him all over the body with open hands, forcing him to agree that he had indeed taken the explosives despite him having no knowledge of their whereabouts.
They then bundled him back into the car and sped off before dropping him at Gokwe turn-off.
The complainant was discovered by passersby drenched in blood and ferried him to Kwekwe General Hospital where he was treated and discharged.
From the beatings, Mr Kamunhukamwe sustained injuries on the right arm, leg, knee and suffered backache.
One person died at St Alberts Hospital while three others were hospitalized after the excessive drinking of undiluted cane spirits popularly knows as ‘Musombodia”
Mashonaland Central police spokesperson Inspector Milton Mundembe confirmed incident.
“I can confirm a sudden death case in St Alberts, where Lloyd Sandiyane (33) died after being intoxicated, while Prosper Chigogo (32), Lovemore Rice (33) and Richard Simon (32) were admitted at St Alberts Hospital for two days and have now been discharged,” Mundembe said .
“We are warning people to avoid drinking undiluted spirits and illicit beer. We are also encouraging them to take their food before taking beer,” he said.
By A Correspondent- A Form two girl in Chinhoyi is now looking forward to enrolling for Lower Sixth after successfully sitting for the ZIMSEC Ordinary Level examinations in June at the age of 13.
Buhle Ukaka got 5 Bs in English Language, Geography, History, Commerce and Accounts and a C in Economics and is now ready to join the Lower Sixth class, which is already in its final term of the year.
Speaking to the state media, Ukaka said she is inspired by her sister Sifiso who has also made headlines after she sat for her ordinary level examinations and scored 7As and 1b, while she was still in form 3.
Sifiso has now completed her Advanced level with 10 points in science subjects at the age of 16. Chinhoyi High School Head, Dr Savious Mutopa said he has no problems in enrolling the 13 year old for advanced level studies as the issue is not on skipping levels but on the readiness of the learner.
Buhle’s mother, Mrs Blantina Ukaka, who is a teacher at the same school, concurred with Dr Mutopa, describing Buhle as a self-starter and an extrovert who will not find it difficult to mingle with older learners.
The achievements by the Ukaka sisters have sent a strong message to parents to give equal opportunities to boys and girls as they are all capable of shining.-StateMedia
Jane Mlambo|Following the gazetting of an announcement by the Zimbabwe Gender Commission that they are investigating Prophetic Healing and Deliverance founder Walter Magaya, will the popular but scandalous prophet pay the entire commission to cover his alleged crimes.
The Zimbabwe Gender Commission announced that they had instituted an investigation against Magaya who faces countless cases of sexual abuse.
“It is hereby notified that, in terms of Section Five of the Zimbabwe Gender Commission Act (Chapter 10:31) the Zimbabwe Gender Commission intends to investigate complaints of se_xual abuse of women by Walter Magaya of Prophetic Healing and Deliverance Ministries,” read the notice by Mrs Mukahanana-Sangarwe.
Magaya’s alleged sexual abuse victims have come out in the public before apologizing to the powerful prophet amid indications that they would have been paid to retract their revelations.
ZimEye has LIVE recorded evidence that Magaya is working to pay commissioners and journalists bribes so. to hide his offences.
With the gender commission now in the map, it remains to be seen how he will negotiate his way past the influential body considering that it is composed of respected figures some of whom possess strong beliefs in the empowerment and emancipation of women.
Zimbabwe’s foreign policy in the Second Republic is anchored on ensuring the country regains its past glory by integrating into the community of nations after years of isolation typified by the First Republic.
The Commonwealth stands as one such critical organisation that can enhance the country’s standing in the community of nations.
Cognisant of the critical role the Commonwealth plays in the international arena, Zimbabwe at the dawn of the New Dispensation formally applied to have its membership back.
While the country’s re-admittance is fundamentally dependent on the 53-member countries, there seems to be abundant goodwill to make Zimbabwe optimistic that it will be accepted back into club at the next Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting scheduled for Kigali, Rwanda, next year.
A catalogue of past events and developments give Zimbabwe the optimism that it will regain its membership.
At the end of September 2018, His Excellency President Mnangagwa met with Commonwealth Secretary General Baroness Patricia Scotland on the sidelines of the 73rd United Nations General Assembly in New York where the two exchanged letters.
And earlier, just after the July 30 2018 harmonised general elections, Baroness Scotland sent a congratulatory letter to President Mnangagwa for successful conduct of the elections as well as for being inaugurated as President of Zimbabwe.
Most recently, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Dr Sibusiso Busi Moyo met Baroness Scotland after attending the Global Conference for Media Freedom in England where the conversation was said to have been characterised by conviviality.
Beyond these diplomatic engagements, Zimbabwe has since the advent of the New Dispensation mapped out a trajectory that seeks to implement a raft of reforms meant to deepen and widen the democratic space, ensure the ease of doing business by ratcheting the “Zimbabwe is Open for Business” mantra, and repeal certain laws that had become outdated.
Most of these reforms have already been implemented or are taking shape. The Gender Commission, the Peace and Reconciliation Commission, the revamped Anti-Corruption Commission with arresting powers, the repealing of AIPA and POSA including the setting up of the Political Actors Dialogue (POLAD), are just a few of the initiatives implemented to deepen the democratic space and promote a culture of tolerance, inclusivity and national cohesion.
Although the opposition MDC-A is intent on blighting these well-intended reforms, the world is surely not blind to the sincerity of President Mnangagwa’s administration.
In President Mnangagwa’s own words, the reforms are not meant to please any external powers but are being implemented because the Government views them as progressive and good for the country.
It must be noted that the reforms dovetail with the country’s foreign policy, anchored on the need to facilitate economic recovery, economic growth, create employment and foster a conducive climate that attracts investors into the country.
Zimbabwe’s quest for re-admittance to the Commonwealth is thus fashioned with the primary desire or obligation to nurture and protect its national interests, security, independence, sovereignty, ideological goals and spur economic prosperity.
The Commonwealth thus stands as one such organisation where Zimbabwe could have a voice to shape its own destiny by promoting its own political and economic interests, image and be able to influence the international community on a number of issues while ensuring the safety of its nationals abroad.
By A Correspondent- Government will next week resume electronic cash transfers amounting to $40 million to more than 60 000 vulnerable households to cushion them against the current economic challenges and rising cost of living.
The exercise, which is administered through the harmonised social cash transfer programme (HSCT), was discontinued a few years ago owing to cash shortages, reported the state media.
An additional $63 million has also been released to clear school fees arrears accrued through the Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM) programme, which provides assistance to 415 900 disadvantaged children countrywide.
Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Dr Sekai Nzenza said Government has since identified a platform through which the cash transfers would be made.
“Currently, a new e-payment system is being put in place within the next month after Econet won a tender to disburse HSCT funds to beneficiaries in various districts via the EcoCash platform. A total of 62 017 beneficiary households, who are food-poor and labour-constrained, will benefit. Currently, $39 472 644 – which is being reviewed upwards – will be disbursed,” said Nzenza.
“Treasury continues to release funds to offset outstanding (BEAM) arrears. So far, an amount of $63 million awaits disbursement into school accounts once they have complied with vendor-coding requirements set by the Treasury as a new system.
“BEAM will, therefore, clear all arrears owing to date this month.”
In her latest report, Auditor-General Mrs Mildred Chiri said Treasury last year recalled $9 million that had been allocated for the HSCT programme, as the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare failed to release it to beneficiaries.
However, Nzenza indicated that the department responsible for the disbursements failed to get timely authorisation for payments from the Reserve Bank of
Zimbabwe (RBZ).
The HSCT began in 2012 to support food-insecure households in rural areas.
The facility is targeted at households living below the poverty datum line, especially families that do not have able-bodied members who are fit for work.
BEAM arrears
Official statistics indicate that notwithstanding the $23 million that was released by Treasury towards BEAM last year, school fees arrears had soared to $54,5 million by December.
The 18-year programme is designed to subsidise examination fees and applicable levies for orphaned or vulnerable primary and secondary school children.
The 2019 Zimbabwe Vulnerable Assessment Committee (ZimVac) report revealed that Government remains the major provider of support to vulnerable communities in need of food assistance countrywide.
The report stated that of vulnerable households that received food assistance in 2018-19, 56 percent got support from Government, 13 percent from non-governmental organisations and the United Nations.
Three percent received support from churches, while 16 percent were aided by relatives within rural areas.
Relatives in urban areas covered 18 percent of the vulnerable, while 11 percent got succour from remittances from outside the country.
Apart from BEAM and HSCT, Government is also carrying out a Food Deficit Mitigation Programme from which 600 000 households are benefiting, a Public Assistance Programme for the elderly and disabled, and the Assisted Medical Treatment Orders (AMTOs) targeting needy persons who are assisted to get medical attention at State-owned institutions.-StateMedia
Jane Mlambo| State owned broadcaster ZBC has dismissed circulating reports it won the best television channel at the just ended Agricultural show saying the category they won was called ‘Media, Print or Publishing’.
Posting on Twitter this morning, ZBC said;
“The ZAS category won by the ZBC is ‘Media, Print or Publishing’; not ‘television’ as conveniently claimed by some.”
The ZAS category won by the ZBC is 'Media, Print or Publishing'; not 'television' as conveniently claimed by some. pic.twitter.com/cz3kQcMczH
South African authorities have seized a plane from Tanzania’s national carrier, the Tanzanian government said.
The Airbus 220-300 was due to fly from Johannesburg, South Africa, on Friday to Dar es Salaam in Tanzania.
It was not immediately clear why the action was taken, and South African authorities have not commented.
But a retired farmer has said the aircraft was impounded because Tanzania’s government had not paid him $33m (£28.8m) it owes in compensation.
Lawyer Roger Wakefield told the BBC the money was awarded after Tanzania’s government seized lands belonging to the South African farmer.
A Tanzanian government spokesperson told the BBC that the country’s lawyers had arrived in South Africa to investigate.
In a statement on Friday, Air Tanzania said that it expected to make flight schedule adjustments “due to unforeseeable circumstances”, but did not give any further details.
The carrier’s managing director Ladislaus Matindi told Reuters arrangements had been made for passengers to resume their journey on another flight.
The move comes barely two months after Air Tanzania opened its service to South Africa.
Tanzania’s President John Magufuli has led attempts to revive the state-owned airline, hoping to boost tourism and turn the country into a major transportation hub.
It had just one plane when the president was elected in 2015. Since then, millions of dollars have been spent on the purchase of eight new aircraft.
But the carrier is battling several multi-million dollar lawsuits with its former suppliers.
This is also not the first time Air Tanzania has had a plane seized. In 2017, Canadian construction firm Stirling Civil Engineering seized the airline’s new Bombardier Q400 plane in Canada over a $38m lawsuit.
The Q400 was released in March 2018 after Tanzania’s prime minister and attorney general negotiated its release. No details were given about the terms of the settlement.-BBC
The main Zimbabwe public sector union on Saturday rejected a pay offer from the government, which is trying to avert threats of strike action amid growing anger over the country’s ailing economy.
The Apex Council, which represents most of the country’s public service workers, said the proposal to boost salaries by 76 percent fell far below the demands of civil servants, who are buckling under the pressure of skyrocketing living costs.
Zimbabwe’s government offer would see the lowest-paid worker taking home about ZW$1 023 (US$97) up from the current 582 (US$55).
In a statement, the Apex Council which represents the workers said “the offer does not meet the stated position of the workers, which is pegged at ZW$4,750 (US$452) for the least paid civil servant.”
The offer came after some workers had threatened strike action over the high cost of living.
The civil servant salary bill gobbles up more than 90% of tax revenue.
The pay impasse is part of gathering storm clouds facing the Zimbabwean government amid shortages of basics like fuel, bread and medicines and surging prices when the goods are available.
On assuming office, President Emmerson Mnangagwa who came to power following the 2017 ouster of long-time ruler Robert Mugabe, promised more freedoms and to revamp an already ailing economy.
But the country has seen growing protests as the economy falters.
A Harare court on Saturday freed on bail 10 people arrested during protests by a rural teachers’ union, a day after the demonstration over poor salaries and working conditions.
Eight of those arrested on Friday are from the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ), whose members gathered outside the Finance Ministry’s offices to present a petition as part of their protests in downtown Harare.
They carried a small red cardboard coffin, which they said symbolised the death of their livelihoods because their salaries have dropped in value to less than US$50 a month.
Along with their lawyer Doug Coltart and bystander, the teachers were arrested by the police and charged with criminal nuisance which attracts the equivalent of less than US$2.
But they refused to pay the fine arguing that by demonstrating peacefully, they were exercising a constitutionally guaranteed right.
They ended up spending the night in police custody.
One of the lawyers for the accused Jeremiah Bamu told AFP that the police arrested anybody who was in the vicinity of the protest “regardless of what business that person was doing”.
Magistrate Nyasha Vitorini granted them bail of less than US$5 each and ordered them back to court on October 1.
A journalist also rounded up along with the teachers was later freed on Friday without charge.
Earlier this week, the International Monetary Fund warned the government against increasing civil servants’ wages saying public wage growth must be aligned with economic growth and government revenue.
This follows the recent payment of €490K for the inspection . Actual repair time is estimated at 8 to 12 weeks. It’s return will make a meaningful difference. The unit 6 will add a further 160 MW to the Grid bringing up Hwange power production to 670 MW.
Jane Mlambo| Opposition MDC Vice President Tendai Biti has dismissed a Sunday Mail story which alleges that the combative Harare East parliamentarian is set to run for Presidency in 2023 saying they will not accept any defamatory false attempt to divide the movement.
Posting on Twitter this morning, Biti said the Sunday Mail story reveals the desperate attempts by the ruling Zanu PF to divide the movement, vowing to focus on the struggle.
“Ours is a people s project, owned by the people,rooted in the people with one undisputed leader @nelsonchamisa .We will not accept any defamatory false attempt to divide our movement.We will focus on our struggle.Not the desperate kicks of a tired,toxic,illegitimate rogue regime,” said Biti.
Jane Mlambo| President Emmerson Mnangagwa who has recently crossed swords with the west who have come out condemning the deteriorating human rights situation in the country is hoping he could win Japan to his side.
Mnangagwa is due to fly to Japan on for the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) which kicks off on Wednesday and has lined up meetings with Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in what the state owned Sunday Mail says is ‘a major engagement set to unlock mutually beneficial opportunities between Harare and Tokyo.”
The Japanese embassy’s counsellor to Zimbabwe, Mr Kenichi Kasahara ,told The Sunday Mail that Zimbabwe will need “international help” during its reform process, which Japan is willing to provide.
“The topmost point is that the President himself, President Mnangagwa, is going to Japan and he will meet Prime Minister (Shinzo) Abe. We are actually arranging a bilateral meeting to be held on the sidelines of the summit,” said Kasahara.
With Mnangagwa’s re-engagement with the west including USA, UK, Germany, France and many others increasingly becoming a pie in the sky, he is hoping Japan will embrace his ‘Zimbabwe is open for business” mantra.
The EU and its member states have issued a strongly worded statement condemning the Mnangagwa regime over the recent wave of abductions, arrest and assault of civil society and opposition members.
This has watered down any hopes of getting aid and increased bilateral ties with the western world who are very serious about human rights and democracy ahead of any trade arrangements.
Will Mnangagwa win Japan and turn-around the ailing economy, only time will tell.
By A Correspondent| Mutanda Primary School in Gutu North is set to close due to poor ablution facilities.
This was revealed by a concerned citizen who said the health worker in the area had raised the flag suggesting that the school should close because of poor toilet facilities.
Said the citizen:
“Today I was in Gutu North Constituency for my usual weekend visits. Was pained to find out that the health worker told Mutanda Primary School to close because of poor toilets that are a risk. I have offered to donate 5 bags of cement.”
Just 8% of the 78,363 ‘progressed’ students who wrote matric over the last year passed their exams, the Sunday Timesreports.
Progressed learners are pupils who were pushed through to matric after failing grade 11 more than once.
These pupils were given two opportunities to write their papers – once in November and once in June – through a system known as the multiple examination opportunity.
This system is offered to progressed pupils who fail a minimum of three subjects in their preparatory exam at school.
However, statistics provided to the Sunday Times by the Department of Education shows that some pupils did not even complete all their remaining papers in the second set of exams.
Of the 88,828 candidates who sat for three or more subjects in November, only 78,363 completed the rest of their papers in June.
A total of 260 of the 6,270 learners who passed obtained admission to bachelor studies.
Set up to fail
Speaking to the Sunday Times, basic education spokesman Elijah Mhlanga said these learners’ performance “cannot be looked at in terms of percentages, but must be looked at in the context of the number of candidates that were rescued from being labelled as just another drop-out”.
However, education experts said that these students were being set up for failure.
“False hope through forced progression to these pupils impacts negatively on their self-esteem, especially when they fail despite the concessions given to them.” said Professor Labby Ramrathan, of the School of Education at the University of KZN.
He added that progressing pupils does not address the underlying problem.
“Lowering the workload for writing a full set of exam papers by progressed pupils is an incorrect assumption.
“They have conceptual difficulties in knowing and understanding the subject content and therefore even writing one paper at a time will not make any material difference to the pass rate.”
End of multiple exams
Another issue is that some schools were deliberately encouraging pupils to opt for this route instead of writing the full exam at one go.
To combat this abuse, in March the Department of Education announced that it will be scrappingMultiple Examination Opportunities (MEOs) from 2020.
Originally introduced in 2017, the system allowed struggling matric students to complete their examinations over two years.
A number of criteria needed to be met before students are allowed to qualify for the “Multiple Examination Option” (MEO) including:
The learner writing the exam must be a progressed learner;
Have completed all his/her SBA requirements in all seven subjects;
Have attended school regularly (not absent for more than 20 days without a valid reason);
Have written the Preparatory examination (prelims) in all subjects;
Have failed a minimum of three subjects;
The learner selecting the Multiple Examination Option must write a minimum of three subjects in his first year (excluding LO) and must have written all seven subjects by the second year.
Under the revised system, there will now be one end-of-year exam for all matriculants irrespective of their performance during the year.
“We had to acknowledge that while well-intentioned, the Multiple Examination Opportunity is being used by some schools as a gatekeeping mechanism and not for its original intentions,” said Basic Education minister, Angie Motshekga.
“Instead of assisting vulnerable learners to attain a matric certificate, it was allowing schools to cull learners through this process and not adequately supporting them through the multiple examination opportunities.
“For this reason, we took the bold decision to protect learners and do away with the MEO from 2020,” she said.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa will this week meet Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on the sidelines of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD), a major engagement set to unlock mutually beneficial opportunities between Harare and Tokyo.
The three-day TICAD summit, which begins on Wednesday in Yokohama, has become a prime global platform through which international stakeholders join forces to promote Africa’s development.
Japan is the third largest economy in the world after the United States and China, and is also a member of the Group of Seven (G7) nations, from which Zimbabwe is seeking a financial package to clear arrears owed to international finance institutions.
G7 – made up of the world’s seven most advanced economies as described by the IMF – consists of the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United Kingdom.
The Japanese embassy’s counsellor to Zimbabwe, Mr Kenichi Kasahara ,told The Sunday Mail that Zimbabwe will need “international help” during its reform process, which Japan is willing to provide.
“The topmost point is that the President himself, President Mnangagwa, is going to Japan and he will meet Prime Minister (Shinzo) Abe. We are actually arranging a bilateral meeting to be held on the sidelines of the summit.
“Sending a delegation headed by the President himself is an advantage in terms of TICAD.
“Zimbabwe will definitely be known; if the delegation meets the Japanese side. They can certainly impress their counterparts with their background and potential,” he said.
Arrears Clearance
The indaba, he said, will likely have potential benefits for the local economy as it presents an opportunity for the country to get international support to clear its obligations to international finance institutions.
Zimbabwe owes US$2,5 billion to multilateral institutions, of which the World Bank is owed US$1,5 billion, African Development Bank US$702 million, European Investment Bank US$309 million and other multilaterals US$74 million.
As at the end of June 2019, the country’s total bilateral debt amounted to US$5,5 billion, with Paris Club creditors accounting for US$3,5 billion and non-Paris Club US$1,6 billion.
Mr Kasahara said: “I believe that TICAD can be the thrusting element in terms of development of Zimbabwe’s economy.
“I know that Zimbabwe is seeking financial aid from one of the G7 members. But at the same time, the international financial system is a tight system; we have to focus on the fact that Zimbabwe has cleared its arrears with IMF but it cannot get finance from the IMF because it has to clear its arrears with WB and the African Development Bank also.
“Yes, Japan is a member of G7, G20 and also a member of the Paris Club, but the issue of finance must be collectively resolved with everyone’s consent.”
It is believed that the private sector will also be presented with an opportunity to pitch projects to potential investors.
One of the six sessions at the conference is specifically meant for the private sector, which will be attending its own side events.
In a statement last week, Japanese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Toshiyuki Iwado, who also paid a courtesy call on President Mnangagwa ahead of the summit, said Harare can expect more assistance from this year’s TICAD summit.
“It is only through Africa developing sustainably that the world’s development will be assured. Our assistance is implemented with this in mind. Since Japan launched TICAD in 1993, the policy of Japan’s assistance towards Africa has been strengthened and elaborated even further, and our assistance to Zimbabwe can be seen by our support to rural communities,” he said.
Since 1980, Japan has provided loan aid amounting to US$346 million, as well as grant aid worth US$560 million.
Some of the developmental projects funded by Japan in Zimbabwe include the Nyakomba irrigation scheme in Nyanga, which is benefiting hundreds of households in the area.
Last year, Japan provided a US$21 million grant for a road construction project to improve the Makuti-Chirundu highway on the north-south corridor.
Japan has also provided a US$5,5 million grant for road construction materials that were distributed to eight provinces around the country.
Emergency relief assistance has also been provided to the victims of Cyclone Idai.
Spin-offs
President Mnangagwa’s bilateral engagements have been yielding huge material benefits for the local economy.
His visit to China in April last year unlocked funding for the US$1,3 billion expansion of Hwange Thermal Power Station, plus a US$150 million loan for the expansion of Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport.
Beijing also provided a US$100 million grant for the construction of the new Parliament building in Mount Hampden.
All the projects are currently underway.
More projects and investments from Russia are set to be announced in October after President Mnangagwa’s fruitful bilateral meeting with President Vladimir Putin in January this year.
Visits to United Arab Emirates and Belarus, among others, have also proved to be worthwhile.
At the last TICAD summit held in Nairobi, Kenya, in 2016, Japan committed to investing approximately US$30 billion under public-private partnerships for Africa.
This year’s TICAD summit, which will be held from under the theme “Advancing Africa’s Development through People, Technology and Innovation”, will focus firmly on business and investment, giving further impetus to Zimbabwe’s investment drive.
Leader of the South African opposition party the Democratic Alliance (DA), Mmusi Maimane, plans to link up with Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa in Harare next week.
Maimane, who has previously expressed his dissatisfaction with the manner in which Zimbabwe has been handled by the South African government, has decided to take matters into his own hands.
The jury is still out on whether Mnangagwa will acquiesce to Maimane’s request. The Zimbabwean President is not the only public figure that Maimane has reached out to.
“I have requested formal meetings with President Mnangagwa, civil society bodies, and political parties in Harare next week,” said Maimane on Thursday.
Speaking at the Zimbabwean Embassy on Thursday, Maimane said: “We are here to begin the process of ensuring peace and stability is restored in our neighbouring Zimbabwe, and to see her people safe from violence and intimidation.”
Maimane has blamed President Mnangagwa for the civil unrest which has broken out in Zimbabwe – and the resultant deaths that came with that.
“Following weeks of relentless political instability and violence with no end in sight, we are compelled to act on behalf of the people of Zimbabwe and the SADC region,” added Mamaine.
The South African government has always been reluctant to intervene in the internal politics of neighbouring countries – the prevailing policy is that of quiet diplomacy.
“The situation is Zimbabwe is dire. Widespread civilian suppression, military-led violence, and bloodshed has ensued – with 100s arrested and detained by government authorities,” said Maimane.
“Assault, torture, inhumane and degrading treatment of citizens continues while President Ramaphosa sits on his hands and refuses to take action.”
Mrs Janet Madade Banana has received a brand new Ford Everest car from Government
WIDOW to former Zimbabwean President Canaan Sodindo Banana, Mrs Janet Madade Banana has received a brand new Ford Everest car from Government as part of her benefits.
The Government early in the year, made a commitment to pay Mrs Banana’ medical bills on top of other benefits after she returned to Zimbabwe after an 18-year stay in the United Kingdom. All former First Ladies are entitled to certain packages.
In an interview at her sister’s home in Southwold suburb in Bulawayo on Friday, Mrs Banana said she was grateful to the Government for fulfilling its promise.
“The vehicle was delivered on 8 August. It was a shock really, although I had been expecting it for a long time. In the end I was really glad and appreciate what Government has done for me so far. It is a Ford Everest, I even bought a shed for it to cover it and protect it from the sun and the rain,” she said, smiling.
Mrs Banana said the Government was also taking care of her medical bills as she was still undergoing treatment. She also acknowledged that she has been receiving her pension, but added that there were still some outstanding issues that were still to be addressed.
“They are still sorting out my accommodation, security and general upkeep. When I returned home I had to ask my sister to live with her as the Government had said I could be put in a hotel while I wait for my accommodation to be sorted out. But I turned that offer down because I did not want to be isolated and lonely in a hotel,” she said.
Mrs Banana sang praises to the First Lady Amai Auxillia Mnangagwa who visited her in June.
“I am grateful for Amai Mnangagwa’s initiative of coming here to see me, I told her about my problems such as accommodation and transport. I am really thankful to her, she is a star to me. Things have been progressing since her coming,” said Mrs Banana.
Mrs Banana also took time to highlight the need for Zimbabweans to assist in nation building and not focus merely on living in the diaspora.
“Living in a foreign country is not easy; don’t envy those that are out of the country. I know there are hardships that are there at home but I think to conquer these hardships we need to work together to unite for the progress of the country,” she said.
Mrs Banana said she is not going back to the UK.
“I am not going back to the UK. I have decided to retire and live in Zimbabwe, I even had my sister sending me some of my belongings because when I left the UK, I was going on holiday in South Africa and I became seriously ill.
“My visa was now expiring in South Africa and I spoke to the Ambassador about my predicament and he suggested I come to Zimbabwe and apply for another visa and go back but I told him once I go home that is it,” she said.
“I go to Methodist Church in Zimbabwe and I have been there once, when I get better I will be going more often and I am now mobile.”
President Mnangagwa’s spokesperson, George Charamba has dismissed as false the claims that indisposed Vice President Constantino Chiwenga has returned from China.
According to Charamba, Chiwenga spoke to President Mnangagwa by phone on Monday and the VP is continuing treatment in China.
Charamba’s response comes when some local publications had claimed that the former military boss had returned from China with a number of Chinese doctors for further treatment at home.
Chiwenga was airlifted from South Africa to China where a team of doctors from Zimbabwe, South Africa, China and India are said to be attending to him.
Recently, President Mnangagwa revealed that Chiwenga was recovering and was about to undergo real treatment.
Some observers, however, were sceptical of Mnangagwa’s remarks saying if they were true, the government would not be sending Chiwenga’s close family members to stay close to him.
For the past eight months, Chiwenga has been in and outside the hospital.
State Media|THE Government duly takes exception and offence in instances where accredited diplomatic personnel dabble in “opposition politics in Zimbabwe”, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Dr Sibusiso Moyo has said.
In a no-holds-barred meeting with ambassadors from Western countries held in the capital on Thursday, Minister Moyo said although the new administration was not averse to criticism, it was deeply concerned with the “one-sided character of the brickbats” following the 16 August “illegal demonstrations”.
Thursday’s meeting was convened a day after the same missions issued a statement criticising the way Government handled the protests. Zimbabwe’s top diplomat said although ambassadors had the right to associate with whomsoever they want, this did not translate to interfering in the affairs of a sovereign State.
“You may all have your personal likes or dislikes: you may have friends and acquaintances across the broad spectrum of Zimbabwean politics — indeed, as diplomats, it is to be expected and it is perfectly acceptable that you should engage all players across that spectrum and gain as full as possible an understanding of this country and its robust socio-political and economic dynamic. Nothing is wrong with that. But when any accredited representative allows themselves to become actively engaged in or associated with that political dynamic; and is sucked into the crude machinations which, today, constitute opposition politics in Zimbabwe, then, Excellencies, we do take offence and we do take exception,” he said.
Police had decided to issue a prohibition order, which was upheld by the High Court, after establishing “grounds of probable violence, danger to life and probable destruction of property”, he said.
Three people — Evidence Ncube (28) of Gokwe, Masimba Jemwa (41) and James Pfundira (27) — have already been jailed for two months by a Harare court after they were arrested at a police roadblock while travelling in an unregistered Nissan Hardbody vehicle during the MDC-Alliance’s illegal demonstration.
Notably, the trio was found in possession of a satchel containing machetes and a knife. Minister Moyo also questioned why the ambassadors have remained deafeningly silent despite continued incendiary rhetoric from the opposition calling for the removal of a “democratically elected” Government.
“Your Governments, Excellencies, are quick to condemn us for any breach of law or for any failure to uphold the rule of law. But you are silent when opposition formations blatantly disregard the law, defy the High Court and repeatedly threaten to overthrow the elected Government of the day through violent protests and the promotion of chaos and anarchy . . . Again, Excellencies, your silence at this stated determination — to undermine democracy in Zimbabwe, to overthrow the Government and plunge the country into chaos — is deeply concerning,” he said.
Minister Moyo said despite dealing with a mob acting in open defiance of the law, which had also committed “provocation at its worst” by marching to Munhumutapa Offices — the seat of the Presidency — police had carried out their duties satisfactorily. No serious injuries or fatalities had been recorded on the fateful day, he said.
Dr Moyo said the nascent signs of economic recovery are making the opposition increasingly uneasy as they know that a growing and stable economy spells a bleak future for them.
Minister Moyo also exhorted the embassies to counsel the opposition and civil society, which had shown a determination for what he called “political insurgency”.
By Own Correspondent| Gunmen reportedly visited human rights campaigner, Makomborero Haruzivishe late Saturday evening.
He was not at home at the time when he says his landlord and neighbours were awoken when the untold number of men descended onto the property.
It is believed the reason Mako is being targeted is a tweet he made concerning a missing
“Woke up to see 13 missed calls from my landlord and neighbours,” he wrote.
He continued saying, “just called them back and they telling me armed men came looking for me just after 2300hrs.
“Thank God they did not harm anyone or damage anything and also that they did not find me home.”
The development comes as ZANU PF leader Emmerson Mnangagwa verbally attacked civil society organisations saying they must “restrict themselves to their mandate. ” It also comes as the 68th United Nations Civil Society Conference opened under the theme: “BUILDING INCLUSIVE AND SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND COMMUNITIES”
By Own Correspondent| Gunmen reportedly visited human rights campaigner, Makomborero Haruzivishe late Saturday evening.
He was not at home at the time when he says his landlord and neighbours were awoken when the untold number of men descended onto the property.
It is believed the reason Mako is being targeted is a tweet he made concerning a missing
“Woke up to see 13 missed calls from my landlord and neighbours,” he wrote.
He continued saying, “just called them back and they telling me armed men came looking for me just after 2300hrs.
“Thank God they did not harm anyone or damage anything and also that they did not find me home.”
The development comes as ZANU PF leader Emmerson Mnangagwa verbally attacked civil society organisations saying they must “restrict themselves to their mandate. ” It also comes as the 68th United Nations Civil Society Conference opened under the theme: “BUILDING INCLUSIVE AND SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND COMMUNITIES”
State Media|PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa will this week meet Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on the sidelines of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD), a major engagement set to unlock mutually beneficial opportunities between Harare and Tokyo.
The three-day TICAD summit, which begins on Wednesday in Yokohama, has become a prime global platform through which international stakeholders join forces to promote Africa’s development. Japan is the third largest economy in the world after the United States and China, and is also a member of the Group of Seven (G7) nations, from which Zimbabwe is seeking a financial package to clear arrears owed to international finance institutions.
G7 — made up of the world’s seven most advanced economies as described by the IMF — consists of the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United Kingdom. Japan’s embassy Counsellor to Zimbabwe Mr Kenichi Kasahara told our Harare Bureau that Zimbabwe will need “international help” during its reform process, which Japan is willing to provide.
“The topmost point is that the President himself, President Mnangagwa, is going to Japan and he will meet Prime Minister (Shinzo) Abe. We are actually arranging a bilateral meeting to be held on the sidelines of the summit.
“Sending a delegation headed by the President himself is an advantage in terms of TICAD. Zimbabwe will definitely be known; if the delegation meets Japanese side, they can certainly impress their counterparts with their background and potential,” he said.
The indaba, he said, will likely have potential benefits for the local economy as it presents an opportunity for the country to get international support to clear its obligations to international finance institutions.
Zimbabwe owes US$2,5 billion to multilateral institutions, of which the World Bank (WB) is owed US$1,5 billion, African Development Bank US$702 million, European Investment Bank US$309 million and other multi-laterals US$74 million.
As at the end of June 2019, the country’s total bilateral debt amounted to US$5,5 billion, with Paris Club creditors accounting for US$3,5 billion and non-Paris Club US$1,6 billion.
Mr Kasahara said: “I believe that TICAD can be the thrusting element in terms of development of Zimbabwe’s economy.
“I know that Zimbabwe is seeking financial aid from one of the G7 members. But at the same time, the international financial system is a tight system; we have to focus on the fact that Zimbabwe has cleared its arrears with IMF but it cannot get finance from the IMF, because it has to clear its arrears with WB and the African Development Bank also.
“Yes, Japan is a member of G7, G20 and also a member of the Paris Club, but the issue of finance must be collectively resolved with everyone’s consent.”
It is believed that the private sector will also be presented with an opportunity to pitch projects to potential investors. One of the six sessions at the conference is specifically meant for the private sector, which will be attending its own side events.
In a statement last week, Japanese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Toshiyuki Iwado, who also paid a courtesy call on President Mnangagwa ahead of the summit, said Harare can expect more assistance from this year’s TICAD summit.
“It is only through Africa developing sustainably that the world’s development will be assured. Our assistance is implemented with this in mind. Since Japan launched TICAD in 1993, the policy of Japan’s assistance towards Africa has been strengthened and elaborated even further, and our assistance to Zimbabwe can be seen by our support to rural communities,” he said.
Since 1980, Japan has provided loan aid amounting to US$346 million, as well as grant aid worth US$560 million.
Some of the developmental projects funded by Japan in Zimbabwe include the Nyakomba irrigation scheme in Nyanga, which is benefiting hundreds of households in the area. Last year, Japan provided a US$21 million grant for a road construction project to improve the Makuti-Chirundu highway on the north-south corridor.
Japan has also provided a US$5,5 million grant for road construction materials that were distributed to eight provinces around the country. Emergency relief assistance has also been provided to the victims of Cyclone Idai.
President Mnangagwa’s bilateral engagements have been yielding huge material benefits for the local economy.
His visit to China in April last year unlocked funding for the US$1,3 billion expansion of Hwange Thermal Power Station, including a US$150 million loan for the expansion of Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport.
Beijing also provided a US$100 million grant for the construction of the new Parliament building in Mount Hampden. All the projects are currently underway.
More projects and investments from Russia are set to be announced in October after President Mnangagwa’s fruitful bilateral meeting with President Vladimir Putin in January this year. Visits to United Arab Emirates and Belarus, among others, have also proved to be worthwhile.
At the last TICAD summit held in Nairobi, Kenya, in 2016, Japan committed to investing approximately US$30 billion under public-private partnerships for Africa. This year’s TICAD summit, which will be held from under the theme “Advancing Africa’s Development through People, Technology and Innovation”, will focus firmly on business and investment, giving further impetus to Zimbabwe’s investment drive.
Finance and Economic Development Minister Mthuli Ncube has assured the nation that by the end of 2019 the country’s economic reforms will have been completed and the country will be back on its feet.
In a publication by weekend state media, Mthuli Ncube said that the current tough austerity measures will have scaled down by year end and the country will be flourishing once more.
“Really, the major macro-economic policy adjustments we are coming towards the end of that and really my view is that within the year 2019 we should be able to complete all the major adjustments.
“And then beyond that, we put those behind us then we focus on jobs, productivity and competitiveness to see how we can focus these on the micro- economy so that we can lay the foundation for real prosperity going forward, having concluded all the major macro-economic adjustments” the finance minister said.
Minister Ncube has previously said that while the reform agenda let loose the inflation scourge, underlying factors for high inflation were already in place only waiting for a trigger to bolt away.
He, however, indicated from the outset his reform initiatives, dubbed austerity measures, would inevitably cause suffering among citizens, but remained necessary to correct ills of the past.
Frankly, his interventions have already started bearing results and for the first time in a long period Treasury has consistently posted primary budget surpluses since November 2018.
Treasury recorded a primary budget surplus of $803,6 million between January and June 2019 on the back of fiscal discipline in line ministries and government, as the TSP initiatives start to bear fruit.
And between January and March this year, Zimbabwe registered a positive current account balance of US$200 million, also the first since dollarisation in 2009, which provides signs that the country’s macro-economic fundamentals are falling in place.
Although Zimbabwe remains largely trapped in the throes of high inflation, it has recently experienced relative price stability, seen official and parallel market rates converge, is starting to see shorter fuel queues, growing foreign currency balances in the banks and witnessing improved access to forex by companies on the interbank.
Minister Ncube stated in his macroeconomic reform document, Transitional Stabilisation Programme, that the prevailing environment of macro-economic imbalances presented constraints to rapid economic development, as public deficits fuel unsustainable.
The Treasury chief noted that large fiscal borrowing requirements and money supply growth, in the process consumed scarce foreign reserves and undermining currency stability.
The fiscal deficit, a major cause of macro-economic instability and financial sector vulnerability, was estimated at US$1,4 billion at the close of the first half of 2018, and was projected at over US$2,7 billion in the absence of corrective measures being taken.
Annual growth in money supply to May 2018 stood at 40,8 percent, from US$6,5 in 2017, underpinned by growth in domestic credit of 47,3 percent, mostly to Government. And so, these were some of the fiscal misnomers the minister sought to correct.
Presenting his 2019 midterm policy review statement last month Minister Ncube said a relentless commitment to full implementation of key macro-economic reforms, void of policy reversals and inconsistencies had, as intended, set a solid stabilisation base for triple “S” growth, which is strong, sustained and shared growth.
His sentiments were recently shared by ex-MDC-A parliamentarian and former Bulawayo legislator Mr Eddie Cross who said “The economy is about to turnaround.”
Well Mr Mnangagwa @edmnangagwa this is not President Chamisa @nelsonchamisa defining you as an autocrat, it is President Zuma @PresJGZuma. I can assure you that this is your legacy and if we are all lucky, all those abusing armed power will face constitutional justice soon. pic.twitter.com/3RqRzEy5Sh
— Citizen Nkululeko Sibanda zw (@DrNkuSibanda) August 25, 2019
A MIDLANDS State University student left a Mutare court gallery stunned last Thursday when he described a child he allegedly sired with his girlfriend as a ‘miracle baby’.
Takunda Mundondo told the court the baby was a ‘miracle baby’ as he had not at one time become intimate with Chitsidzo Machenge. Mutare magistrate Ms Prisca Tendai Manhibi presided over the matter.
“This is not my child, in-fact this baby is a miracle baby and that is the only explanation that I can give because, never at one time did I sleep with this woman. In fact, we were in a relationship which lasted four days only and we never had any sex,” said the furious Mundondo.
He told the court Machenge had visited him once during their short-lived relationship but nothing had happened between them because they were never alone.
He also told the court that Machenge was forcing him to accept the child and had assaulted him after realising that he wanted DNA tests for the baby. “I will not take a birth certificate for that child because he is not mine, Your Worship, I never slept with Machenge. When I came here last week to collect a letter from the clerk of court, to take to the National Blood Transfusion Services for the DNA tests, Machenge saw me.
“She then waited for me in town and head-butted me after biting me. She told me that coming to this court was of no use because she had already decided that the baby was mine. She barred me from coming to this court,” said Mundondo.
He added: “She wants to tarnish my image, I have never slept with her but she tells all our mutual friends that I am HIV positive and that I passed it on to her. This has prompted me to go for HIV tests and showing the results to everyone she had told just to clear my reputation.’’
Machenge however, insisted she had slept with Mundondo and that the baby was his. She however, did not deny her violent attacks on him.State media
A POLICE officer based at ZRP Rusape Rural Police Station who allegedly resisted arrest and strangled his superior following a work-related altercation, has finally been cowed and arraigned in court for assault.
The suspect Callisto Tarutsvanga (39), a constable at Rusape Rural, allegedly pushed his superior Inspector Washington Kazinge (45), out of the charge office and strangled his neck while pressing him against the fence.
Tarutsvanga, who is represented by Mr Leonard Chigadza, of Chigadza and Associates Legal Practitioners, pleaded not guilty to the charge. He, instead, accused Insp Kazinge of assaulting him and further abusing his authority by filing a false report against him.
He appeared before magistrate Ms Rufaro Mangwiro facing assault charges as defined in Section 89(1) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act Chapter 9:23 Miss Ivy Mayimbo prosecuted.
She told the court that Tarutsvanga refused to take over duty from one constable Maboreke citing the presence of one female inmate (Lydia Musipa) in the charge office.
She said constable Maboreke took the matter to the officer-in-charge. “Kazinge called the accused to his office and inquired from him why he was refusing to take over duty. The accused replied by insulting and threatening to assault the complainant.
“The complainant followed the accused and informed him that he was under arrest for his conduct. Tarutsvanga refused to be arrested, and pushed Kazinge out of the charge office, and strangled him while pressing him against the fence.
“Kazinge was rescued by other police officers that were nearby, leading to Tarutsvanga’s arrest,” she said. The trial was adjourned to August 27, 2019.State media
NOW a lot of men will probably think that it’s crazy, how does one survive 10 years in a marriage with no sex? Well, they do say that love concurs all and that is pretty evident in Australian couple’s, Michaela and James Reece’s marriage.
From the age of 14 James had decided that he would stay a virgin until he got married and had hoped that his first sexual experience would go smoothly as he will be doing it under the vow of marriage and this is considered the right thing to do.
Michaela and James say that they waited 21 months to get married and when the night finally came for them to have sex, the experience was not one that they really enjoyed. Michaela and James have shared their story on Ground Found Me. In their post they go on to write about how they were “very excited for our honeymoon”, considering Mr Reece was 25 and a virgin.
“Imagine our heartbreak when sex was excruciatingly painful — to the point of impossible — and ended up in infection,” they wrote.
“This has been our reality ever since. Three years and many specialists and misdiagnoses would pass before we would finally be given a name for this condition.”
Mrs Reece was eventually diagnosed with a disorder called Vaginismus after suffering from several infections as a result of sexual intercourse. It’s said that the disorder causes the vaginal muscles to involuntarily tighten.
Medical experts have said there really is no cure for this condition which affects the woman’s ability to enjoy foreplay or actively engage in any form of vaginal penetration/ sexual intercourse.
Overlooking Michaela’s disorder the couple have managed to stay devoted to each other for the past nine years and in December this year will be celebrating their 10 year anniversary. Michaela and James have failed to find any treatment for her as it is not available in Australia.
To celebrate their 10th year anniversary the couple has launched a fundraising page to collect enough money that will allow Michaela to travel to New York, where she will get the necessary treatment that will allow her to take part in and enjoy sexual intercourse.
In total the trip will cost the couple $25 000 but they hope to raise at least $15 000 through sharing their story on their fundraising page. “It’d be lovely if this was the year that we could be together in ‘that way’ for the first time.”
Michaela and James hope to travel to New York for two weeks of treatment in October. As crazy as this may all sound it’s great to see that James has stuck through every thing with his wife Michaela and has remained loyal to her for all these years.
Gentlemen if you were ‘‘stuck’’ in a similar situation, would you stick through with your wife or find alternative solutions outside of your marriage? — okmzansi.co.za
The man who openly testifies to killing six MDC members during the time Emmerson Mnangagwa was boasting of changing election results in a development that eventually catapulted him to power, has gone in video to order him to resign. Mr Anesu Kapere opens impeccable files of mass murders he has done for ZANU PF since 2008. VIDEO:
FC Platinum held off Nyasa Big Bullets to make it to the CAF Champions League first round following a hard-fought triumph over the Malawians in a preliminary round, second leg tie at Barbourfields yesterday.
The Zimbabwe soccer kings played the greater part of the game using a 10-men squad following the expulsion of Cameroonian forward Albert Eonde.
For a lunge on Precious Sambani, Eonde was given a straight red card by Zambian referee Janny Sikazwe in the 26th minute. The Platinum striker was in tears as he walked off the field.
It was an action packed, see-saw battle in which FC Platinum faced elimination with the scores level at 2-2, until substitute Perfect Chikwende ensured the hosts made it to the next round with a header 10 minutes before the end of the game.
The other scorers for Pure Platinum Play were Devon Chafa and Never Tigere, with Chafa scoring from the penalty spot.
Peter Banda and Patrick Phiri were on target for the visitors. FC Platinum will now play against the winner between UD Songo of Mozambique and Simba Sports Club of Tanzania.
FC Platinum started off brightly when they were awarded a penalty in the fourth minute. Gift Mbweti was brought down in the box by Yamikani Fodoya and Sikazwe pointed to the spot. Chafa then sent Ernest Kakhobwe the wrong way.
With a one-man advantage, the visitors hit back in brilliant style with half an hour played. Banda’s stunning goal was struck from outside the box with what seemed like a cross from the right, only for the ball to sail over Wallace Magalane.
Eight minutes before the break, Tigere restored Platinum’s lead when he blasted in from close range. With Tigere having rattled the cross bar in the 64th minute, Nyasa Big Bullets refused to give in. With the scores level at 2-2 in the 73rd minute, the impressive Phiri controlled the ball with his chest before firing past Magalane. Had it ended that way, FC Platinum would have been eliminated from the competition on the away goals rule.
However, with 12 minutes left, Mapeza removed Chafa and replaced him with Chikwende.
The move paid off. Chikwende rose high to head in a Raphael Muduviwa cross from the right only two minutes after coming in.
But the Malawians were not giving up. Substitute, former Orlando Pirates striker Chiukepo Msowoya’s effort came off the cross bar two minutes into the referee’s optional time. FC Platinum managed to withstand the barrage and walked away victorious.State media
Government takes exception and offence in instances where accredited diplomatic personnel dabble in “opposition politics in Zimbabwe”, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Dr Sibusiso Moyo has said.
In a no-holds-barred meeting with ambassadors from Western countries held in Harare on Thursday, Minister Moyo said although the new administration was not averse to criticism, it was deeply concerned with the “one-sided character of the brickbats” following the August 16 illegal demonstrations.
Thursday’s meeting was convened a day after the same missions issued a statement criticising the way Government handled the protests. Zimbabwe’s top diplomat said although ambassadors had the right to associate with whomsoever they want, this did not translate to interfering in the affairs of a sovereign State.
“You may all have your personal likes or dislikes: you may have friends and acquaintances across the broad spectrum of Zimbabwean politics.
Indeed, as diplomats, it is to be expected and it is perfectly acceptable that you should engage all players across that spectrum and gain as full as possible an understanding of this country and its robust socio-political and economic dynamic. Nothing is wrong with that,” said Minister Moyo.
“But when any accredited representative allows themselves to become actively engaged in or associated with that political dynamic; and is sucked into the crude machinations which, today, constitute opposition politics in Zimbabwe, then, Excellencies, we do take offence and we do take exception,” he said.State media
THE National Competitiveness Commission (NCC) is currently engaging manufacturers and producers countrywide to establish pricing formulae , a strategy meant to arrest the current distortions on cost of goods and services.
Since the adoption of a mono currency recently, Zimbabwe has witnessed a two-tier pricing model for goods and services pegged in bond notes and electronic transactions, resulting in profiteering by some business people.
It has been gathered that the NCC has over the past weeks been engaging industry players, giving recommendations to Government and the private sector on the state of the pricing regimes.
The widespread consultation by the commission has seen some players in the industry adjusting their prices in line with cost of production.
Government says it is also working on strengthening the Competitions and Tariff Commission (CTC) by putting in strong measures that promote competition and stiffer penalties for companies that violate competition laws.
Minister of Industry and Commerce Mangaliso Ndlovu said the measures would ensure prices of goods and services are ‘realistic’.State media
For David Luiz, this was an introduction to Arsenal and their infamous defensive fragility.
For Arsenal, this was an introduction to David Luiz and his infamous defensive fragility.
The very thing that Arsenal feared when they signed Luiz from Chelsea came to pass in only his second game as Unai Emery’s side were once again ripped apart by a Liverpool team that seemingly enjoys nothing more than pummelling their visitors from north London.
Make that 15 goals scored by Jurgen Klopp’s side in Arsenal’s last four trips to Anfield. A new season brought new faces and a new threat from Unai Emery’s team, but the same old problems were exposed by the same old faces in red. Chief among them was Mohamed Salah, providing Luiz with a very personal torment in a thrilling second half performance that reminded the league just how hard it will be to stop Liverpool this season.
When Luiz swapped Chelsea blue for Arsenal red, he would not have imagined spending his second match trailing after a motoring Salah, watching as the Liverpool winger disappeared further and further into the distance. Nor would he have envisaged being so careless as to pull Salah’s shirt and award the Egyptian the most foolish of penalties in the crucial moments after half-time.
This, it is safe to say, is not what Luiz was signed for. Where was the defensive leadership, the organisation, the calmness? Frankly, it was all at the other end of the field, where Joel Matip and Virgil van Dijk were occasionally ruffled by Arsenal’s attackers but ultimately sturdy under pressure.
For all the talk before the match of the opposing strikeforces, it was the defenders who made the difference at Anfield, for good and for bad.
Liverpool move back to the top of the table, then, and they do so with another humbling of a ‘big six’ opponent. The defensive solidity of last season has not yet fully returned, and they still seek a first clean sheet of the campaign after Lucas Torreira’s consolation strike, but no one can claim this was not another step towards the heights of last season.
The sight of Salah scorching past defenders in the second half was both fearsome and familiar.
Liverpool have now scored 26 goals against Arsenal since Klopp took over in October 2015. There have been more one-sided affairs than this, but at this stage of the campaign it was a showing of remarkable physical strength.The Telegraph
MADRID. – Lionel Messi could be ready to play against Real Betis in the Spanish La Liga tomorrow and Barcelona could do with him back.
In other circumstances, Messi might have left it another week, having missed the whole of pre-season with a calf injury he sustained in his first training session back.
But after re-joining his teammates on Wednesday, the temptation will be to put Messi straight to work, to lift the mood and minimise the chances of what would be a disastrous second slip in La Liga.
One defeat, by Athletic Bilbao inside a bouncing San Mames on the opening night and inflicted by a freakishly brilliant bicycle kick in the 89th minute, might ordinarily have been accepted as a blip. “San Mames is always a difficult place to play,” said Gerard Pique. “When you’re not at your best, they make you look stupid.” Yet memories of Barcelona’s capitulation in May remain fresh.
The humiliation in the Champions League and submission in the final of the Copa del Rey mean this team and, in particular, their coach begin the season very much on the back foot.
Ernesto Valverde is never far from blame, suspicion about his style and suitability always bubbling under the surface, despite the fact he is hoping to become the first Barca coach since Pep Guardiola to win three La Liga titles in a row. When Messi tweaked his calf, it was assumed an attacking roster of Luis Suarez, Antoine Griezmann and Ousmane Dembele would cope. Instead, Suarez and Dembele both picked up strains against Bilbao while Griezmann delivered the sort of hesitant display to suggest he may also need time to adapt.
“This league is hard,” Griezmann said. “We have to bounce back.” Another muscle injury for Dembele, his fifth in two years at Barcelona, is a concern, especially after the 22-year-old reportedly took time off in France instead of undergoing medical tests – AFP.
The wait continues for Zimbabwe international Marvelous Nakamba’s Aston Villa debut, as he is not in the match day squad for tonight’s Premier League game against Everton.
Nakamba, who made the switch from Belgian giants Club Brugge for a reported £12 million, has not appeared for the Premier League returnees in an official game so far.
Villa coach Dean Smith explained this week that the Warriors midfielder is “still a bit off” in as far as fitness is concerned.
Nakamba played for Zimbabwe at AFCON 2019 but took part in only one game, the 1-0 defeat to Egypt, and the delay in the confirmation of his move to Villa Park resulted in him not having a full pre-season.Soccer 24
Zimbabwe is currently experiencing an acute shortage of family planning pills with pharmacies and private institutions also affected.
Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council Matabeleland regional officer Blessed Gumbi said the shortage of the contraceptives has become a crisis.
He said:
We are running dry on contraceptives and it’s a countrywide crisis that we are struggling to contain.
We have nothing in our stocks and at Zimbabwe National Pharmaceuticals which affects pharmacies as they normally buy from us.
However, we are expecting a shipment at the beginning of September and we are hopeful that will improve the situation.
We are short of the Control pills, the most used by women but we still have low supplies of the Secure pills which are accessible. However, Secure pills are on demand compared to the Control hence the challenge.
Gumbi suggested that members of the public should approach health institutions and access alternative methods while waiting for the pills.
He further recommended using condoms as a viable birth control measure.State media
The fuel finder is really simple – you simply open Yo Mix > Services > Fuel Finder.
A map will open with fuel icons scattered all over the map. The icons are colour coded as follows:
Fuel available – Blue
Maybe available – Orange
No fuel – Red
It’s not clear how often the application will be updated to reflect accurate updates but this is a welcome feature. The ability to add notifications for certain service stations and the type of fuel you want will also be a feature that can be added in future and make the app more efficient.-Techzim
By Nomusa Garikai- Zimbabwe is in this political mess because the country has had the great misfortune of having more than its fair share of corrupt and incompetent leaders in both sides of the political divide. During the fight to end white colonial exploitation and oppression, one of the rallying calls amongst the blacks was “One man, one vote!” Everyone understood this meant giving everyone a meaningful say in the governance of the country.
Long before Zimbabwe attained her
independence black nationalist leaders like Mugabe and his cronies want
absolute power for themselves and immediately set out to disregard the “One
man, one vote!” promise to the populous. It is shocking just how easily
corruptible Zanu PF members and supporters alike were; they ditched “One man,
one vote!” because Mugabe them a share of the absolute power and all the
influence and wealth it brings.
Little did these members and
supporters know that it was not only the ordinary Zimbabweans who would lose a
meaningful say in the governance of the country, they too would lose a
meaningful say in the governance of the country and the party Zanu PF. The
country has never had free, fair and credible elections and so too has Zanu PF.
And so, when the country’s economy
started to cough blood because of Zanu PF mismanagement and corruption the
ordinary Zimbabweans could not do anything to stop the rot because they had no
meaningful say in the governance of the country. Zanu PF ordinary members too
started to feel the ill-effects of the Zanu PF misrule but they too could not
stop the rot.
In a country ruled by a de facto
one-party dictatorship the opposition parties would be united one issue above
all else, the need to dismantle the one-party dictatorship and restore the
people’s freedoms and rights including the right to a meaningful say in the
governance of the country. Sadly. Zimbabwe’s opposition parties are so corrupt
and incompetent they do not know what they stand for!
“In a multi-party democracy, the
minority shall have their say whilst the majority shall have their way!”
twittered Obert Gutu, he is the Vice President of MDC-T, led by Mrs Thokozani
Khupe.
Mr Gutu, are you telling us that
Zimbabwe is a multi-party democracy and last year’s elections were free, fair
and credible and the majority had their meaningful?
The people of Zimbabwe have risked
life and limb to elect you and your fellow MDC friends, in all the different
factions, on the promise you would deliver the democratic changes, as your
party name implies, the nation was dying for. You now telling us that Zimbabwe
is a multi-party democracy. Just when did this political transformation take
place?
President Mnangagwa and his Zanu PF
cronies rigged last year’s elections confirming that Zimbabwe is still a de
facto one-party dictatorship ruled by corrupt, incompetent, vote rigging and
murderous thugs.
Zimbabwe’s economic recovery depends
on the nation implementing the reforms to dismantle the dictatorship and end
this curse of rigged elections. If we are to successful push for the implementing
of reforms, we must agree last year’s elections were rigged! Mnangagwa is
stubbornly insisting the elections were free, fair and credible and corrupt and
incompetent opposition leaders like Obert Gutu are encouraging him.
MDC leaders sold-out big time during the 2008 to 2013 GNU when they failed to implement even one democratic reform. By participating in last year’s elections Zimbabwe’s opposition politicians gave the whole flawed and illegal process some modicum of credibility at the very time when we should stand as one in declaring Mnangagwa and this Zanu PF dictatorship illegitimate.
Our corrupt and incompetent opposition are not helping to end the de facto one-party dictatorship but are doing the opposite by pretending Zimbabwe is now a multi-party democracy.
By Tariro Moyo- Jailed Independent End Time Message leader Robert Martin Gumbura’s wives have vowed to remain loyal to their husband and united despite negative coverage by some sections of the media.
Even from prison, Gumbura still ensures all his wives are catered for and will do little things to ensure they are happy.
When they visited him on Thursday during the Prison and Correctional Services Family Week, his wives and children wore similar red and white hats bought by the incarcerated clergyman.
They said Gumbura parted with 3kg of sugar as payment for the hats sewn by a fellow inmate.
Speaking to the media, Gumbura poured cold water on reports alleging that he had allowed his wives to look for love elsewhere since he would be in jail for a long time.
He said:
“Look at all my wives as they sit there, which one do you think I will divorce, which one?” he said as the wives burst into laughter.
“You can ask them, they are all here, all the mothers are here,” he added.
Gumbura’s family visited him as part of the Prison and Correctional Services Family Week facility at Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison.
He is serving a 40-year jail term and has been behind bars for the past five years.
Sitting around their husband, all the wives nodded in agreement that in the five years Gumbura has been away, they have been and will remain faithful to him.
They said previous reports in some sections of the media that they had deserted him were false.
“It was a lie. We know that media will be looking at selling their newspapers, so we just ignore it. We will remain loyal to our husband,” said spokesperson Queen Bunga, who is Gumbura’s second wife.
Asked how many of his wives had visited him, Gumbura insisted that all the mothers of his children had come. He added that his children would visit later that day and start feasting as a family.
Gumbura applauded the Prison and Correctional Services department for providing such an opportunity for convicts to meet their families.
He said without such a provision, it would be a challenge for people like him serving long sentences of up to 40 years to recognise their children when they were eventually released.
“With this current arrangement, you can relate with developments happening back home. You can trace the growth of your children. Very soon, my children will be coming here, you will see them.
“They are not very difficult to spot. You will see them in their numbers with their hats similar to those of their mothers,” said Gumbura.
Media reports alleged that Gumbura’s wives had stopped visiting him in prison while others reported that he had given them his blessings to look for love elsewhere.
The Gumbura family remains a centre of attraction at all Family Weeks. During each visit, a huge crowd comprising his wives, children and a few parishioners visit him.
Gumbura was convicted in 2014 on four counts of rape.
He has 21 wives, nine of whom do not have children with him.-StateMedia
By A Correspondent- With about two weeks to go before the Mangwe constituency by-election, the Zanu-PF leadership has challenged party members to honour the 1987 Unity Accord by ensuring the party retains the seat.
Zanu-PF Secretary for Information and Publicity, Ambassador Simon Khaya Moyo descended on Matabeleland South province ahead of the by-election set for 7 September where he met the provincial leadership and party supporters in Mangwe district.
He challenged the party members to unite and deliver victory for the party in the constituency following the death of the party’s Deputy Chief Whip, Obedingwa Mnguni.
Chief Hobodo and the Zanu-PF candidate, Hlalani Mguni, who is Mguni’s widow, said nothing is going to stop the party from retaining the seat as Mangwe District is a Zanu-PF strong-hold.
The Mangwe by-election will be held on the same day with another in Glenview South constituency in Harare.-StateMedia
By A Correspondent- A South African registered bus, Africa Link Coach was involved in an accident killing 5 people and leaving scores of other passengers seriously injured.
The accident, which happened this evening in Rutenga, Mwenezi along the Harare Beitbridge highway was heading to South Africa and had on board passengers of Malawian nationality.
The injured have been rushed to Neshuro Hospital.
This is a developing story. Refresh this page for latest updates.
By A Correspondent| The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc) has engaged some European ambassadors seeking co-operation in efforts to identify and repatriate offshore investments from proceeds of corruption by locals, it has emerged.
Zacc chairperson Justice Loice Matanda-Moyo met with ambassadors from some EU member states on Thursday last week and struck an agreement to assist in locating properties owned by individuals involved in corrupt activities.
Officials who attended the meeting said the ambassadors agreed to engage their respective governments in the process. Zacc wants all those convicted of corruption by the courts to have their offshore investments repatriated by the state.
Zacc spokesperson John Makamure confirmed the meeting, but declined to give details.
“It is true, the chairperson met with those ambassadors, but I cannot give you the details yet since I have not received a briefing,” he said.
Diplomats who attended the meeting told the Zimbabwe Independent this week that Matanda-Moyo sought assistance from the ambassadors after the explosion of the National Social Security Authority (Nssa) corruption scandal in which those accused of pillaging the pension fund are suspected to have used the money to acquire real estate in Europe, particularly Britain.
“A senior UK diplomat attended a diplomatic briefing with Zacc chairperson Loice Matanda-Moyo. Any request for assistance in this regard would go through the appropriate legal channels in the UK,” a British embassy spokesperson said.
“There was a meeting where we were exploring how we can co-operate in the country’s anti-corruption drive. I can say the mood was very cooperative and we will see how their operations proceed but, basically, everyone agreed to help where they can,” one of the diplomats said.
Sources said although Zacc had initially targeted property in Britain said to be owned by former cabinet minister Prisca Mupfumira, who is accused of fleecing Nssa of more than US$95 million during the time she was Labour and Social Welfare minister, the issue had opened a can of worms as some people living in the United Kingdom have come forward and offered to appear as witnesses in many other cases.
As such, sources said, Zacc will now also investigate corruption cases dating as far back as 2003.
“The chairperson met with the EU ambassadors on Thursday last week where she sought their assistance in the forfeiture and repatriation of those properties upon the conviction of the accused persons. In fact, the issue is now not only limited to Nssa,” a source said.
“There are many other cases being investigated, (with some of them) dating as far back as 2003. The investigation will also involve those who were named in WikiLeaks files, so it has become wider and there are many people offering to stand as witnesses.”
Matanda-Moyo requested for more time with the top British diplomat after other diplomats had left.
The Independent also understands that Zacc has engaged a London-based Zimbabwean national to trace some of the properties allegedly owned by Mupfumira and others.
The investigator, who is currently checking on a company in which Mupfumira is believed to have interests, will then be able to stand as a witness.
The investigator has been viewing files lodged at the Companies House and in particular with respect to a company in which one Priscah Chidavaenzi is named as a director, sources said.
The company, Priscah C Limited, was registered on August 14 2015 in Leicester.
“What is interesting about this company is that it has a board of directors who appointed Priscah Chidavaenzi as a director, yet there is a small amount of funding. What are they hiding? When the agent in London entered Mupfumira on the website, it came up with Priscah Chidavaenzi,” the source revealed.
One of the cases on Zacc’s radar is a long-standing Grain Marketing Board (GMB) scandal involving two businessmen accused of corruptly exporting maize which cost the country US$26 million.-Zimbabwe Independent
By A Correspondent| An estimated 20 passengers are feared dead after a cross-border bus was involved in an accident this evening.
While details of the accident were still sketchy by the time of writing, sources privy to the development said the accident occurred near Neshuro turn off in Rutenga, Mwenezi district along the Harare-Beitbridge highway.
Said Munyaradzi Naison:
“I heard it was going to South Africa. It happened near Neshuro turn off.”
This is a developing story. Refresh this page for latest updates.
By A Correspondent- Doug Coltart and several Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe members who were arrested yesterday (23 August 2019) have been released on bail.
They were granted bail on Saturday afternoon by a Harare magistrate and later released that evening.
Coltart tweeted about the bail and release:
He said:
We are finally out! Thank you so much to all those who have been praying for us and showing your solidarity. Huge thank you to @ZLHRLawyers for the legal representation. So many reflections from the past two days but that’s for another day. Feeling grateful, hopeful, energized! pic.twitter.com/Wh0MXX6J2P
An estimated 20 passengers are feared dead after a cross-border bus was involved in an accident this evening.
While details of the accident were still sketchy by the time of writing, sources privy to the development said the accident occurred in Rutenga, Mwenezi district, along the Harare-Beitbridge highway.
By A Correspondent- The Deputy Minister of Defence and War Veterans Affairs, Victor Matemadanda has said the abduction of the comedienne Samantha Kureya, (popularly known as Gonyeti) is an attempt to tarnish the government’s image by detractors.
He was addressing war veterans and traditional leaders from Mashonaland East Province in Marondera on Friday (24 August 2019).
Said Matemadanda:
“It is laughable to hear people saying the government is abducting its citizens. Surely what would we get from abducting a comedian like Gonyeti, that is the work of our detractors bent on tarnishing the image of the government,”
Matemadanda joins other government officials who have also said that the abduction of the comedian was not by government operatives or any group supporting the government.
Permanent secretary in the Information Ministry Nick Mangwana said on Friday:
“Recent activities in Zim have all the hallmarks of “black ops” hence need to be analysed dispassionately. Who stands to gain from a damage to ED’s local & international prestige? Why would masked people abduct then order victim not to criticise govt? Nicely setting things up?-StateMedia
The Deputy Minister of Defence and War Veterans Affairs, Victor Matemadanda has said the abduction of the comedienne Samantha Kureya, (popularly known as Gonyeti) is an attempt to tarnish the government’s image by detractors.
He was addressing war veterans and traditional leaders from Mashonaland East Province in Marondera on Friday (24 August 2019).
Matemadanda said “It is laughable to hear people saying the government is abducting its citizens. Surely what would we get from abducting a comedian like Gonyeti, that is the work of our detractors bent on tarnishing the image of the government,”
Matemadanda joins other government officials who have also said that the abduction of the comedian was not by government operatives or any group supporting the government. Permanent secretary in the Information Ministry Nick Mangwana said on Friday.
Recent activities in Zim have all the hallmarks of “black ops” hence need to be analysed dispassionately. Who stands to gain from a damage to ED’s local & international prestige? Why would masked people abduct then order victim not to criticise govt? Nicely setting things up?
By A Correspondent- Veteran municipal manager and City of Masvingo town clerk for 15 years, Adolf Gusha has retired.
Deputy city engineer Edward Mukaratirwa has since been appointed acting town clerk with effect from September 01, to serve until a new substantive town clerk is appointed.
A special full council meeting convened yesterday, August 22, announced the departure of Gusha who had been at the helm since 2004.
Masvingo Mayor Collen Maboke said council was pleased with Gusha’s contribution to the city since he joined council 32 years ago.
“We are happy with the work that he did for the city. He worked with many mayors including Francis Aphiri. We thank him for initiating many projects including the water augmentation programme which we are still carrying forward. As we wish him the best in his retirement, we also wish our acting town clerk the best in his duties,” said Maboke.
Gusha was overdue for retirement, and had initially been expected to leave at the end of August 2018.Gusha joined the municipality in 1987, and served in various capacities before being appointed substantive town clerk in 2004.
Before joining Masvingo town council, he worked for Shurugwi Rural District Council and for the Ministry of Local Government.
His record as the topmost council manager in Masvingo was marked by both ups and downs; many will remember his runs-in with former executive mayor, the late Alois Chaimiti in 2007 and 2008.
He won for the city many service delivery awards but was also there when former employees left the council destitute after a costly legal suit for unpaid wages. The legal wrangle resulted in all council vehicles getting attached in 2011.
Gusha, however, presided over a remarkable recapitalisation drive which saw the council buying new service vehicles altogether.
The introduction of a roads levy in 2015 drew the indignation of many residents, but it seems the idea has paid off, with the city in 2017 commissioning its own fleet of earth moving equipment needed for roadworks.
Gusha will mostly be remembered probably for leaving behind a city that boasts arguably the cleanest municipal water in the country. The city recorded few, if any, incidences of cholera in 2008, at a time when thousands were dying of the waterborne diseases in other urban areas.
Gusha, however, leaves behind decaying pipes and deep trenches of the botched Mucheke Trunk Sewer project which has cost the ratepayer millions of dollars yet with nothing to show of it.
He also leaves at a time when the quality of service delivery is plummeting, with refuse being collected but not on a regular basis. The whole city has only two refuse compactors.-TellZim
By A Correspondent- Health and Child Care Ambassador, First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa, has said measures are being taken to prevent conditions that promote the spread of malaria ahead of the onset of the rain season.
The First Lady also said there was no going back on cancer screening awareness campaigns.
She Mnangagwa said this during her visit to the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show in Harare where she toured various stands yesterday.
While touring the Health and Child Care stand, Mnangagwa said:
“We are now approaching the rain season and malaria is the most prevalent disease during that period. Since there is a problem of water-logging during the rain season, mosquitoes get a conducive environment to breed.
However, from what I saw here, I can say the ministry is preparing itself to deal with the disease. I also saw some herbs on display that are said to manage various conditions. Some people opt for herbs while some choose pharmaceutical drugs. However, the doctors here said people should not mix the two.
On cancer screening, we are not going back and we will not tire, the programme is still ongoing.”
“The Chinese are our all-weather friends and they are always there to help us. They do not come as tourists only, but they also bring useful things into the country, the things that help us as a nation, things that alleviate some of the challenges we face.”
Amai Mnangagwa toured the stand for Tongaat Hullet which donated half a tonne of sugar to Angel of Hope Foundation, a brainchild of the First Lady.
She also visited Agricultural Produce Hall were products from communal and small holder farmers were on display, and stands for Tregers, Premier Service Medical Aid Society (PSMAS) and CIMAS medical aid society.-StateMedia
By A Correspondent- Zanu-PF Chivi South legislator and businessman Killer Zivhu’s political career is hanging by a thread after the ruling party here recommended his expulsion citing treacherous behaviour.
Zivhu’s fate now lies with the Zanu-PF National Disciplinary Committee(NDC) which has the final say on whether or not to endorse his expulsion. If the decision to expel him is upheld by the NDC, Zivhu will also automatically cease to be the ruling party legislator for Chivi South, necessitating a by-election.
The ruling party’s provincial co-ordinating committee (PCC) yesterday overwhelmingly resolved to kick out Zivhu from the party. This was after the Chivi South legislator who is the provincial secretary for Environment and Tourism had snubbed a hearing called by the party’s provincial disciplinary committee chaired by vice chair, Ailess Baloyi, over a week ago.
Zivhu had been served with a prohibition notice prior to the recommendation for his dismissal.
Zanu-PF Masvingo provincial chair, Ezra Chadzamira, confirmed the decision.
Chadzamira who is also Masvingo Provincial Affairs Minister said Zivhu remained unapologetic hence the decision to summarily expel him.
“We sat as the PCC today (yesterday) and recommended to the NDC that Zivhu be expelled from the party for his activities on social media. We arrived at the decision to recommend his expulsion because even when we served him with a prohibition order and called him to a hearing, he snubbed the process,’’ said Chadzamira.
He said Zivhu continued with his treacherous behaviour even after the prohibition order by using the social media to push for a meeting between First Lady Amai Auxillia Mnangagwa and MDC Alliance leader Mr Nelson Chamisa’s wife, Sithokozile.
The controversial Chivi South legislator stood accused of violating party rules via social media platforms such as Whats App and Twitter where he allegedly said he was going to push for dialogue between President Mnangagwa and Mr Chamisa.
Zivhu is also accused of having initiated the process of collecting signatures for people in support of his initiative for dialogue between President Mnangagwa and the MDC Alliance leader.
Prior to yesterday’s decision to recommend his expulsion, Baloyi had also accused Zivhu of being unrepentant and having ignored several warnings via various social media platforms by other party members to stop his treachery.
Baloyi said Zivhu’s push for dialogue between President Mnangagwa and Mr Chamisa raises stink because the MDC Alliance leader has repeatedly snubbed overtures to be part of POLAD, instead demanding face to face talks with the President.-StateMedia
By A Correspondent- The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the rights of freedom of peaceful assembly and association, Mr Clément Nyaletsossi Voule, will be in Zimbabwe on an official visit from 17 to 27 September this year.
Nyaletsossi Voule’s visit is by invitation of the government of Zimbabwe.
In a statement, The United Nations Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner outlined some of the issues the Special Rapporteur will assess:
“– Legal frameworks in place to guarantee the exercise of the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association (including key cases from the judiciary);
– Procedural and practical measures for holding peaceful assemblies, including issues of authorisation versus notification and access to public spaces; legal and practical limitations to the exercise of the right to freedom of peaceful assembly;
– Facilitation and management of assemblies by law enforcement officials, including relevant guidelines and training; internal and external oversight mechanism in case of excessive use of force by law enforcement officials
… During the visit, in addition to government authorities, the Special Rapporteur wishes to meet with independent institutions working on human rights, civil society actors, human rights defenders and other stakeholders working on the rights of freedom of peaceful assembly and of association.”
Dorrothy Moyo|Human Rights lawyer, Doug Coltart, and rural teachers’ representatives has been released on bail.
Coltart and 9 others arrested for staging a protest at the Finance Ministry offices, walked out of prison Saturday night as the lawyer announced:
“We are finally out! Thank you so much to all those who have been praying for us and showing your solidarity.
“Huge thank you to @ZLHRLawyers for the legal representation. So many reflections from the past two days but that’s for another day. Feeling grateful, hopeful, energized! “
State Media|BILLIONAIRE and Zimbabwe’s telecoms mogul, Strive Masiyiwa’s Mauritius incorporated Econet Media Limited, has put up for sale its shares in the satellite broadcast business in 13 countries, mostly African, after going insolvent, having reportedly racked up millions of dollars in liabilities.
The Mauritius-headquartered group, which mainly traded under the brands Kwese TV or Econet Media, is also selling its interest in free-to-air television and digital distribution of media content.
Econet Media, a unit of Econet Wireless International, which operated as Kwese TV in Zimbabwe, but closed after finding the going tough, had racked up over US$130 million in external liabilities before being placed under voluntary administration after failing to pay suppliers.
The business, controlled by the South Africa-based Zimbabwean businessman, then hired Ernst and Young’s Paul Gerald Lincoln, a licensed insolvency practitioner, in an effort to salvage the business.
Efforts to get a comment from Econet Wireless Zimbabwe spokesman Fungayi Mandiveyi, were fruitless yesterday after he said he could not talk as he was in “the middle of commitments”.
But the company said in a statement yesterday, said it was selling its shares in Econet Media or Kwese TV in South Africa, Botswana, Nigeria, Ghana, Dubai, Kenya, Malawi, Lesotho, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Mauritius. “Offers are invited for the purchase of the company’s shares held in the above mentioned subsidiaries/associates or the business activities,” Econet Media said in an invitation to tender.
A South African taxi driver is changing the stereotypes of his profession and about men in general.
He has revealed that he buys pads and stores them in his taxi for female passengers.
According to the South African Human Rights Commission, one in 10 girls in Africa misses school because of periods and not being able to afford the appropriate products.
According to Drum, the 31-year-old from Limpopo started buying the pads after he saw how some of his female passengers would struggle whenever they were menstruating.
He says that he would often see stains on his car seats. He decided to pack some pads in his car. He says that they only cost him R17 and wishes other drivers would also get on board with his initiative.
The biggest obstacle he says he faces is that people find it taboo to speak about periods. The determined driver is trying to normalise menstruation by openly talking about it.
Now, all the neighbouring school children, their parents and vendors outside the schools know that there are pads in available from Kamogelo and approach him for them.
He believes that men need to learn that menstruation is not something to avoid.
“Some believe that when a woman menstruates she should stay away from men, food and church. That concept must change.”
Kamogelo has called on other drivers and motorists to join his initiative by keeping pads in their cars.
A wave of abductions, torture and arrests in Zimbabwe are targeting opposition activists and other government critics, the latest being a popular comedian dragged from her home by armed and masked men.
Barely two years after euphoric scenes engulfed Zimbabwe following the forced resignation of former repressive ruler Robert Mugabe, frustration and fear have returned.
Comedian Samantha Kureya was this week dragged from her bed, stripped naked and tortured by masked men with assault rifles for skits perceived as anti-government. She spoke to The Associated Press from her hospital bed.
I was wearing my underwear and a T-shirt when they took me, they didn’t even give me a chance to dress properly.
“I am living in fear,” she said, complaining of “severe pain” in her legs and on her back.
Kureya said the men claiming to be police officers dragged her from bed half naked and bundled her into a waiting car on Wednesday night. They beat her using short whips, forced her to roll in a stream of sewage and drink from it, she said.
“I was wearing my underwear and a T-shirt when they took me, they didn’t even give me a chance to dress properly,” she said. Her abductors forced her to strip naked during the torture and warned her against mocking the government before abandoning her to seek clothing and help from strangers, said Kureya.
She had received threats on social media before the abduction, she said. Her latest skit mocked security agents for beating up demonstrators that included elderly women.
Political tensions are rising in Zimbabwe as the economy deteriorates with inflation at over 175% and growing dissatisfaction with President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who took over from Mugabe less than two years ago with promises of a “new dawn” and a “flowering of democracy.”
Human rights groups say at least six activists were abducted and tortured by suspected security agents ahead of an opposition demonstration last week. Police later used violence to disperse demonstrators in Harare on August 16.
On Friday, police broke up a protest by a group of teachers and arrested nine people, including a lawyer for the teachers and a journalist filming the arrests, according to Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, an NGO providing them with lawyers. They are yet to be charged, said the organization.
One of the activists abducted and tortured ahead of last week’s demonstration, Tatenda Mombeyarara had visible wounds on his legs, hands, buttocks and back. His kidneys were damaged and doctors put metal plates and pins on his fractured left leg and hand, he said, showing AP a scan while lying on a hospital bed.
He said he was beaten with sjamboks (short whips), gun butts and a wheel spanner and also submerged in a pool of dirty water at a quarry dumpsite.
“They told me ‘you think you are a hero, all that will end today. You are going to die and your American sponsors will not save you’,” said Mombeyarara, who has been in hospital for the past nine days. “I am still traumatized. The pain was unbearable. I thought I was going to die.”
An opposition member of parliament said unknown people fired shots at his house Wednesday night, while a top official was arrested Thursday and accused of failing to stop supporters from demonstrating against the government. Since January, more than 20 activists have been charged with plotting to unseat Mnangagwa.
Police spokesman Paul Nyathi said the recent abductions and attacks “are being investigated” but denied that security agents were involved.
“We cannot blame security agents (for the abduction) because investigations are still underway,” he said.
Government spokesman Nick Mangwana blamed the attacks on “a force” he associated with Mugabe “to impair President Mnangagwa’s image as a sincere reformer.”
The U.S embassy in Zimbabwe and the European Union Delegation to Zimbabwe said in a joint statement earlier this week that reports of worsening human rights abuses were of “great concern.”
Kureya, the comedian, said she would continue poking fun at the government despite her abductors threatening to “put a bullet” in her mother’s head if she continues with her work.
“That is how I survive,” she said. “I don’t have any other job, plus we all can’t just keep quiet when things are as bad as they are in this country.”