It’s not yet clear whether the opposition MDC will push on with its planned protests after a Bulawayo Court upheld a police ban on demonstrations.
It was the second protest march police have banned in less than a week under what the MDC is calling its Free Zimbabwe Campaign.
The biggest question now is what does the MDC do next? Two protests, one on Friday in Harare and another in Bulawayo on Monday, were both banned by police. Both bans were upheld by the courts.
The opposition party said it wanted to have rolling protests with a protest planned for Tuesday. But given the ban by police and the courts, support has run out of steam.
The power situation has improved in Harare since Friday. But as prices continue to rise, it is unlikely to take the edge off public anger. The nation’s economic crisis has intensified, and citizens are dealing with rolling power cuts that last as long as 18 hours a day.
State Media|ZANU-PF yesterday commended Sadc for standing in solidarity with Zimbabwe against the Western imposed illegal sanctions after the regional bloc set October 25 as an anti-sanctions solidarity day for Zimbabwe.
The ruling party also congratulated President Mnangagwa on his appointment as Sadc chairperson for the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security.
Sadc leaders held their regional indaba in Tanzania over the weekend.
The anti-sanctions solidarity day for Zimbabwe means on October 25, countries in the bloc will conduct activities to resoundingly call for the immediate removal of sanctions.
In a statement, Zanu-PF national spokesperson Simon Khaya-Moyo saluted the regional bloc for standing with Zimbabwe against the almost two decades long illegal sanctions.
“The party salutes with great pride and humility the Sadc leadership, through the incoming Chair, His Excellency, the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Dr John Magufuli, for standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Zimbabwe in the face of adversity from hostile forces and calling for the immediate removal of western imposed evil sanctions,” said Khaya-Moyo.
“These illegal sanctions have curtailed the economic development in the country for two decades and brought untold suffering to the people of Zimbabwe. On a special note, the party is eternally grateful and humbled by Sadc’s decision to dedicate the 25th of October 2019 as a day for collective expression of their displeasure at the continued imposition of sanctions on Zimbabwe. The decision is indeed reminiscent of the solidarity exercised by the founding fathers of our region in fighting settler minority rule under the banner of the Front Line States, recasting the epitome of our regional sovereign superiority, dignity and lasting interests.”
He said the gesture is an endorsement of Government’s engagement and re-engagement drive under President Mnangagwa’s leadership.
Khaya-Moyo said the developments shame the party’s detractors led by the MDC Alliance and its Western handlers who planned a violent demonstration in Harare to discredit the President.
“However, Sadc saw through this guise and once again stood in solidarity with the people of Zimbabwe and her government. Zanu-PF notes with grave concern the involvement of some western countries in the failed MDC-Alliance demonstration and their continued interference in the internal affairs of Zimbabwe. The party is aware of the MDC-Alliance’s frantic engagements with hostile forces with a view to causing turmoil in the country, thereby rendering it ungovernable so as to create false impressions of a failed State. The people of Zimbabwe should take assurance that the ruling revolutionary party Zanu-PF will employ every lawful means towards fulfilment of their wishes and aspirations,” he said.
Khaya-Moyo said instead of grand standing, the MDC Alliance should join other progressive parties in the Political Actors’ Dialogue (Polad).
Meanwhile, Khaya-Moyo has said President Mnangagwa’s appointment as the chair of Sadc Organ on Politics, Defence and Security will further propel regional peace.
“The Zanu-PF Politburo, Central Committee and the entire membership extends hearty congratulations to His Excellency, the President, Cde ED Mnangagwa for the rectitude bestowed upon him and the great people of Zimbabwe.
It is with no doubt that the assumption by Zimbabwe of this position shall steer greater advancement towards consolidation of regional peace and stability,” he said.
Vice President Constantino Chiwenga is one of those who ignored the below warning by his predecessor Phelekezela Mphoko on Emmerson Mnangagwa.
In the warning, Mphoko speaking a year before the November 2017 coup, said Mnangagwa cannot be trusted and he must be stopped. Mphoko also said after Mugabe there will not be any trust in Zimbabwe. Mphoko said not even cats or dogs can trust Mnangagwa. DID CHIWENGA LISTEN?, AND WAS MPHOKO RIGHT? – FULL NARRATION
Timothy Mtambo being confronted by a police officer
Malawi is in terror. Suspected President Peter Mutharika’s Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) cadets on wee hours of Thursday petrol-bombed Human Right Defenders Coalition (HRDC) Chairperson Timothy Mtamba’s house.
The Maravi Post understands that the incident happened (2:30 am) on the eve of 15th August 2019.
In what started as a stone throw, reveals that unknown thugs primely suspected to be DPP Cadets invaded the house of Mr Mtambo with 5 liters of Petro Gallons and managed to throw two petrol bombs inside the house compound which have since damaged one of his cars.
“As we speak now one car has been set ablaze. Their intention was to burn the house as whole but their plan failed to materialize following a quick alarm by the security personnel.
“Another petrol bomb was thrown outside the gate in attempt to block Mtambo and his family from evacuating,” said the source at the scene.
Attempts to get hold of the suspected cadets proved futile as they escaped upon the incidence.
The incidence comes barely few weeks after there has been hinted overwhelming threats against Mtambo and his vocal Human Rights Defenders Coalition(HRDC) which has been organizing massive and collaborative demonstrations to force Jane Ansah Resignation following her alleged unprofessional conduct of the May 21st 2019 elections.
It comes not as secret as there have been several leaked social media news of suspected DPP cadets who have been planning to assassinate Mtambo.
Mtambo has been receiving death threats for a long time and for the past weeks threats have escalated because of his noble work in defending people’s rights in Malawi.
This also follows a series of similar attacks and threats issued against Human Rights Defenders in Malawi.
Mtambo remains among the relentless Human Rights Defenders who has stood firm to challenge impunity, corruption and other governance issues which the DPP led government has failed to address.
Investigations are under way to establish what transpired in the matter.
Meanwhile,Mtambo and his family escaped unharmed. It’s been a while that the DPP cadets have been asking and searching for the whereabouts of Mtambo.
The incidence is similar to the one in August, 2018 where the office of the Activist was petrol bombed which left a security guard heavily injured following the beatings by the thugs after he(guard) failed to disclose the direction of Mtambo’s home.
Activist Mtambo, is the chairperson of Human Rights Defenders Coalition(HRDC) and Executive Director of the Center for Human Rights and Rehabilitation(CHRR).
He is also the vice chairperson of southern African Human Rights Defenders Network.
There was no immediate reaction from DPP Spokesperson Nichols Dausi on the incident.
MC Statement on the incarcaration of Chief Nhlanhlayamangwe Ndiweni
The Collective learns with deep shock the sentence granted to Chief Ndiweni. MC feels sentence is very disapproportinate and believes that a lighter sentence was supposed to be given.
MC strongly believes that the institution of traditional leadership partcularly the Chiefs embodies sacred values and customs that must be respected by any government that respects cultural heritage of its citizens.
MC therefore urge lawyers who were handling the case to lodge an urgent appeal to the sentence considering that part of the accused group was granted far lesser sentence.
MC thus, stands in solidarity with the peoples of Matabeleland and the nation at large in calling for the freeing of the Chief Nhlanhlayamangwe Ndiweni for prison. Chief has been key in working with the Collective to advance developmental issues and particularly Gukurahundi as escapsulated in Matabeleland Collective Compendium.
MC calls for more solidarity with the Ndiweni family and the people from Ntabazinduna who going through this difficult time.
MC’s view is that his incarceration evokes bitter memories of Gukurahundi that almost wiped the entire Matabeleland region and Chief Ndiweni was unequivocal in calling for closure on the issue.
Issued by: Mbuso Fuzwayo on behalf of Matabeleland Collective a network of over 60 organizations working in Matabeleland.
Supporters of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) opposition party of Nelson Chamisa sing and dance as they march on the streets of Harare, Zimbabwe, August 1, 2018.
THE MDC-Alliance’s bid to repeal a police order prohibiting their planned demonstrations in Bulawayo yesterday suffered a major setback after a magistrate threw out the opposition party’s urgent chamber application challenging the ban.
The ruling by Mr Tinashe Tashaya follows a notice of appeal filed on an urgent basis by the MDC Alliance at the Bulawayo magistrate’s court challenging a prohibition order by the police.
In papers before the court, the officer commanding police in Bulawayo Central District, Chief Superintendent Elizabeth Phiri and her boss Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga were cited as respondents.
In dismissing the appeal, Mr Tashaya ruled that there was a likelihood of violence and destruction of property similar to the January protests if the MDC-Alliance was allowed to proceed with the demonstration.
He also noted that although citizens have a constitutional right to stage demonstrations, the same rights had limitations in the interest of public safety, defence, public morality and health.
“There is no guarantee that the January incident may not be repeated if the appellant (MDC Alliance) is allowed to go ahead with the demonstration. Accordingly, the prohibition order is confirmed and the appeal is hereby dismissed,” ruled the magistrate.
MDC-A notified the police of their planned demonstration on August 8 this year but the police on Sunday issued an order prohibiting the event for security reasons.
In its grounds of appeal, through its lawyer Advocate Perpetua Dube, who was instructed by Tanaka Law Chambers, the party argued that the reasons for prohibition given in the notice were vague, speculative and unreasonable.
“The prohibition of the public gathering on grounds such as those cited by the first respondent (Chief Supt Phiri) is an unlawful and unconstitutional limitation on the right to freedom of assembly and a violation of the rights of the members of the appellant,” she said.
“I submit that in our view, the issue is whether the notice is not an abrogation of the constitution, which gives the appellant’s members the right to demonstrate. We are concerned that the actions of the respondents in applying the provisions of the law were unreasonable and vague in the extreme as there is no substantiation of the allegations of a possibility of violence.”
Adv Dube said there was no link between the January violent protests and their planned demonstrations.
Ms Rejoice Hove from the Attorney-General Office, who was representing the respondents, opposed the appeal. She argued that there was a possibility of violence with agitated members of the public likely to join in the protests due to the economic hardships in the country.
She said the police acted in terms of Section 26 (3) of the Public Order and Security Act to show cause as to why the prohibition order was issued.
“There have been pointers to a possibility of violence and the mandate of the first respondent in particular as the officer commanding Bulawayo Central District, is to ensure that there is no lawlessness in her area of jurisdiction,” said Ms Hove.
“The first respondent is concerned with the fact that the purpose of the demonstration is derived from a disputed election outcome. The MDC Alliance is aggrieved by the Constitutional Court judgment and now wants to challenge the decision on the streets.”
Ms Hove said flashes of violence were reported last Friday hence if granted permission to stage demonstrations, MDC Alliance was likely to engage in violent protests given that the situation was volatile. She said the police acted on credible information.
Last week, MDC-Alliance’s bid to quash a police order prohibiting their planned demonstrations in Harare hit a brick wall after Harare High Court judge Justice Joseph Musakwa dismissed the application saying the political party had jumped the gun.
MDC-Alliance had notified the police of their planned demonstration on August 5 this year but the police on Thursday issued an order prohibiting the event for security reasons.
State Media|FORMER Vice President, Phelekezela Mphoko, is on the run after dramatically fleeing from Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc) officers who were set to arrest him in Bulawayo yesterday.
The former Vice President’s movie style escape follows attempts by Zacc officers to take him to Bulawayo Central Police Station to slap him with abuse of office charges for an offence he allegedly committed during his tenure in office.
Mphoko had initially agreed to surrender himself to the Zacc officers at the police station but made a U-turn and sped off, leaving the investigating officers shell-shocked.
Mphoko is being accused of criminal abuse of office after he unlawfully instructed some junior police officers to release from cells, former Zimbabwe National Road Administration (Zinara) acting chief executive, Moses Juma.
Juma was being charged with criminal abuse of office.
Mphoko, who reportedly resisted arrest on Friday at his home in Douglasdale, yesterday agreed to meet Zacc officers at Bulawayo Central Police Station.
His lawyers had gone to Zacc offices to submit his statement but the investigators demanded that he must appear before them.
That is when they agreed to meet at a neutral venue – a police station in the city.
Yesterday afternoon, Mphoko indicated that he was now on his way to the police station for recording of his warned and cautioned statement.
Upon arrival at the station, Mphoko then drove off at high speed.
Zacc spokesperson Commissioner John Makamure yesterday told The Chronicle that Mphoko was now a fugitive with anti-corruption officials pursuing him.
“He (Mphoko) ran away and as we speak he is on the run and Zacc officials are on the ground looking for him. The officials went to court, but he ran away. In fact, they went to a police post after having indicated that he (Mphoko) was not comfortable with our investigators,” he said.
“When our officials got there, he ran away and he is a fugitive of justice and Zacc officials are on the ground hunting for him.”
However, Mphoko’s lawyer, Mr Zibusiso Ncube, yesterday denied that his client was a fugitive, insisting that he was ready to stand trial.
He said the attempt by Zacc officers to arrest his client was contrary to their initial agreement when the former VP was supposed to just come and sign his warned and cautioned statement at Tredgold Building.
“My client is not a fugitive and he is actually prepared to have his day in court. My client had indicated that he wanted to have his warned and cautioned statement recorded at Tredgold Building where we then agreed to meet,” he said.
Mr Ncube said his client later raised fears of abduction in the event that they took him to the police station.
“If you look at the circumstances of the case, my client’s fears of being abducted seem to be confirmed in the sense that on Friday an official from Zacc called and I told him I was at a church camp meeting out of Bulawayo. I told him that I would be back on Sunday and we agreed to meet on Monday.
“I was then later disappointed to learn that they stormed my client’s house and tried to arrest him contrary to what we had agreed on,” he said.
Mr Ncube said on arrival at Tredgold Building, they were accosted by two officials from Zacc.
“When I went to Tredgold with my client we were accosted by two Zacc officials and they indicated to us that there was a change of plan and that we were now supposed to go to Bulawayo Central Police Station, which was a betrayal of sincerity,” he said.
Mr Ncube said he is now in the process of writing a letter informing the Zacc chairperson Justice Loice Matanda-Moyo about what transpired.
“I am working on a letter addressed to the Zacc chairperson because social media is now awash with reports that my client is refusing to co-operate, which is wrong. He simply wants his safety guaranteed and my client is willing to be given a trial date depending on Zacc’s readiness,” he said.
Allegations against Mr Mphoko are that in 2016, while he was still Vice President, he stormed Avondale Police Station to release Juma.
Mphoko, during that time, threatened to beat junior police officers at the station if they failed to comply with his demands.
Juma was later re-arrested and sentenced to two years in prison after being convicted of abuse of office.
According to court papers, on May 6, 2016, Zacc received a report of allegations of fraud and criminal abuse of duty against Zinara officials.
Investigations that ensued resulted in the arrest of Davison Norupiri and Juma. The two were charged with criminal abuse of duty as defined in section 174 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act and their warned and cautioned statements were recorded on July 12, 2016.
After the arrest, Juma and Norupiri were taken to Avondale Police Station the following day pending their appearance in court.
On the same day at around 6PM, Mphoko, who was at the time the Acting President, stormed the police station and ordered the immediate release of Juma and Norupiri from lawful police custody. The officer-in-charge complied with Mphoko’s order and released the two men before Mphoko drove away with them in his car.
It was stated that Mphoko acted in manner that was inconsistent with his duties as a public officer, which was in violation of section 106 of the constitution.
The ex-Vice President resisted arrest on Friday at his Douglasdale house after dramatically refusing to co-operate with Zacc arresting officers whilst his wife Laurinda and daughter Siduduzo ordered the officials out.
State Media|THE Speaker of Parliament, Advocate Jacob Mudenda, has urged the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission (NPRC) to advocate for a national apology for past conflicts including Gukurahundi.
Advocate Mudenda said a confession from Government would help the country move on from its past and pave way for successful reconciliation, national healing and integration.
The Speaker of Parliament said this while addressing Parliamentarians during a capacity building workshop for the Portfolio Committee on Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs and the Thematic Committee on Human Rights on the mandate of the NPRC in Bulawayo yesterday.
The workshop was also attended by NPRC chairperson Retired Justice Sello Nare and NPRC commissioners.
“Fundamentally, the NPRC must vigorously agitate for the national institutional apology for the past conflicts, especially Entumbane One and Two as well as the Gukurahundi tragedy. Let’s confess that era of conflict so that we go beyond the acknowledgement of ‘the moment of madness’.
“Confession is a condition precedent to letting bygones be bygones. Once that confession is done the spring of hope, national healing and reconciliation will abundantly germinate without any doubt,” said Adv Mudenda.
He commended the political will to bring closure to cases of violations of human rights committed in the pre and post-independence era.
Adv Mudenda, however, emphasised the need for the NPRC to handle the issues with greater sensitivities and tactful diplomatic skill.
This, he added, will help the commission to balance and moderate different demands and expectations from the people.
Adv Mudenda said after the confession, there should be traditional and cultural expatiation ceremonies as well as truth telling in Matabeleland and Midlands provinces, where Gukurahundi was most pronounced.
“In tandem, the low lying fruit of reconciliation is a concerted and strategic issuance of birth certificates and identity documents and reburial orders of victims where necessary.
“In the affected provinces, we now have three generations with no birth certificates and identity cards. The responsible department should move from village to village and make sure the affected people get these documents,” said Adv Mudenda.
He said the exercise should be done by people who understand the languages spoken by the affected people so that they don’t misspell their names on the identity documents.
Adv Mudenda said it is important for the NPRC to deliberately dissect the root causes of conflicts that have affected the country before and after independence.
“The correct diagnosis of such root causes should assist the NPRC to come up with appropriate remedies for national reconciliation in order to achieve national consensus building,” he said.
Adv Mudenda said during the Entumbane One, Entumbane Two and Gukurahundi destructive conflicts, people in Matabeleland and the Midlands provinces experienced violence, forced disappearances and gruesome murders, which seriously affected development in their areas.
He said most schools were under developed with no science laboratories, while roads were bad.
“Relatedly, schools in the affected provinces must be revamped through the construction of modern science laboratories as part of a tangible rehabilitation process. Catch up infrastructural development should be embarked upon. This is the practical approach to national healing and reconciliation,” said Adv Mudenda.
Equally, he added, the two Parliamentary Committees attending the workshop should ensure that the Devolution Law is in place as provided for by the Constitution.
He urged Parliamentarians and the NPRC to come up with a clear strategic roadmap to realise its mandate.
ZANU-PF national political commissar Victor Matemadanda has urged party members in Glen View to unite and desist from creating parallel structures ahead of the upcoming by-election.
The seat fell vacant following the death of Vimbayi Tsvangrai-Java, who succumbed to injuries she sustained in a road accident.
Addressing supporters at a campaign rally in Glen View on Saturday ahead of the by-election scheduled for September 7, Matemadanda implored party members to desist from creating divisions as they would lead to defeat.
“As we are preparing for this impending by-election, let us unite and stop creating parallel structures to win the by-election.
“All candidates who contested in the primary election should support our candidate here, we want this to be our second seat in Harare province,” he said.
The by-election will see Zanu-PF candidate Offard Muchuwe contesting against eight other candidates among them Vincent Tsvangirai (MDC-Alliance).
Matemadanda said the elections will coincide with the month of September when Zimbabwe was colonised hence people should be cautious when casting votes and not to let the seat be taken by MDC-A, which is a Western-funded party.
He shed light on the austerity measures being undertaken by Government, adding that it was aimed at resuscitating the economy and stimulate development as the economy was grounded during old dispensation.
“Let me take this opportunity to shed light on the state of economy in the country in terms of our economy, austerity measures which were implemented by Finance and Economic Development Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube are aimed at reviving the economy so that everyone would attain a decent living and achieve an upper middle income economy by 2030 as declared by President Mnangagwa,” he said.
Matemadanda condemned the MDC-A for calling for illegal demonstrations at a time when President Mnangagwa was pushing for developmental programmes.
“It is surprising that MDC-A leader Mr Nelson Chamisa is leading illegal demonstrations at a time when the Government is spearheading programmes aimed at bringing robust development in the country,” he said.State media
ZIFA has finally unveiled Joey Antipas as the caretaker coach of the Warriors, weeks after the appointment was leaked to the media, with the Chicken Inn gaffer to take charge of the team for the 2022 World Cup qualifiers against Somalia.
Antipas will remain in charge of the Warriors until December 31 this year and will be assisted by Zimbabwe Under-23 coach Tonderai Ndiraya and new Harare City gaffer Lloyd Chitembwe.
Tembo Chuma is the new goalkeepers’ coach while Wellington Mpandare retains his post as team manager.
With Ndiraya, Chitembwe and Chuma having backgrounds at Dynamos, CAPS United and Highlanders, it appears the national football controlling body have simply parcelled out the other roles to the country’s three biggest football clubs.
“Acting on recommendations of technical development committee, the Zimbabwe Football Association executive committee has appointed Joey Antipas as the caretaker head coach of the senior men’s team until 31 December 2019,’’ ZIFA spokesperson Xolisani Gwesela said in a statement.
“Under-23 coach Tonderai Ndiraya and Lloyd Chitembwe have been appointed as assistant coaches for the same period.
“Highlanders’ Tembo Chuma is the new goalkeepers’ coach for the senior national team.
“All members of the technical team will remain with their Premier league clubs and only serve as national team coaches when there are assignments. “Wellington Mpandare remains the Team Manager.
“The new technical team set-up comes in following, first the resignation of Sunday Chidzambga on the eve of back to back African Nations Championship qualifiers in August, and the dissolution of an interim technical team led by Rahman Gumbo.
“The immediate task of the technical team is a two-legged preliminary World Cup qualifier against Somalia between 2 and 10 September 2019. “We wish all the appointed coaches the best in their new engagement.’’State media
FORMER Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko yesterday agreed to surrender himself to Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) officers at a Bulawayo police station, but beat a hasty retreat and sped off movie-style, leaving the investigating officers shell-shocked.
In a dramatic incident that became the talk of the day in Bulawayo, Mphoko appeared to have second thoughts and fled.
He is being accused of criminal abuse of office after he unlawfully instructed junior police officers to release from cells, former Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA) acting chief executive Moses Juma.
Juma was being charged with criminal abuse of office. Mphoko allegedly committed the offence when he was still Vice President of Zimbabwe.
Mphoko, who reportedly resisted arrest on Saturday at his home, yesterday agreed to meet ZACC officers at a police station in Bulawayo.
His lawyers had gone to ZACC offices to submit his statement, but the investigators demanded his appearance before them.
That is when they agreed to meet at a neutral venue, being a police station in Bulawayo.
Yesterday afternoon, Mphoko indicated that he was now on his way to the police station for recording of his warned and cautioned statement. Upon arrival at the station, Mphoko drove off at high speed.
Zacc spokesperson Commissioner John Makamure confirmed the latest developments saying the former VP was now a fugitive from justice. “He is on the run because when our officers went to meet him at the police station to record warned and cautioned statements, he drove off at a high speed.
“As for us he is now a fugitive of justice. Our officers are, however, still on the ground looking for him,” he said.State Media
A Correspondent- Former Vice President has revealed the full version of what transpired when he refused to comply with ZACC officers who attempted to arrest him on August 16 2019.
Officers from the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission attempted to arrest him without any warrant of arrest at his home in Douglasdale, Bulawayo but he refused to comply with their order challenging them to avail a warrant of arrest.
In his detailed statement, Mphoko narrates how the officers came to his home seeking his assistance on a matter they were investigating.
He claimed that after some discussions, the officers left and came back later saying he is under arrest.
A video that was posted on social shows Mphoko engaging in a civil conversation with the officers who clearly say they have no case concerning him.
Find the full statement below:
Mr. Tsindi, in his opening remarks claimed that they left Harare Friday morning for Bulawayo, for an interview with me.
They did not inform me of their coming because they did not have my contact numbers. However I informed that, I am a public figure, or simple they could have contacted the Bulawayo Presidents office or department for my numbers.
He however, insisted that they had not informed them, but passed through Hillside police station, to collect an officer because Douglasdale falls under Hillside police station.
He informed that there were allegations against me they were investigating and they needed my input with an aim of responding to those allegations, of which, once signed, in front of my lawyer, the case will be closed.
ZACC is aware that this case had been dismissed by the courts 3 times before the intervention took place.
Tsindi, informed that this has to be done at ZACC offices at Mhlahlandlela. I asked them if they could bring their documents here for me to sign with the assistance and presence of my lawyer, they agreed and then left.
On their return, later in the afternoon, they had changed their position from that of signing the document and closing the case, but to arrest me.
They were now very hostile, and arrogant.
It was then that we demanded to see a warrant of arrest or court order. Tsindi informed that he did not need a warrant of arrest or a court order.
He said he carries out his duties without either of these documents. I enquired from him that he meant that I did not have right as a citizen of this country and as a former Vice-President of Zimbabwe, where they could just come to arrest me as if you were dealing with a piece of wood or any commodity.
He emphasised that he did not need those papers, as a ZACC investigator. That was when we all realized that we were dealing with very dangerous people under the cover of the law.
It was at that point when they were requested to leave the house, because they were not in possession of a warrant of arrest or a court order.
TINO KADEWERE’S red-hot streak, in a dream start to the 2019-2020 French Ligue 1 season, shows no signs of slowing down with the lanky forward scoring a brace at the weekend to take his tally to six goals in four starts.
The 23-year-old Zimbabwe international striker has been destroying defences in the early part of the season as he leads the Le Havre quest for a place in the French top-flight.
He is now the early leading scorer in French Ligue 1 with six goals, two more than the pair of veteran French striker Gaetan Courtet of Ajaccio and Austrian forward Adrian Grbic of Clermont.
Kadewere has scored in every league game he has featured in – opening his campaign with a double in the 2-2 away draw against Ajaccio after scoring twice in four minutes between the 72nd and 76th minute. His first was a penalty that was coolly converted.
Then, in Le Havre’s first home game of the season, Kadewere was again the savior with a goal in the 59th minute as the match ended in a 1-1 draw against Niort.
A 2-1 win followed, in the third match against Troyes, with the Zimbabwean once again scoring for his French side to make it four goals in three matches.
Then, at the weekend, Le Havre went to Lens and Kadewere scored twice in the second half in an impressive 3-1 win that took his side into a place among the early leaders for a slot in Ligue 1 at the end of the season.State media
Posh Harare nightspot, Club Sankayi, which was shut down in February this year, barely a year after opening, will be reopened this Saturday under a new name, Dreams.
Its proprietor, flamboyant businessman Genius “Ginimbi” Kadungure, a well-known party freak, said party lovers were in for a treat as Dreams, like its name suggests, will be a lifestyle club.
With Sankayi being his first nightspot, Ginimbi said he had learnt a lot and learnt from past mistakes. As such, he is confident that he will change the entertainment scene, not only in Harare, but in Southern Africa with this new club.
To give the club the opulence it needs, it will be launched live on international music channel Mtv Base by Ginimbi’s American stripper friend Cici Amor, socialites Pokello Nare and Nyasha Mushekwi’s ex-wife Luminitsa Dumbisa Jemwa who will be the hosts.
In an interview yesterday, Ginimbi said he shut down Sankayi after he noticed he had made mistakes because he was a novice in the entertainment scene.
“When I opened the nightclub in May last year, it was my first time to run one. I realised all the mistakes that I had made from the setting up of the club and for us to fix all those mistakes, we needed to close the club and rebrand.
“We also decided to drop the Sankayi name because we didn’t want anything to do with it. The owner is the same, but the name has changed,” said Ginimbi.
The businessman who is known for his collage of high end cars, described Dreams Night Club as the Rolls Royce of nightspots saying it will be the best in Southern Africa.
“Like cars, there’re levels – you have Rolls Royce and Mercedes Benz. This (Dreams Night Club) is the Rolls Royce of nightclubs. I can say it’s completely different because I’ve redone the whole club and it has a new look.
“We’re going to offer the best nightlife in Southern Africa, not only in Zimbabwe. The way we’ve done it is too much for Zimbabwe and people will notice this on Saturday,” said Ginimbi.State media
The ZANU-PF Youth League has warned US ambassador, Brian Nichols, against meddling in internal political affairs of the country through supporting the opposition MDC-Aliance’s “illegal” demonstrations.
Speaking at a press conference at the Zanu-PF Headquarters in Harare yesterday, Zanu-PF secretary for Youth Affairs and party Chief Whip Pupurai Togarepi yesterday issued a” stern warning” to the ambassador saying that Zimbabwe does not need anyone to lecture it on how to run the country’s politics.
“We are very concerned by the behaviour of the American ambassador in Zimbabwe, he is meddling in our politics.
“This ambassador in our view is sponsoring these terrorists, he is aiding violence caused by MDC-A.”State media
The Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (Zimsec) recorded a pass rate decrease in June Ordinary Level examinations, while Advanced Level pass rate went slightly up compared to the previous year.
Zimsec released June 2019 Advanced Level and Ordinary Level results last Friday.
In a statement, Zimsec board chairman Professor Eddie Mwenje said the total candidature for both exams dropped significantly.
“In 2019, a total number of 75 055 candidates registered and sat for a range of subjects on O-Level from one to 10 compared to 141 246 candidates who sat in June 2018, however, the total candidature decreased by 66 191 with a percentage decrease of 46,86,” reads part of the statement.
“The number of school candidates who sat for this examination was 17 345, of these 1 268 wrote five or more subjects.
“A total of 562 candidates passed five or more subjects with a C or better, translating to a pass rate of 44,32 percent. The number of private candidates was 57 710, of these 1 950 wrote five or more subjects and 180 passed five or more subjects with a C or better, translating to a percentage pass rate of 9,23 percent.
Prof Mwenje said the result was less compared to the June 2018 pass rate whereby 916 out of 2 054 school candidates passed five or more subjects with a C or better, translating to a percentage pass rate of 44,59 while 719 out of 8 920 private candidates also passed five or more subjects with a C or better translating pass rate percentage of 8,06.
He said the number of all candidates who sat for five or more subjects was 3 218, which is 4,28 percent of the total candidature and the remainder 95,72 percent sat for four or less subjects.
In June 2018, the number of all candidates who sat for five or more subjects was 10 974, which was 7,77 percent of the total candidature of 141 246.State media
Cotton farmers in Manicaland have called on buyers to pay them in cash to cushion them from high operating costs.
Cotton harvesting is currently 80 percent complete, although some farmers are facing challenges in selling their products.
Manicaland Agritex livestock and crop production officer Mr Cephas Mlambo said cotton farmers had complained that use of mobile money payment platforms was reducing their profits as they have to pay more for goods and services if they did not have cash.
“While it is easy for a person in the urban areas to transact using EcoCash, the system can become very complex for people in communal areas and some farmers in those areas do not understand how the system operates,” he said.
“Deceitful business people end up ripping off farmers by charging extra money for transacting using EcoCash,” Mr Mlambo said. He said cotton was a vital crop in terms of value addition, employment creation and import substitution.State media
ZIFA has finally unveiled Joey Antipas as the caretaker coach of the Warriors, weeks after the appointment was leaked to the media, with the Chicken Inn gaffer to take charge of the team for the 2022 World Cup qualifiers against Somalia.
Antipas will remain in charge of the Warriors until December 31 this year and will be assisted by Zimbabwe Under-23 coach Tonderai Ndiraya and new Harare City gaffer Lloyd Chitembwe.
Tembo Chuma is the new goalkeepers’ coach while Wellington Mpandare retains his post as team manager.
With Ndiraya, Chitembwe and Chuma having backgrounds at Dynamos, CAPS United and Highlanders, it appears the national football controlling body have simply parcelled out the other roles to the country’s three biggest football clubs.
“Acting on recommendations of technical development committee, the Zimbabwe Football Association executive committee has appointed Joey Antipas as the caretaker head coach of the senior men’s team until 31 December 2019,’’ ZIFA spokesperson Xolisani Gwesela said in a statement.
“Under-23 coach Tonderai Ndiraya and Lloyd Chitembwe have been appointed as assistant coaches for the same period.
“Highlanders’ Tembo Chuma is the new goalkeepers’ coach for the senior national team.
“All members of the technical team will remain with their Premier league clubs and only serve as national team coaches when there are assignments. “Wellington Mpandare remains the Team Manager.
“The new technical team set-up comes in following, first the resignation of Sunday Chidzambga on the eve of back to back African Nations Championship qualifiers in August, and the dissolution of an interim technical team led by Rahman Gumbo.
“The immediate task of the technical team is a two-legged preliminary World Cup qualifier against Somalia between 2 and 10 September 2019. “We wish all the appointed coaches the best in their new engagement.’’State media
ZIFA have blocked Moses “Bambo” Chunga from securing a job with Premiership side TelOne saying he doesn’t possess a CAF A licence.
They also claim he doesn’t qualify for an exemption, which is given to coaches who do not have the badge, even though he is a former league championship winner. Chunga, too, has coaching qualifications from Holland.
While ZIFA technical director, Wilson Mutekede, made the ruling, it’s ironic that Dutch coach Erol Akbay, who doesn’t have a CAF A licence, was given the green-light to take charge of Ngezi Platinum Stars.
Englishman Mark Harrison, who also didn’t have a CAF A licence, was allowed to coach Harare City for more than a year.
Shockingly, the ZIFA decision to bar Chunga, a former Warriors captain, comes just a few days after they handed the national team head coach job to Joey Antipas.
The Chicken Inn coach also doesn’t have a CAF A licence. Yesterday, TelOne club president, Lloyd Mtetwa, confirmed they had short-listed Chunga for the job.
“He was among the candidates we were considering for the head coach post. We had not given him the job but, as part of our due diligence and screening process, we checked with ZIFA, particularly issues around the club licensing,’’ said Mtetwa.
“And, it is during that process that we learnt that he has no CAF A or an exemption from ZIFA.’’
Both ZIFA spokesperson Xolisani Gwesela and Mutekede said Chunga never applied for exemption.
“He should apply for exemption and we haven’t received any letter from Chunga,” said Gwesela.
Mutekede said Antipas and Chidzambwa were exempted by a Technical Committee which was in charge before he assumed office.
“What happens in terms of exemption is that you write a letter to the Technical Development Committee, which is headed by Brighton Malandule.
“A committee sat way back before I joined ZIFA, and resolved to have these exemptions of Antipas and Mhofu.
“So, every coach writes a letter for exemption citing his qualifications and reasons for exemption,” said Mutekede.
Yesterday, Chunga whose last league stint was at the end of 2016 season with Harare City, refused to comment on the matter.
However, it is the manner in which ZIFA operate, applying selective rules to certain individuals, which exposes the association which should cater for all the stakeholders.
ZIFA have received a lot of stick regarding their enforcement of the CAF A licence in the top-flight this season.
That the association cannot even support a former Warriors captain and, instead, and prepared to provide a waiver for the likes of Akbay, shows ZIFA do not value the input of those who played the game.- State Media
In what appears a major historic development the speaker of Parliament Jacob Mudenda has announced that the government must apologise for past atrocities, beginning with Gukurahundi.
Gukurahundi is the 1980s massacre of over 22,000 of mainly Ndebele speaking citizens.
Mudenda who appeared careful to avoid mentioning Emmerson Mnangagwa’s name, urged the government funded National Peace and Reconciliation Commission (NPRC) to advocate for a national apology for past conflicts including Gukurahundi.
Mudenda said a confession from Government would help the country move on from its past and pave way for successful reconciliation, national healing and integration. The Speaker of Parliament said this while addressing Parliamentarians during a capacity building workshop for the Portfolio Committee on Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs and the Thematic Committee on Human Rights on the mandate of the NPRC in Bulawayo yesterday. The workshop was also attended by NPRC chairperson Retired Justice Sello Nare and NPRC commissioners. “Fundamentally, the NPRC must vigorously agitate for the national institutional apology for the past conflicts, especially Entumbane One and Two as well as the Gukurahundi tragedy. Let’s confess that era of conflict so that we go beyond the acknowledgement of ‘the moment of madness’. “Confession is a condition precedent to letting bygones be bygones. Once that confession is done the spring of hope, national healing and reconciliation will abundantly germinate without any doubt,” said Adv Mudenda. He commended the political will to bring closure to cases of violations of human rights committed in the pre and post-independence era. Adv Mudenda, however, emphasised the need for the NPRC to handle the issues with greater sensitivities and tactful diplomatic skill. This, he added, will help the commission to balance and moderate different demands and expectations from the people. Adv Mudenda said after the confession, there should be traditional and cultural expatiation ceremonies as well as truth telling in Matabeleland and Midlands provinces, where Gukurahundi was most pronounced. “In tandem, the low lying fruit of reconciliation is a concerted and strategic issuance of birth certificates and identity documents and reburial orders of victims where necessary. “In the affected provinces, we now have three generations with no birth certificates and identity cards. The responsible department should move from village to village and make sure the affected people get these documents,” said Adv Mudenda. He said the exercise should be done by people who understand the languages spoken by the affected people so that they don’t misspell their names on the identity documents. Adv Mudenda said it is important for the NPRC to deliberately dissect the root causes of conflicts that have affected the country before and after independence. “The correct diagnosis of such root causes should assist the NPRC to come up with appropriate remedies for national reconciliation in order to achieve national consensus building,” he said. Adv Mudenda said during the Entumbane One, Entumbane Two and Gukurahundi destructive conflicts, people in Matabeleland and the Midlands provinces experienced violence, forced disappearances and gruesome murders, which seriously affected development in their areas. He said most schools were under developed with no science laboratories, while roads were bad. “Relatedly, schools in the affected provinces must be revamped through the construction of modern science laboratories as part of a tangible rehabilitation process. Catch up infrastructural development should be embarked upon. This is the practical approach to national healing and reconciliation,” said Adv Mudenda. Equally, he added, the two Parliamentary Committees attending the workshop should ensure that the Devolution Law is in place as provided for by the Constitution. He urged Parliamentarians and the NPRC to come up with a clear strategic roadmap to realise its mandate. – State Media
Gokwe town council is at loggerheads with its employees after reducing their salaries in line with recommendations of a job and salary re-grading exercise that affected employees at all levels.
The disgruntled employees have since taken the local authority to the Labour Court. In an interview yesterday, town secretary, Ms Melania Mandeya said council was only implementing recommendations from a job evaluation exercise carried out in 2017.
“We embarked on a job and salary re-grading exercise following a job evaluation exercise. Most of the employees were just employed and put in certain positions with required qualifications.
“Some people were earning what they don’t deserve. So we embarked on job and salary re-grading exercise which has seen downgrading of grades and salary adjustments which the employees are fighting,” she said.
Ms Mandeya said council has two options; to either retrench some employees or implement the job and salary re-grading exercise.
“Faced with the current economic situation, the local authority had an option of retrenching some of the employees. But then we say, why not reduce their salaries so that we remain viable?
“Employees have now taken council to the Labour Court. So this matter is in court and we await its ruling. However, council will be forced to retrench some employees because we can’t remain afloat with the salaries they were getting in the previous grades,” she said.
Ms Mandeya said council is faced with a number of challenges emanating from failure by residents and companies to settle their debts.
She said after carrying out the job evaluation exercise, a notable achievement is that council had managed to clear the salary backlog from 24 to 12 months.
“The local authority has about 100 employees and has been battling to clear a salary backlog which now stands at 12 months from 24 months as a result of carrying out the job evaluation exercise recommendations. The employees are now getting their salary on time,” she said.- State Media
Farai Dziva|Dynamos coach Tonderai Ndiraya is pleased with his charges’ performance in the 2-2 draw against Hwange on Sunday.
The match had a 21-minute stoppage early in the second half after violence broke out among the fans of both sides.
Speaking after the encounter, Ndiraya said: “Hwange is always a difficult place to come and get a result and I pay tribute to the boys for the fighting spirit. To come back from behind twice is commendable.”
The hosts were leading 1-0 at the time the game was stopped courtesy of an own goal by keeper Munyaradzi Diya.
Dembare restored parity through Godknows Murwira soon after the play resumed but Hwange quickly regained the lead after Shepherd Gahadzikwa hit the target with a header.
Evans Katema levelled terms later in the match as it ended on a stalemate.
Farai Dziva|Highlanders coach Mandla Mpofu has said he will not cry over the 2-1 loss to CAPS United.
Bosso were denied a late goal when Prince Dube’s deflected header appeared to have crossed but the referee of the day Brighton Chimene thought otherwise.
“Congrats to CAPS United, but again, a denied goal, maybe.
If it crossed the line, then football is about luck.
Match officials know better. We don’t want to be cry-babies. We don’t want to be talking about match officials.
They are human beings, they make mistakes. But we don’t want a situation whereby coaches are always complaining about the match officials.’’
Bosso got their consolation from Ray Lunga who opened the scoring in the 10th minute.
The hosts replied with Kelvin Ndebele’s strike and a brilliant effort from Clive Rupiya before the break.
Farai Dziva|An organisation that represents the views and concerns of ordinary citizens of Zimbabwe, ZIMUCU has said anyone who thinks he or she belongs to Zanu PF is totally lost and misguided.
See the organisation’s full statement below:
If Zanu is not for Mugabe, Sithole, Nkala, Mujuru or Gumbo, then how can it be yours?
Anyone who thinks he or she is a Zanu PF Member, is a fool who will never learn.
Foolishness is the Quality to be Unable to Learn, and unfortunately, in Zimbabwe, we have a surplus of that Quality.
Does anyone remember President Mugabe saying a pen cannot override the command of a gun?
Does anyone remember Grace Mugabe declaring that she would execute a “Baby Dumping” on Joyce Mujuru? Is anyone old enough to remember Edgar Tekere confessing that Zanu is a club for armed thugs?
Does anyone remember that Zanu was formed by Ndabaningi Sithole who later died under Zanu persecution?
Does anyone remember Rugare Gumbo claiming that Zimbabweans were supporting Zanu for its vibrant programmes in August 2012?
Does anyone, with a working mind, remember how Mutasa would kill for Zanu? What does it take for a level headed person to see empirical evidence from Margaret Dongo who spent her life fighting for Zanu, but now confesses that Zanu is a mistake for Zimbabwe’s progress?
Why would anyone want to be reminded of Enos Nkala, under whose roof Zanu was formed in 1963, and how he died an enemy of Zanu PF.
Who remembers a proud chap called Ignatius Chombo who used to be sure that Zanu was his Party? What about Webstar Shamhu who invented Mugabe Cremora mantra?
My question goes to a young educated thinker who is still stuck in Zanu.
Do you really think you are more important to Zanu than Enos Nkala? Than Ndabaningi Sithole? Than Mugabe? Tekere, Chombo, Gumbo, Mujuru, Dongo, Shamhu, Grace or anyone who has been humiliated by Zanu including Mnangagwa himself?
Why would someone educated beyond grade 4, really fail to see that Zanu-PF has got no friends at all? It has an infinite mass of fools to keep using, casting and recycling while eroding Zimbabwe resources at gun-point.
Does anyone with a little brain doubt that Mnangagwa and his wife and all their children might end up being jailed by a new Zanu PF leader in future?
Farai Dziva|Zanu PF youth leader, Pupurai Togarepi has described leaders of the opposition party MDC as liars, not lawyers.
See the Zanu PF leader’s statement below:
MOST probably ensconced in the comfort of their homes, the violence mongering leaders of the opposition used their proxies to ignite chaos in the heart of Harare but that was never to be because the police who had gathered intelligence of the evil machinations were on top of the situation.
While I am no prophet, I know just as the sun will rise tomorrow that any attempts to reverse the will of the people, expressed unequivocally in last year elections will never be accepted, we have our next election in 2023, and until then-President Emmerson Mnangagwa remains our President.
Chamisa and his band of sore losers, whose recalcitrance is a stuff of legends should eat the chill-pill and move on because we have so many things to do yet so many distractions from all sorts of clowns who crave unnecessary attention especially whimpering adult man who believes they must be part of government even when the people rejected them.
As we watched from the sidelines, a few inebriated MDC youths who had been sponsored to descend on Harare and stir up emotions, a melancholy feeling settled in, we asked among ourselves why are the leaders of the opposition so heartless, they call for demonstrations but when push comes to shove they drive to the safety of their homes and to use Thomas Hardy classic novel “Far from the Madding Crowd”.
I really felt sorry for the men and women who dared to cross the line and pushed the police to the limits because in the madness that was swiftly splashed on social media—I was being haunted by Chamisa’s own words that protestors are stupid, yes, the ambitious advocate cum pastor described his supporters as such just a year ago and it seems the would-be-demonstrators learnt nothing from that gaffe.
While the right to demonstrate is something enshrined in our Constitution, the law enforcement agents had good reason to believe that the MDC was spoiling for violent demonstrations, using their powers, the police prohibited the demonstrations.
A High Court judge also dismissed an application by the MDC to proceed with its demonstration but defying all logic and daring to take the bull by the horns MDC supporters were unleashed into the streets, fortunately for peace-loving Zimbabweans, the police were at hand to protect peace and also businesses.
All this happened as the cowards who lead the opposition were in the comfort of their homes or offices, drinking tea or coffee while the youth they had bought cheap drugs like nyaope challenged the police.
Can we locate Chamisa’s grievances and why he thinks (wrongfully) that demonstrations are his ticket to the power table.
You cannot ascend to power through streets protests, that is a subject that lawyers or is it liars in the sinking ship that is the MDC should accept, embrace and move on.
In their infantile imaginations, fed by their handlers who are tinkling a few pieces of silver in order to subvert the will of the people, the opposition leaders think that they will trigger an Arab Spring revolution in the country even as they lack the masses to back that fantasy.
President Mnangagwa has extended his hand, he is talking to progressive opposition figures but like ostriches the likes of Chamisa have stuck their heads in the sand, they want to make noise but no one, not in Zimbabwe or outside is prepared to listen to the fictitious concoctions.
Zimbabwe is not on the brink, the economy is on a recovery path and it is the bitter medicine that ensures healing that we must take no matter how vile it is to the palate, the country is set to regain its lost lustre and that is one of the major reasons why Chamisa and his misfits would want to ensure they spoil the party and rock the boat.
As the leader of the Zanu PF youth league, I am comforted that we have a youth movement that is patriotic, a wing that is well informed and appreciate the headwinds and yet never lose focus of the goals, unfortunately, Chamisa, whose only weapon against Zanu PF is the economy knows that when the economy recovers he will be rendered useless and irrelevant, time is indeed running out for him.
We are also alive to the power struggles in the MDC and Chamisa’s desperation to fend off competition from the likes of Biti, the man he betrayed in 2014 in order to clear his path for the presidency.
Biti’s is breathing hard on Chamisa’s neck and the latter is now behaving like a desperate slut, hitching skirts to grab the attention of donors and save his position which needs I say is a hot seat. All the prancing is to convince donors that he is still relevant.
From the above, it is as clear as daylight that Chamisa just wants to use and abuse people for his gain, he is living large yet he forces people to go on a rampage and disrupt everyday life. People should refuse to be used by such charlatans.
Another, disgraceful ending to so-called demonstrations that are nothing but a desperate bid to stir up emotions and trigger a bloodbath.
Kudos to our Government arms for protecting and maintaining peace. I salute the peace loving people of Zimbabwe for resisting these soldiers of fortune.
For those who were used as cannon fodder by some machonists in the opposition, it’s time to introspect and choose peace for the good of our Great Country.
Farai Dziva|Zanu PF youth leader, Pupurai Togarepi has no kind words for his own homeboy Nelson Chamisa.
The Zanu PF official has sensationally claimed the MDC leader is using the people of Zimbabwe to achieve his personal political goals.Ironically both men hail from from Gutu South Constituency in Masvingo Province.
See Togarepi’s argument : MOST probably ensconced in the comfort of their homes, the violence mongering leaders of the opposition used their proxies to ignite chaos in the heart of Harare but that was never to be because the police who had gathered intelligence of the evil machinations were on top of the situation.
While I am no prophet, I know just as the sun will rise tomorrow that any attempts to reverse the will of the people, expressed unequivocally in last year elections will never be accepted, we have our next election in 2023, and until then President Emmerson Mnangagwa remains our President.
Chamisa and his band of sore losers, whose recalcitrance is a stuff of legends should eat the chill-pill and move on because we have so many things to do yet so many distractions from all sorts of clowns who crave unnecessary attention especially whimpering adult man who believe they must be part of government even when the people rejected them As we watched from the sidelines, a few inebriated MDC youths who had been sponsored to descend on Harare and stir up emotions, a melancholy feeling settled in, we asked among ourselves why are the leaders of the opposition so heartless, they call for demonstrations but when push comes to shove they drive to the safety of their homes and to use Thomas Hardy classic novel “Far from the Madding Crowd”.
I really felt sorry for the men and women who dared to cross the line and pushed the police to the limits because in the madness that was swiftly splashed on social media—I was being haunted by Chamisa’s own words that protestors are stupid, yes, the ambitious advocate cum pastor described his supporters as such just a year ago and it seems the would-be-demonstrators learnt nothing from that gaffe.
While the right to demonstrate is something enshrined in our Constitution, the law enforcement agents had good reason to believe that the MDC was spoiling for violent demonstrations, using their powers, the police prohibited the demonstrations.
A High Court judge also dismissed an application by the MDC to proceed with its demonstration but defying all logic and daring to take the bull by the horns MDC supporters were unleashed into the streets, fortunately for peace loving Zimbabweans, the police were at hand to protect peace and also business.
All this happened as the cowards who lead the opposition were in the comfort of their homes or offices, drinking tea or coffee while the youth they had bought cheap drugs like nyaope challenged the police.
Can we locate Chamisa’s grievances and why he thinks (wrongfully) that demonstrations are his ticket to the power table, no authority is derived from people through elections, it is not derived through streets protests, that is a subject that lawyers or is it liars in the sinking ship that is the MDC should accept, embrace and move on.
In their infantile imaginations, fed by their handlers who are tinkling a few pieces of silver in order to subvert the will of the people, the opposition leaders think that they will trigger an Arab Spring revolution in the country even as they lack the masses to back that fantasy.
President Mnangagwa has extended his hand, he is talking to progressive opposition figures but like ostriches the likes of Chamisa have stuck their heads in the sand, they want to make noise but no one, not in Zimbabwe or outside is prepared to listen to the fictitious concoctions.
Zimbabwe is not on the brink, the economy is on a recovery path and it is the bitter medicine that ensure healing that we must take no matter how vile it is to the palate, the country is set to regain its lost lustre and that is one of the major reasons why Chamisa and his misfits would want to ensure they spoil the party and rock the boat.
As the leader of the Zanu PF youth league, I am comforted that we have a youth movement that is patriotic, a wing that is well informed and appreciate the headwinds and yet never lose focus of the goals, unfortunately, Chamisa, whose only weapon against Zanu PF is the economy knows that when the economy recovers he will be rendered useless and irrelevant, time is indeed running out for him.
We are also alive to the power struggles in the MDC and Chamisa’s desperation to fend off competition from the likes of Biti, the man he betrayed in 2014 in order to clear his path for presidency.
Biti’s is breathing hard on Chamisa’s neck and the later is now behaving like a desperate slut, hitching skirts to grab attention of donors and save his position which need I say is a hot seat. All the prancing is to convince donors that he is still relevant.
From the above, it is as clear as daylight that Chamisa just wants to use and abuse people for his gain, he is living large yet he forces people to go on a rampage and disrupt everyday life. People should refuse to be used by such charlatans.
Another, disgraceful ending to so-called demonstrations that are nothing but a desperate bid to stir up emotions and trigger a bloodbath.
Kudos to our Government arms for protecting and maintaining peace. I salute the peace loving people of Zimbabwe for resisting these soldiers of fortune. For those who were used as cannon fodder by some machonists in the opposition it’s time to introspect and choose peace for the good of our Great Country.
MDC Secretary General Hwende remanded to 16th October
The MDC Secretary General, Chalton Hwende, appeared at the Harare Magistrates courts this morning.
Hwende is facing charges of subversion. He was further remanded to the 16th October 2019
Hwende’s case is part of the on-going systematic harrassment of political leaders and civil society activists by a rogue regime that has clearly panicked and is now determined to suppress all alternative voices in Zimbabwe
We thank all our party leaders and members who managed to join Hwende in solidarity.
According to the poll so far, 73% of the over 300 voters are calling for President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s prosecution at the ICC over human rights violations.
However, 7 percent of those who have voted do not agree saying there is no reason why he should be tried before the ICC. A total of 14 percent of the voters however are of the opinion that no- one will take him while 6 percent want nothing to do with the poll question.
If you have not yet voted, please participate and share your opinion in the poll below, “Should Mnangagwa be taken to the ICC over human rights violations in Zimbabwe?”
Opposition MDC has suggested that President Emmerson Mnangagwa must be taken to the International Criminal Court (ICC) over human rights violations. Do you think Mnangagwa must be taken to the ICC?
By A Correspondent| Opposition MDC Vice Chairperson Job Sikhala has said President Emmerson Mnangagwa should be taken to the International Criminal Court over human rights violations.
Information ministry permanent secretary Nick Mangwana reacted to Sikhala’s suggestion and said the statement was nothing but a dream and “he can shout Hague 70 times seven times, but his fantasy of getting into power through the back door will not be realised.”
Please share your thoughts in the poll below and answer the question: “Do you think President Emmerson Mnangagwa must be taken to the ICC over human rights violations against the people of Zimbabwe?”
Opposition MDC has suggested that President Emmerson Mnangagwa must be taken to the International Criminal Court (ICC) over human rights violations. Do you think Mnangagwa must be taken to the ICC?
By A Correspondent- Professor Jonathan Moyo has claimed that the military was behind his loss in the 2013 election where the Tsholotsho North seat was won by the then MDC candidate Rosemary Nkomo.
Moyo posted on Twitter and said:
“These are the wages of rigging by the military, which now rigs elections in the rural areas brazenly and openly. For ZANU PF to keep winning, it needs the military to keep rigging, and the rural areas to remain rural. ZANU PF has no future in an urbanized and developed Zimbabwe. Zero!”
When asked by one user whether the army started rigging post November 2017 coup Moyo said:
“Of course not. I was a victim of their rigging on 2013 and I took them to court all the way up to the Supreme Court. I also took George Chiweshe to court in 2008 over rigging issues. Needless to say I lost the court battles. But aluta continua!”
By A Correspondent- Chief Ndiweni’s lawyer Dumisani Dube has filed an appeal against the incarceration of the traditional leader by a Bulawayo court last week.
Chief Ndiweni was last week sentenced to 24 months in prison over malicious damage to property charges after he allegedly destroyed property belonging to a villager who had resisted an order to leave his area.
Bulawayo magistrate Gladmore Mushowe suspended 6 months of his jail term on condition of good behavior and ordered the remaining 18 months to be an effective jail term.
Chief Ndiweni’s 23 assailants were sentenced to 24 months in prison with 6 months suspended on condition of good behavior.
The remaining 18 months were wholly suspended on condition they each complete 525 hours of community service.
“This is a serious offence that was committed in aggravating circumnstances using fire,axes and other dangerous weapons. Fire is categorised under the third schedule which means the offense was committed in aggravating circumstances,” said Mushowe.
She said the offence was committed in a barbaric manner and it is unbelievable for a chief in this day and age to punish his subjects in that manner.
“A chief’s duties include protecting his people and mainataining peace and freedom now for him to break the law like this is very disturbing. The court will take into consideration that the other other 23 accused persons were acting under the instruction of a chief who is a voice of authority. As such there shall be a disparity in sentencing,” said Mushowe.
Mushowe ordered that the 525 hours of community service be completed within 20 weeks starting from August 19.
On that same day, there was an attempted arrest of former Vice President Mphoko followed, on Saturday 17th August 2019, by the arrest of MDC’s National Chair, Honourable Thabitha Khumalo, together with other Bulawayo leaders.
This persecution of the Matebeleland Region’s leaders is done with the explicit knowledge of at least Mnangagwa, July Moyo and Owen Ncube. The Police Commissioner General advises the minister for local government on the impeding arrest of a traditional leader. The local government minister, in consultation with the security minister, would then seek the authority of the president for that traditional leader to be arrested. Mnangagwa authorised the arrest of Chief Ndiweni. This does not bode well for a region still traumatised by Gukurahundi.
Deteriorating socio-economic conditions and lessons from peaceful demonstrations in Sudan and Hong Kong requires committed leadership that can visibly lead such peaceful demonstrations. Having personally interacted with Chief Ndiweni, I know that he is such a leader and rallying point for Zimbabweans across the political divide. In 2014, Mnangagwa de-briefed Kasukuwere, Kembo Mohadi and myself that President Mugabe indicated that he consults Zimbabwe’s twelve leading traditional leaders on leadership. Chief Ndiweni is one of the twelve. Mnangagwa is persecuting Chief Ndiweni because Chief Ndiweni does not approve of Mnangagwa’s disastrous leadership.
Asante Sana. Iwe Neni Tine Basa. Umsebenzi lo Umkhulu.
By A Correspondent- A local businessman who sued his alleged lover for defrauding him did not realise that by doing so he would land in hot soup as he is now being sued by the woman’s husband for having an adulterous affair with his wife.
Dick Sakala is accusing Gordon Virimai, who is based in Australia, of engaging in an adulterous relationship with his wife, Yvonne Thandiwe Sakala (59).
Sakala, through his lawyers VJ Mpofu and Associates, filed summons at the Bulawayo High Court citing Virimai as a defendant.
In papers before the court, Sakala said he discovered the illicit affair after intercepting text and WhatsApp messages on his wife’s cellphone, which were sent by Virimai.
Sakala’s suspicions were confirmed when Virimai sued his wife to recover US$41 000 which he claimed he had sent to Thandiwe for a business venture but she allegedly converted it to her own use.
“The defendant has had a romantic and illicit relationship or has committed adultery with my wife well knowing of her marital status which has been confirmed by the defendant’s wife who is in Australia,” he said.
Sakala said their marriage was solemnised in terms of Chapter 5:11 of the Marriages Act on July 27 in 1980. The couple has three grown up children.
Sakala said due to the adulterous affair between his wife and Virimai, the two lovers had a public fallout after Thandiwe allegedly defrauded her boyfriend of more than US$41 000.
Thandiwe allegedly masqueraded as overseer of a certain family trust which sells several properties and defrauded Virimai of US$41 870. The case is still pending before the courts.
Sakala said due to the adulterous affair, he had lost consortium and comfort.
He wants a court order that compels Virimai to pay US$300 000.00 in damages for loss of consortium and contumelia.
“Owing to the adulterous relationship, I have lost the consortium, comfort and society of my wife resulting in damages in the sum of US$150 000 and also resulting in contumelia or hurt feelings with damages totalling US$150 000, which is due and payable by the defendant,” he said.
In her opposing affidavit Thandiwe said they had not been living as husband and wife for the past 10 years.
“We have not been living as husband and wife for the past 10 years. Sakala was irresponsible and abusive. He sold four matrimonial homes against my will,” she said.
She added:
“He is a greedy husband who wants to reap where he never sowed and wants to throw me under the bus by claiming I had an adulterous relationship with Virimai so as to gain financial claims from him(sic).The marriage broke down after I found out that he had extra marital affairs with male persons (sic).”-BMetro
By A Correspondent- Opposition Vice-Chairperson, Advocate Job Sikhala has said that it was time president Mnangagwa faces the wrath of International Law over crimes against humanity.
His remarks come after recent reports of abductions and torture of members of the MDC and human rights defenders.
They also come at a time when the government has blocked MDC demonstrations that were slated to begin on the 16th of August.
Sikhala said:
Now is the time to plait the international law that presses international obligations for crimes against humanity against Mnangagwa. This man has been thriving on the blood of our kith and kin. It is high time to look him right into his eyes and tell him ‘stop spilling blood of our relatives anymore.
Sikhala also made reference to January violent demonstrations, August 1, 2018, shootings and the Matebeleland massacres of the 1980s dubbed Gukurahundi to demonstrate that the government is not respecting human rights.
The Zengeza West legislator also said that it was now beyond any reasonable doubt, even to those who doubted, that Mnangagwa was not different from former president Robert Mugabe.
He also said that Mnangagwa has been Mugabe’s lieutenant hence implicated in all crimes against humanity since the aftermath of independence.-Newsday
By A Correspondent- Harare residents are lamenting the failure by Harare City Council to use the new billing system saying it is leaving room for the abuse of ratepayers’ money.
The city migrated to a new system called Sage Evolution whose developer is from South Africa early last month following fallout over the BIQ system. Harare Residents Trust director Mr Precious Shumba said failure to use the new billing system could affect ratepayers.
“The City of Harare is disorganised and continues to demonstrate to the ratepayers that they are totally incompetent to handle technology. “Their failure to replace the BIQ billing system which was shut down on 21 March 2019 means that the city is unable to technologically capture their incomes and expenditures, reducing everything to manual,” he said.
“The risk is that all the money that ratepayers are paying is not getting onto the BIQ, and this implies that there is higher possibility of the criminal elements in the council to manipulate the accounts of council. At this stage the council has no access to ratepayers’ account details except when ratepayers make payments”.
He said the BIQ billing system was shut down because the agents of the system in Zimbabwe allegedly raised alarm at the continued failure in the last four years by the City of Harare to produce both a trial balance and a bank reconciliation on councils’ accounts, which was threatening the maximum utilisation of underutilised fields on the BIQ platform. Mr Shumba alleged that the delay of using the system was a deliberate move meant to protect few debtors.
By A Correspondent- The government has said that the MDC’s calls for President Mnangagwa to be sent to Hague, the International Criminal Court, was a way of blackmailing the government into surrendering power.
Responding to MDC vice-chairperson, Job Sikhala’s remarks, the permanent secretary in the ministry of Information, Nick Mangwana said:
Mr Sikhala can shout Hague 70 times seven times, but his fantasy of getting into power through the backdoor will not be realised. He can give as many ultimatums as he wishes, but the government will not be blackmailed to surrender the will of the people to them just because they have invited suffering upon the nation.
Those who threaten implied insurgency upon this nation, like Mr Sikhala has recently taken to doing, should know that our appetite for reform is not a sign of a weak State. The State remains as strong as ever and as determined as ever to ensure peace, law and order remains the norm in this country. So today, we count him shouting ‘Hague’ once. He still has a long way to shout thus.”
Sikhala’s remarks follow alleged abductions on MDC members and some human rights defenders ahead of MDC demonstrations that were slated for the 16th and 19th of August.
Some of the abducted individuals sustained broken legs and fractured hands.
By A Correspondent- The Siyadudula operation general secretary, Benjamin Chisari said they were raiding houses looking for drugs, houses used for sex work and any other illegal activities that residents of Orange groove have been complaining about.
The South African police crackdown team, which conducted the Operation dubbed Siyadudula discovered 24 coffins some of them used in Orange Groove during their raids.
Said one of the officers:
“When we got to the house, we found a caretaker who’s been working there for three years. He gave us permission to search the house and when we opened one of the rooms, we found coffins.
We had no idea we’d find coffins. We thought we might find drugs as tipped off but we were in for a shock,” he added.
Benjamin also told Daily Sun that when they asked the caretaker about them, he said he was just a worker who was just sticking to his job.
Daily Sun spoke to the JMPD spokesman, Wyne Minnaar, who confirmed that 24 coffins were found. ”The matter is with the police,” said Minnaar.
By A Correspondent- The speaker of National Assembly, Jacob Mudenda has implored the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission (NPRC) to vigorously push for a national apology for the past conflicts, especially the Entumbane and Gukurahundi atrocities.
Mudenda said there is a need for the perpetrators of the atrocities to publicly acknowledge their wrongdoing to allow the country to move forward.
“Let us confess that era of the conflict so that we go beyond the acknowledgement of the ‘moment of madness’. Confession is a condition precedent to letting bygones be bygones.
“Once that confession is done the spring of hope, national healing and reconciliation will abundantly germinate without any doubt,” Hon. Mudenda said. He said there is a need for truth-telling so that there can be cultural expatiation ceremonies especially in Matabeleland and Midlands provinces where the Gukurahundi massacres occurred.
“Immediately what should follow are traditional and cultural expatiation ceremonies which must ride on the pedestal of truth-telling in Matabeleland and Midlands provinces where the Gukurahundi tragedy was most pronounced,” he said.
In addition, Mudenda said the issue of reconciliation will facilitate the process of documentation and proper re-burial of victims.
“In tandem, the low hanging fruit of reconciliation is a concerted and strategic issuance of personal identity documents, namely the birth and identity certificates as well as reburial of victims where need be,” he said.
Meanwhile, Hon. Mudenda said as part of the reconciliation process there is a need for construction of modern laboratories in the affected areas. “Relatedly, the secondary schools in the erstwhile affected provinces must be revamped through the construction of modern science laboratories as part of a tangible reconciliation process.
“These last two areas of remedial response can easily be funded by UNICEF, catch up infrastructural development can be embarked upon soon after. This is the practical approach to national healing and reconciliation,” he said.
Former President Robert Mugabe who described the killings as “a moment of madness” did not allow open discussions on the issue. However, his successor President Emmerson Mnangagwa has allowed people to openly speak on the issue and has given the go-ahead for reburials.-StateMedia
By A Correspondent- Former Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko is on the run after he reportedly escaped from the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) officials who were set to arrest him today.
The former Vice President is being pursued for abuse of office crime which he allegedly committed during his tenure in office.
ZACC commissioner John Makarume on Monday afternoon confirmed that Mr Mphoko was now a fugitive from law and anti-corruption officials were after him.
This is a developing story. Refresh this page for latest details.
By A Correspondent- The commander of One Presidential Guard Infantry Battalion at State House, Lieutenant-Colonel Samson Murombo, was sidelined from commanding the parade at the Defence Forces Day commemorations on Tuesday this week after a nasty fallout with First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa.
In the recorded phone call leaked to various social media platforms, Auxillia begins by challenging Murombo to a physical showdown before later breaking down and asking him to spare her life because she is a woman with kids. Auxillia tells Murombo to go and kill Mnangagwa instead.
The audio brought to light the escalating brinkmanship between Mnangagwa and his ailing deputy Constantino Chiwenga as they are locked in a titanic struggle to effectively control the country’s security apparatus. Mnangagwa and Chiwenga have tried to put up a public posture of unity, but insiders say it is fake comradeship.
While Murombo looked dejected during Defence Forces Day commemorations under the VIP tent where he was relegated to a mere spectator, his junior and Commanding Officer of Two Presidential Guard Battalion in Dzivaresekwa, Lieutenant-Colonel Honesty Mangezi, took charge of over 300 troops on parade.
Although the two share the same rank within the same battalion, security sources told the Independent Murombo is senior by virtue of joining the army earlier and being promoted to the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel first. Murombo, military sources say, was one of the first officers to graduate from the Zimbabwe Military Academy (ZMA) in Gweru. Mangezi also graduated from the ZMA, but well after Murombo had joined the army, it was said.
“Such parades are normally commanded by the Commander of One PG which is situated at State House, but this was not the case this year after the audio leak. It was clear he was sidelined. What we don’t know, however, is whether it was a directive from above because of the fallout or whether the decision was made by military commanders to protect Murombo from the spotlight,” a military source said.
Murombo only joined the parade at the end. Since the November 2017 military coup which dramatically toppled long-time ruler Robert Mugabe, Mnangagwa and Chiwenga, who was the commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces at the time, have been using the military and other security sector instruments and state institutions as well as the ruling Zanu-PF structures to checkmate each other.
The sensational audio is said to have been in the context of the bombing incident in Bulawayo in June 2018. Mnangagwa said it was an inside assassination plot. He did not say who was responsible. “You’re spying on me,” Auxillia rails to Murombo on the phone, not giving him a chance to respond to the allegations even though he pleaded with her to hear him out.
Murombo is occasionally heard pleading: “Excuse me, Your Excellency,” but the First Lady curtly responds: “Just tell me what you want from me because, if I die, it would be you.”
“Get away! I’m just a mere woman, a grandmother. Go and shoot Mnangagwa, I ask for a pardon. Don’t shoot me, I have children. Just shoot Mnangagwa, because I know this is all about him. Just go and shoot him, why do you want to shoot me? What have I done? What threat do I pose to you Murombo? I don’t even know your wife. I don’t discuss politics, I don’t discuss military issues. I’m coming to your office.
“You draw your confidence from the fact that you have a gun. I’m coming there and you can shoot me. If you don’t shoot me before I get there, we’ll kill each other in your office.”
The First Lady also claimed she was aware of a plot to kill Mnangagwa and said those who wanted to do so could go ahead, but leave her alone because she had children to look after.
She went on to describe Murombo as a man with an “ugly face”, who was “trying to get to Mnangagwa through me”.-TheIndependent
By A Correspondent- Chief Ndiweni’s lawyer Dumisani Dube has filed an appeal against the incarceration of the traditional leader by a Bulawayo court last week.
Chief Ndiweni was last week sentenced to 24 months in prison over malicious damage to property charges after he allegedly destroyed property belonging to a villager who had resisted an order to leave his area.
Bulawayo magistrate Gladmore Mushowe suspended 6 months of his jail term on condition of good behavior and ordered the remaining 18 months to be an effective jail term.
Chief Ndiweni’s 23 assailants were sentenced to 24 months in prison with 6 months suspended on condition of good behavior.
The remaining 18 months were wholly suspended on condition they each complete 525 hours of community service.
“This is a serious offence that was committed in aggravating circumnstances using fire,axes and other dangerous weapons. Fire is categorised under the third schedule which means the offense was committed in aggravating circumstances,” said Mushowe.
She said the offence was committed in a barbaric manner and it is unbelievable for a chief in this day and age to punish his subjects in that manner.
“A chief’s duties include protecting his people and mainataining peace and freedom now for him to break the law like this is very disturbing. The court will take into consideration that the other other 23 accused persons were acting under the instruction of a chief who is a voice of authority. As such there shall be a disparity in sentencing,” said Mushowe.
Mushowe ordered that the 525 hours of community service be completed within 20 weeks starting from August 19.
Supporters of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) opposition party of Nelson Chamisa sing and dance as they march on the streets of Harare, Zimbabwe, August 1, 2018. REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko – RC1F0090D9B0
Two women who had come for the August 16 Protest yesterday give harrowing accounts of what had motivated them to protest after they had been brutally assaulted by members of the Zimbabwe Republic Police.
Zimbabwe plans to borrow $1.9 billion from G7 countries to clear its debts to the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the World Bank, Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube said https://t.co/1jcJ8JlxE3pic.twitter.com/Oszbqok3m9
Thabitha Khumalo with ZRP officers in a file picture
Zimbabwean courts are slowly turning into a real circus completely destroying the credibility of learned judges and magistrates who agree to be turned into ZANU PF weapons of fighting the opposition MDC.
Arrested MDC national chairperson Thabitha Khumalo was today granted $200 bail on an offence where she is accused of saying the 2018 elections were stolen.
The statement is uttered daily by almost all opposition politicians including MDC leader Nelson Chamisa but no arrests have ever been made.
MDC National Chair, Honourable Thabitha Khumalo and seven others have each been granted $200 bail.They are required to report once a week on Fridays at CID Law & Order and not to interfere with witnesses#FreeZimbabweCampaign#MDCRELOAD@molokele@hwendec
— Citizens' Coalition for Change (@CCCZimbabwe) August 19, 2019
Standard|Musician Andy Muridzo has been to hell and back in his short career, he has tasted the sweet and sour sides of life as a music superstar in a journey that has threatened to quash his talent.
Born Andrew Ngwenya, the 27-year-old vocalist has hopped from one storm to another in the recent past, but now he is weary and yearns for a musical rebirth, a reincarnation of sorts.
He says Shiri Yamambo, a 14-track album set for launch at Wood Nite Club in Harare on Thursday, is his chance to re-establish the musician many contemporary
music fans had grown to love.
“This album is a reintroduction of Andy Muridzo into the market, as if he has never been there,” he told Standard Style yesterday.
“It’s an extended and better version of my music and people should be ready to embrace it.”
Over the years the Dherira hit singer’s music has proved popular across social divides until it got contaminated by controversies particularly involving
different women before the ultimate split with Mai Keketso, his wife.
“When my name became known it was because of music and not personal business, so it is unfair that this has jeopardised my career,” he said
“There are two sides to every story and fans should not take one perspective to be the gospel truth and judge me on that because it affects me in a great way
such that when some people see me now they start thinking of these stories which are not true in most instances.”
However, in a show of intent to his rebranding process, Muridzo has hired a new management team and replaced band members who jumped ship earlier this year.
This added to his fifth offering, produced by his long-time producer Maselo, is an explosive mixture that will prove his ability to make good music.
“This album is an effort to show how talented Zimbabweans are through projecting the richness of our culture and that is why I named it Shiri Yamambo,” he
By A Correspondent- Anti riot police pounced on MDC officials and members outside Tredgold magistrates court in Bulawayo while they were briefing the media following their urgent chamber application against a ZRP prohibition order.
The MDC leaders, members and journalists took to their heels when they realised that the anti riot police were advancing towards them clearly showing their intention to beat them up.
Watch the video (loading) below for this and more.
TWO police officers from Nkulumane Police Station were allegedly robbed of police uniforms, cell phones, groceries, $890 and R200.
The incident coincides with a time when suspected fake police officers deployed by ZANU PF are being accused of wantonly beating up citizens in the capital city.
The incident also brings memories of police officers who shot and killed protesters in January before denying the shootings claiming that the killers were not police officers but thugs who had stolen police uniforms.
The latest incident according to state media occurred at Nkulumane Shopping Centre bus stop on Saturday at around 7PM.
A police officer who declined to be identified said the officers were at the bus stop when the gang appeared from the bush carrying knobkerries.
“The two officers were deployed at Zimbabwe Republic Police Mall base at Nkulumane complex from 6.45AM to 6PM.
“Upon completion of duty they went to board a commuter omnibus along Khami Road opposite the mall.
“As they were waiting for transport two men appeared from the bush carrying knobkerries and threatened to kill them,” said the source.
The source said the officers surrendered spare uniforms that they were carrying in their bags.
The officers, who feared death, surrendered all their particulars to the robbers and ran away.
The robbers went away with two sets of police uniforms, cash and two cell phones.
Acting Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube could not be reached for comment.
Aston Villa coach Dean Smith has explained why Zimbabwean midfielder Marvelous Nakamba hasn’t featured in the team yet.
The 25-year old arrived at the EPL side early this month, a week before the start of the 2019/20 season, and has missed the two opening games.
According to the Birmingham Mail newspaper, Smith revealed Nakamba is still working on his fitness after a disrupted pre-season.
“He’s done extra work in training on Saturday, and he’s still a little bit off it,” said the coach.
“He played one game in the Africa Cup of Nations and got injured and hasn’t done an awful lot of training afterwards so when he came to us we’ve been working on his fitness.”
By Own Correspondent- Former Zanu Pf big wig and the country’s Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko is on the run after he reportedly escaped from the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) officials who were set to arrest him today.
The former Vice President is being pursued for abuse of office crime which he allegedly committed during his tenure in office.
ZACC commissioner John Makarume on Monday afternoon confirmed that Mr Mphoko was now a fugitive from law and anti-corruption officials were after him.
This is a developing story. Refresh this page for latest details.
By A Correspondent| Opposition MDC National Chairperson, Thabitha Khumalo and seven others have each been granted $200 bail.
The MDC stalwarts were locked up on Saturday over charges of publishing falsehoods and they appeared before a Bulawayo magistrates court today (Monday).
Said the MDC in a statement|
“Tabitha Khumalo and seven others were granted $200 each. They are required to report once a week on Fridays at CID Law and Order and not to interfere with witnesses.”
This is a developing story. Refresh this page for latest updates.
The Premier Soccer League (PSL) has summoned Dynamos and Hwange to submit reports following a violent incident that occurred during their Match-day 19 2-2 draw on Sunday.
The match had an over 20-minute stoppage in the second half after fans of both sides clashed.
Chaos erupted as a result of a Dynamos supporter who invaded the pitch and sprinkled a liquid on the Hwange’s goal. The order was only restored after the intervention of the anti-riot police.
In a statement, the PSL has asked both clubs and the ZRP to present their reports on the incident.
“The Premier Soccer League has received with concern match reports from the match officials detailing incidents of violence at the PSL match between Hwange FC and Dynamos FC played at the Colliery Stadium on Sunday 18 August 2019,” reads the statement.
“The League is currently investigating the matter and has requested the Zimbabwe Republic Police as well as the two clubs to submit reports on the matter before deciding on the disciplinary action.
“Violence and hooliganism have no place in football. We urge all football fans to desist from such acts so that there is peace and order at our matches.”
Standard|The Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) has made damning corruption allegations against the Zifa board, accusing the Felton Kamambo-led football association of gross incompetence, mismanagement and laundering of Fifa funds meant for the development of the local game.
The allegations are contained in a scathing letter written by SRC board chairman Gerald Mlotshwa to the Fifa secretary-general Fatma Samoura last week, seeking permission to remove the entire Zifa leadership from office and replace it with a normalisation committee.
Mlotshwa said the local sport regulatory body was concerned at the manner in which the game of football was being administered in the country.
This comes after the controversies which stalked the Warriors and Mighty Warriors’ recent participation at the Afcon and Cosafa tournaments respectively and
the never-ending allegations of mismanagement of funds.
“No doubt, Fifa will be aware of the many controversies surrounding the administration of the game of football in Zimbabwe. Indeed matters were brought to the
fore most recently in the build-up and aftermath of the national men’s side, ‘The Warriors’ participation at the Afcon held in Egypt,” Mlotshwa said.
“The allegations of financial mismanagement arising therefrom, including the possible laundering of monies received from Fifa, through a private company
account, caused SRC to consider that these many allegations gave rise to a prima facie case of, at the very least, gross incompetence on the part of Zifa.”
The prominent Harare lawyer said the SRC was concerned with how Fifa funds had allegedly been diverted to a private company account reportedly belonging to one of the association’s board members.
According to Mlotshwa, the Zifa board has failed to provide the SRC with detailed answers to many of the allegations levelled against them, despite requesting
for an extension of the deadline when the statutory body wrote to the football association on July 3 demanding answers.
“It is simply unacceptable that Fifa monies are diverted to a private company account, violating the rules and anti-money laundering laws of Zimbabwe under the
guise of avoiding creditors and court orders,” he said.
“You will readily agree that the contemptuous failure by Zifa to account for the use of Fifa funds as well as Zimbabwean taxpayers’ monies is exceptionally
astounding, and in terms of the SRC Act, unlawful.”
“The SRC, subject to Fifa’s position on the matter, is prepared to proceed and suspend the entire Zifa board in terms of its own SRC Act nonetheless, should
this be the agreed position with yourselves.”
Mlotshwa said although the SRC board, according to Section 30 (1) (c) of the SRC Act, have the authority to remove part, or the entire Zifa leadership from
office, they were asking the world football governing body to provide the intervention in line with football statutes.
“In terms of Section 30(c)(i), the SRC having already afforded Zifa the opportunity of making written presentations to it, may suspend all or any of Zifa’s
officers, and in terms of Section 30(2), recommend to the Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation, the appointment of an interim committee to administer
the affairs of Zifa.
“However, it is noted that Article (B)(2) of the general provisions of the Fifa statutes, contains similar disciplinary provisions, to quote:-
“The executive bodies of member associations may under exceptional circumstances be removed from office by the council in consultation with the relevant
confederation and replaced by a normalisation committee for a specific period of time.”
The SRC said it had already identified possible candidates for the normalisation committee which they hope “will bring sanity, transparency and accountability
to the administration of football in Zimbabwe”.
“It is in this respect that the SRC kindly requests Fifa to remove from office the entirety of the Zifa board, including the secretary-general thereof, and
replace it with a normalisation committee charged with bringing sanity, transparency and accountability to the administration of football in Zimbabwe.
“If it should please Fifa, the SRC already has possible candidates for such a normalisation committee. The present manner in which the game is being
administered, particularly the men and women national teams, is no better than a badly managed circus,” Mlotshwa said.
By A Correspondent- MDC Provincial Youth Chairperson and Bulawayo Deputy Mayor councilor Tinashe Kambarami was allegedly abducted on Saturday night outside his residence and tortured by unknown assailants.
A source privy to the developments revealed that Kambarami’s dreadlocks were shaved off using glass by the gang.
He is reportedly receiving medical attention for injuries sustained during the abduction and torture.
His abduction comes at a time when there has been increased cases of abduction and torture of opposition leaders, their members and human rights defenders by suspected state security agents.
Kambarami’s abduction and torture however occurred a few days before the highly anticipated Free Zimbabwe march slated for Bulawayo today, which has however not taken place following a prohibition order filed by the ZRP.
The MDC has however challenged the prohibition order with the presiding magistrate revealing that he will issue a ruling at 4pm today (Monday).
Farai Dziva|Highlanders coach Mandla Mpofu has said he will not cry over the 2-1 loss to CAPS United.
Bosso were denied a late goal when Prince Dube’s deflected header appeared to have crossed but the referee of the day Brighton Chimene thought otherwise.
“Congrats to CAPS United, but again, a denied goal, maybe.
If it crossed the line, then football is about luck.
Match officials know better. We don’t want to be cry-babies. We don’t want to be talking about match officials.
They are human beings, they make mistakes. But we don’t want a situation whereby coaches are always complaining about the match officials.’’
Bosso got their consolation from Ray Lunga who opened the scoring in the 10th minute.
The hosts replied with Kelvin Ndebele’s strike and a brilliant effort from Clive Rupiya before the break.
Farai Dziva| Outspoken MDC official Job Sikhala has urged the International Criminal Court to charge Emmerson Mnangagwa with gross violation of human rights.
Sikhala told NewsDay the abduction, brutal assaults and torture of suspected MDC activists during and ahead of the opposition’s planned mass protests on Friday, had painted Mnangagwa’s “new dispensation” in the same light as “the old” regime.
“Now is the time to plait the international law that presses international obligations for crime against humanity against Mnangagwa. This man has been thriving on the blood of our kith and kin. It is high time to look him right into his eyes and tell him ‘stop spilling blood of our relatives anymore,” Sikhala said.
Farai Dziva|An Organisation that represents ordinary citizens, ZIMUCU, has released a statement pointing out that the absence of General Constantino Chiwenga is insignificant.
See the argument below:
We marched, danced and ululated when the military removed him from power and we even had historic “Selfies” taken with those soldiers for good measure.
It shows that we did not have a proper understanding of the operations of various state organs and ZANU-PF and ultimately how they work together to create this painful economic misery that we are being subjected to daily.
Our problems are historical, so it is important to apply history lessons whenever we are trying to deal with them, otherwise we get lost in the maze of good English without substance, a very common Zimbabwean problem and tragedy of thought.
We are a very educated nation, we are book smart and yet not street smart at all, we are not wise and we should accept that reality and start applying wisdom if we are to get somewhere.
Most arguments that I read on social media are rooted in an utopian logic that is divorced from the reality on the ground in Zimbabwe, some even throw in the “but in America or England they do it this way.”
That alone shows how divorced we are from understanding how to deal with our specific crisis, for instance Zimbabwe was not won through making such irrational examples, the bulk of those who led the liberation struggle were not educated at all, but they applied wisdom to their cause and they won the bush war.
Morgan Tsvangirai, Nelson Chamisa, Thokozani Khupe and Arthur Mutambara went to President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s November 2017 inauguration.
What have we learnt from that six-day event of November 2017 that saw the demise of Robert Mugabe under the nose of a gun and military tanks in the streets?
If you fail to learn from your past then your future is equally doomed, we are failing to apply lessons from a recent past, just fourteen months ago.
Targeting General Constantino Chiwenga is showing a tragic failure to learning anything from our recent past.
Will the system change if General Chiwenga collapsed and died today? The answer is an emphatic NO
What you are up against is a system not an individual, individuals simply give identity to what is otherwise a system underpinned by corruption, nepotism and gross incompetence.
ZANU-PF is not General Chiwenga and General Chiwenga is not ZANUPF, Robert Mugabe was not ZANUPF either and ZANUPF was not Robert Mugabe.
Failing to understand that reality shows that our education is also failing us badly, our analysts are also failing us as their explanations that are not drawing us to the real issues.
Our journalists, ME included are also failing to explain how the system works so that the citizens can make rational decisions devoid of misplaced analogies and irrational expectations.
But surely after Robert Mugabe’s removal and what we have experienced so far since his dramatic demise, common sense should tell us that the problem is not about a personality but the whole system of governance.
We have a serious chronic problem of corruption, incompetence and nepotistic behavior that is rooted from the top right down to the shop floor at the passport offices.
Assuming that all this is caused by General Chiwenga shows a disaster in how we think and process issues and also in our understanding of how government works, especially our very own government!
General Chiwenga like Mugabe and President Mnangagwa are mere faces that we see, but they are not the system, a challenge to analysts is to explain what the system is and how it works.
The problem is that most of our analysts are partisan in their analysis and they explain things in a way that advances their political objectives, so it is now left to REAL political scientists like Professor Eldred Masungunure to do a decent job in explaining issues in a meaningful way.
Behind General Chiwenga and President Mnangagwa exists a ruthless and cruel system that we thought was Robert Mugabe when in fact all Mugabe did was to play along to the façade of such thoughts in order to retain his individual powers and stay in office as long as he ridiculously did.
When he threatened the interests of the system or group, it threw him out, the same can happen to General Chiwenga and President Mnangagwa and our problems will still continue.
By targeting General Chiwenga, all you are saying is that you want an eloquent English-speaking oppressor, it gives a perfect excuse to those that gate-keep the system to convince him that the use of excessive force is correct because they will now be playing to his emotions.
Joice Mujuru was removed by the same system by simply convincing Grace Mugabe that she was a target of ridicule by Joice Mujuru, which is all it took for them to get Grace into a motion that saw the demise of the Mujuru camp as we knew it.
The system allows these leaders to do what they want as long as it is allowed to survive, it is a bit like a goblin (Chikwambo).
As long as you give it blood, a goblin will underpin your evilness, the day that you attempt to be your own man, it reminds you of the work it did for you, as what happened to Mugabe when he was pushed out when he thought that he could install his wife.
It is also important to refer to the Mutumwa Mawere story, he was built by the system and when he thought that he could be his own man, he lost everything and yet there are many like him still surviving as business people through paying homage to the system.
Targeting individuals actually strengthens the very system that is causing your economic problems and suffering because the system will pretend that the individual is actually the problem, this gives the system space to breath whilst you attack the Chiwengas.
This is why people within the system brief journalists giving them silly explanations that tie in with the conspiracy world that Zimbabweans have come to love, remember the coup stories last week.
The workers protest by the ZCTU that elicited the unrestrained military violence was effective because it did not target specific individuals, instead it targeted the system itself that is why it responded with such disproportionate ruthlessness.
The danger of making individuals the issue is seen in how for years many spoke of General P.V. Sibanda as the epitome of a professional soldier and yet when the coup happened, he was at the forefront of its actions and he indeed benefitted from it too.
General P.V. Sibanda defended the August 1 shootings at the Kgalema Motlanthe commission, he spoke on behalf of group interests, if you removed him today from his current position of CDF, the next Commander of Defence Forces will still say the same things in the same manner because of how they came into being.
Yesterday’s demonstration by the legal profession was an important occasion and cause because it spoke into how rotten our judiciary has become, but to personalize the issues on General Chiwenga missed the point.
President Mnangagwa was the Minister of Justice until Mugabe removed him in 2017 replacing him with the former CIO Director Happyton Bonyongwe, the current President built part of today’s justice system including placing some of the key individuals in their current positions.
He was Minister of Justice from day one when our laws were supposed to have been aligned to the new constitution, a document that is now six years old.
So assuming that General Chiwenga is the one exclusively causing the judiciary problems also shows how we fail to understand the relatedness of things, it is a tragic failure of analysis.
General Constantino Chiwenga and President Emmerson Mnangagwa are part of the system but they are not the system.
So my challenge to those analysts who are knowledgeable is to explain to us what the system is, who is the system and how does it work?
The system has funders that include powerful white businessmen, it has banks and legal firms that underpin it, that is why certain law firms did not participate in yesterday’s lawyer’s march.
Even the Law Society officers were not there because the society itself has individuals that are aligned to the system.
So that is why I found the ridiculing of Chiwenga’s style of pronouncing words very petty and an unnecessary distraction from focusing on a bigger and very immediate problem of people being killed, maimed and displaced.
The system has people in universities, in newsrooms, in boardrooms, in all political parties, in all strategic institutions, so let us think bigger and broader and not resort to focusing on minor issues in order to elicit a two second laugh.
Ultimately Zimbabwe’s problems will be solved by two things, a root and branch political and economic reform system or an uprising, when that happens, the citizen must be seen to have been dignified in their struggles in order to get the requisite international support needed.
Farai Dziva|An organisation that represents the views and concerns of ordinary citizens of Zimbabwe, ZIMUCU has said anyone who thinks he or she belongs to Zanu PF is totally lost and misguided.
See the organisation’s full statement below:
If Zanu is not for Mugabe, Sithole, Nkala, Mujuru or Gumbo, then how can it be yours?
Anyone who thinks he or she is a Zanu PF Member, is a fool who will never learn.
Foolishness is the Quality to be Unable to Learn, and unfortunately, in Zimbabwe, we have a surplus of that Quality.
Does anyone remember President Mugabe saying a pen cannot override the command of a gun?
Does anyone remember Grace Mugabe declaring that she would execute a “Baby Dumping” on Joyce Mujuru? Is anyone old enough to remember Edgar Tekere confessing that Zanu is a club for armed thugs?
Does anyone remember that Zanu was formed by Ndabaningi Sithole who later died under Zanu persecution?
Does anyone remember Rugare Gumbo claiming that Zimbabweans were supporting Zanu for its vibrant programmes in August 2012?
Does anyone, with a working mind, remember how Mutasa would kill for Zanu? What does it take for a level headed person to see empirical evidence from Margaret Dongo who spent her life fighting for Zanu, but now confesses that Zanu is a mistake for Zimbabwe’s progress?
Why would anyone want to be reminded of Enos Nkala, under whose roof Zanu was formed in 1963, and how he died an enemy of Zanu PF.
Who remembers a proud chap called Ignatius Chombo who used to be sure that Zanu was his Party? What about Webstar Shamhu who invented Mugabe Cremora mantra?
My question goes to a young educated thinker who is still stuck in Zanu.
Do you really think you are more important to Zanu than Enos Nkala? Than Ndabaningi Sithole? Than Mugabe? Tekere, Chombo, Gumbo, Mujuru, Dongo, Shamhu, Grace or anyone who has been humiliated by Zanu including Mnangagwa himself?
Why would someone educated beyond grade 4, really fail to see that Zanu-PF has got no friends at all? It has an infinite mass of fools to keep using, casting and recycling while eroding Zimbabwe resources at gun-point.
Does anyone with a little brain doubt that Mnangagwa and his wife and all their children might end up being jailed by a new Zanu PF leader in future?
The opposition MDC has issued a statement with regards the subversion case of party Secretary-General, Chalton Hwende, who appeared on Monday (today) before Harare Magistrates Court where he was remanded to 16 October. The party posted the following statement on its Facebook page.
The MDC Secretary General, Chalton Hwende, appeared at the Harare Magistrates courts this morning.
Hwende is facing charges of subversion. He was further remanded to the 16th October 2019
Hwende’s case is part of the on-going systematic harrassment of political leaders and civil society activists by a rogue regime that has clearly panicked and is now determined to suppress all alternative voices in Zimbabwe
We thank all our party leaders and members who managed to join Hwende in solidarity.
Farai Dziva|Zanu PF youth leader, Pupurai Togarepi has described leaders of the opposition party MDC as liars, not lawyers.
See the Zanu PF leader’s statement below:
MOST probably ensconced in the comfort of their homes, the violence mongering leaders of the opposition used their proxies to ignite chaos in the heart of Harare but that was never to be because the police who had gathered intelligence of the evil machinations were on top of the situation.
While I am no prophet, I know just as the sun will rise tomorrow that any attempts to reverse the will of the people, expressed unequivocally in last year elections will never be accepted, we have our next election in 2023, and until then-President Emmerson Mnangagwa remains our President.
Chamisa and his band of sore losers, whose recalcitrance is a stuff of legends should eat the chill-pill and move on because we have so many things to do yet so many distractions from all sorts of clowns who crave unnecessary attention especially whimpering adult man who believes they must be part of government even when the people rejected them.
As we watched from the sidelines, a few inebriated MDC youths who had been sponsored to descend on Harare and stir up emotions, a melancholy feeling settled in, we asked among ourselves why are the leaders of the opposition so heartless, they call for demonstrations but when push comes to shove they drive to the safety of their homes and to use Thomas Hardy classic novel “Far from the Madding Crowd”.
I really felt sorry for the men and women who dared to cross the line and pushed the police to the limits because in the madness that was swiftly splashed on social media—I was being haunted by Chamisa’s own words that protestors are stupid, yes, the ambitious advocate cum pastor described his supporters as such just a year ago and it seems the would-be-demonstrators learnt nothing from that gaffe.
While the right to demonstrate is something enshrined in our Constitution, the law enforcement agents had good reason to believe that the MDC was spoiling for violent demonstrations, using their powers, the police prohibited the demonstrations.
A High Court judge also dismissed an application by the MDC to proceed with its demonstration but defying all logic and daring to take the bull by the horns MDC supporters were unleashed into the streets, fortunately for peace-loving Zimbabweans, the police were at hand to protect peace and also businesses.
All this happened as the cowards who lead the opposition were in the comfort of their homes or offices, drinking tea or coffee while the youth they had bought cheap drugs like nyaope challenged the police.
Can we locate Chamisa’s grievances and why he thinks (wrongfully) that demonstrations are his ticket to the power table.
You cannot ascend to power through streets protests, that is a subject that lawyers or is it liars in the sinking ship that is the MDC should accept, embrace and move on.
In their infantile imaginations, fed by their handlers who are tinkling a few pieces of silver in order to subvert the will of the people, the opposition leaders think that they will trigger an Arab Spring revolution in the country even as they lack the masses to back that fantasy.
President Mnangagwa has extended his hand, he is talking to progressive opposition figures but like ostriches the likes of Chamisa have stuck their heads in the sand, they want to make noise but no one, not in Zimbabwe or outside is prepared to listen to the fictitious concoctions.
Zimbabwe is not on the brink, the economy is on a recovery path and it is the bitter medicine that ensures healing that we must take no matter how vile it is to the palate, the country is set to regain its lost lustre and that is one of the major reasons why Chamisa and his misfits would want to ensure they spoil the party and rock the boat.
As the leader of the Zanu PF youth league, I am comforted that we have a youth movement that is patriotic, a wing that is well informed and appreciate the headwinds and yet never lose focus of the goals, unfortunately, Chamisa, whose only weapon against Zanu PF is the economy knows that when the economy recovers he will be rendered useless and irrelevant, time is indeed running out for him.
We are also alive to the power struggles in the MDC and Chamisa’s desperation to fend off competition from the likes of Biti, the man he betrayed in 2014 in order to clear his path for the presidency.
Biti’s is breathing hard on Chamisa’s neck and the latter is now behaving like a desperate slut, hitching skirts to grab the attention of donors and save his position which needs I say is a hot seat. All the prancing is to convince donors that he is still relevant.
From the above, it is as clear as daylight that Chamisa just wants to use and abuse people for his gain, he is living large yet he forces people to go on a rampage and disrupt everyday life. People should refuse to be used by such charlatans.
Another, disgraceful ending to so-called demonstrations that are nothing but a desperate bid to stir up emotions and trigger a bloodbath.
Kudos to our Government arms for protecting and maintaining peace. I salute the peace loving people of Zimbabwe for resisting these soldiers of fortune.
For those who were used as cannon fodder by some machonists in the opposition, it’s time to introspect and choose peace for the good of our Great Country.
Farai Dziva|Zanu PF youth leader, Pupurai Togarepi has no kind words for his own homeboy Nelson Chamisa.
The Zanu PF official has sensationally claimed the MDC leader is using the people of Zimbabwe to achieve his personal political goals.Ironically both men hail from from Gutu South Constituency in Masvingo Province.
See Togarepi’s argument : MOST probably ensconced in the comfort of their homes, the violence mongering leaders of the opposition used their proxies to ignite chaos in the heart of Harare but that was never to be because the police who had gathered intelligence of the evil machinations were on top of the situation.
While I am no prophet, I know just as the sun will rise tomorrow that any attempts to reverse the will of the people, expressed unequivocally in last year elections will never be accepted, we have our next election in 2023, and until then President Emmerson Mnangagwa remains our President.
Chamisa and his band of sore losers, whose recalcitrance is a stuff of legends should eat the chill-pill and move on because we have so many things to do yet so many distractions from all sorts of clowns who crave unnecessary attention especially whimpering adult man who believe they must be part of government even when the people rejected them.
As we watched from the sidelines, a few inebriated MDC youths who had been sponsored to descend on Harare and stir up emotions, a melancholy feeling settled in, we asked among ourselves why are the leaders of the opposition so heartless, they call for demonstrations but when push comes to shove they drive to the safety of their homes and to use Thomas Hardy classic novel “Far from the Madding Crowd”.
I really felt sorry for the men and women who dared to cross the line and pushed the police to the limits because in the madness that was swiftly splashed on social media—I was being haunted by Chamisa’s own words that protestors are stupid, yes, the ambitious advocate cum pastor described his supporters as such just a year ago and it seems the would-be-demonstrators learnt nothing from that gaffe.
While the right to demonstrate is something enshrined in our Constitution, the law enforcement agents had good reason to believe that the MDC was spoiling for violent demonstrations, using their powers, the police prohibited the demonstrations.
A High Court judge also dismissed an application by the MDC to proceed with its demonstration but defying all logic and daring to take the bull by the horns MDC supporters were unleashed into the streets, fortunately for peace loving Zimbabweans, the police were at hand to protect peace and also business.
All this happened as the cowards who lead the opposition were in the comfort of their homes or offices, drinking tea or coffee while the youth they had bought cheap drugs like nyaope challenged the police.
Can we locate Chamisa’s grievances and why he thinks (wrongfully) that demonstrations are his ticket to the power table, no authority is derived from people through elections, it is not derived through streets protests, that is a subject that lawyers or is it liars in the sinking ship that is the MDC should accept, embrace and move on.
In their infantile imaginations, fed by their handlers who are tinkling a few pieces of silver in order to subvert the will of the people, the opposition leaders think that they will trigger an Arab Spring revolution in the country even as they lack the masses to back that fantasy.
President Mnangagwa has extended his hand, he is talking to progressive opposition figures but like ostriches the likes of Chamisa have stuck their heads in the sand, they want to make noise but no one, not in Zimbabwe or outside is prepared to listen to the fictitious concoctions.
Zimbabwe is not on the brink, the economy is on a recovery path and it is the bitter medicine that ensure healing that we must take no matter how vile it is to the palate, the country is set to regain its lost lustre and that is one of the major reasons why Chamisa and his misfits would want to ensure they spoil the party and rock the boat.
As the leader of the Zanu PF youth league, I am comforted that we have a youth movement that is patriotic, a wing that is well informed and appreciate the headwinds and yet never lose focus of the goals, unfortunately, Chamisa, whose only weapon against Zanu PF is the economy knows that when the economy recovers he will be rendered useless and irrelevant, time is indeed running out for him.
We are also alive to the power struggles in the MDC and Chamisa’s desperation to fend off competition from the likes of Biti, the man he betrayed in 2014 in order to clear his path for presidency.
Biti’s is breathing hard on Chamisa’s neck and the later is now behaving like a desperate slut, hitching skirts to grab attention of donors and save his position which need I say is a hot seat. All the prancing is to convince donors that he is still relevant.
From the above, it is as clear as daylight that Chamisa just wants to use and abuse people for his gain, he is living large yet he forces people to go on a rampage and disrupt everyday life. People should refuse to be used by such charlatans. Another, disgraceful ending to so-called demonstrations that are nothing but a desperate bid to stir up emotions and trigger a bloodbath.
Kudos to our Government arms for protecting and maintaining peace. I salute the peace loving people of Zimbabwe for resisting these soldiers of fortune. For those who were used as cannon fodder by some machonists in the opposition it’s time to introspect and choose peace for the good of our Great Country.
Jane Mlambo| ZIMCODD Director Janet Zhou who was part of the civil society delegation that attended the just ended SADC Summit held in Tanzania has blasted the state owned Herald for claiming that a group of Zimbabweans were on a mission to destabilize the country.
Posting on Twitter soon after her arrival, Zhou said she was back home safely adding that she was harassed and traumatized over the Herald story.
She vowed to tell the correct story once she recuperates.
I am back home safely. The anxiety, trauma and harassment I experienced due to lousy journalism @HeraldZimbabwe and a lazy state intelligence is a story I will tell in the next few days when I have recuperated @nangabe@rumbi_masango@MorebieChidaush
Farai Dziva|MDC leader Nelson Chamisa has said Emmerson Mnangagwa is pushing himself into a tight corner. In an interview with Daily News Chamisa said the situation in Zimbabwe had gone beyond party lines.
“ED is pushing himself in a dangerous corner. He is in his 70s and should make sure that he leaves behind a happy legacy.
He must choose whether he wants to be remembered as a legend or a villain.
While 2017 was supposed to be a window for him and his comrades to say we are leaving the past behind and correcting our mistakes, it was a regression.
Now, he is leaving people with little space and that could be a source of discomfort and resistance … which could come from unemployed youths.
The next few weeks are going to be decisive for the next generations and my message to Mnangagwa is very simple: I am your man for genuine dialogue … my interest is your interest, and your interest is my interest.
A new dawn can never be impeded. Indeed, nobody has the power to stop that … the sun is rising in Zimbabwe and there will be light very soon,”said Chamisa.
Farai Dziva|The government wants Non Governmental Organizations to disclose their respective sources of funding. This was said by Home Affairs Minister, Cain Mathema.
In a statement Mathema warned NGOs that if they were unwilling to work with the government, they would be deemed spy organisations.
“Let me state it again, all NGOs must work with the government or they should close their offices and each has to tell us who funds them and how they use their funds. If they do not work with the government, they are spy organisations,”said Mathema.
By Own Correspondent| The Good Samaritan who attended to the mother with a smashed head during the Friday demonstration in Harare, Doubt Asimi ascended up the court building at Rotten Row magistrates on Monday. (See pictures).
“With that’s happening, our brother Doubt is still smiling as he knows God is in it! His words on Saturday 17 August 2019 were “The Lord is my Shepard.” He’s in Good spirits and very vigilant.
“We continue to pray for him and all the other guys he is with. May the Good Lord protect them until the end.”
“Today Monday he was to appear in court at 8:30am but as at 11:45am we were told that the court room has changed so the ZLHR guys are hoping that at 2pm we should be able to know what lies ahead. ”
By A Correspondent- The government has rejected claims that it had a hand in the jailing of its critic, Chief Felix Nhlanhlayamangwe Ndiweni of Ntabazinduna.
Chief Ndiweni (54) was on Friday last week sentenced to an effective 18 months in jail. His 23 subjects were ordered each to perform 525 hours of community service.
Permanent Secretary for Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Ndavaningi Nick Mangwana told a local publication that the traditional leader’s incarceration was the rule of law at work.
He said:
“There is absolutely nothing political about a community leader who goes on to maliciously destroy someone’s property simply because that person has refused to divorce his wife.
The doctrine of the rule of law implies that no institution, including customary and traditional, is above the law, and should be allowed to act outside the ambit of the law.
Chief Felix Ndiweni should not be allowed to abuse fellow citizens like Mr Mbele and his family just because he is a chief.
He is not above the law and there is nothing political about the principle that when you commit the crime, you should do the time.
In South Africa, AbaThembu King Buyelekhaya Zwelibanzi Dalindyebo is in prison as well for abusing his traditional position and this is how the law works.”
Chief Ndiweni and his 23 subjects were hauled before the courts after they banished from their village, Fetti Mbele’s wife who was involved in an adulterous relationship with a fellow villager.
Mbele was ordered to send his wife back to his people for a period as per their tradition but refused to do so.
This prompted the chief to instruct his subjects to remove a hedge around Mbele’s homestead, which according to the State, amounted to malicious damage to property.-StateMedia
The Large City hall outside area is looking a bit normal. But there are several police trucks that have been deployed there. Riot police are patrolling there and also across some strategic parts of the entire city area.
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All those arrested over the weekend are still detained at Byo central police station. They might go to court at any time today.
The Bulawayo CBD area is a bit quite but still active enough. More like a weekend set up
The Tredgold magistrates court is surrounded by about 200 heavily armed anti riot police. They are limiting the public access to the courts. Everyone entering the courts is being questioned first before a decision is taken to admit or turn them away. lt looks like most people are being turned away. some riot police are also deployed all over inside the court area
The demo prohibition court case is now underway at Court no. 1
By A Correspondent- The Zanu Pf Youth League is set to throw a party on Wednesday, 21 August, to celebrate President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s assumption of the role of Chairperson of the SADC Organ Troika.
A message circulated on social media by party youth league commissar, Godfrey Tsenengamu, read:
“You are hereby cordially invited to attend the Celebration of the Election of His Excellency The President E.D Mnangagwa as the Chairman for the SADC Troika on Politics, Defence and Security at the just ended SADC Summit.
This comes as a Vote Of Confidence in our leader by the region and we have every reason to celebrate as young people of this great party ZANU-PF.”
Jane Mlambo| The MDC Secretary General, Charlton Hwende who appeared at the Harare Magistrates courts this morning was further remanded to the 16th of October 2019.
Hwende is facing charges of subversion
According to MDC Spokesperson, Daniel Molokele, Hwende’s case is part of the on-going systematic harassment of political leaders and civil society activists by a rogue regime that has clearly panicked and is now determined to suppress all alternative voices in Zimbabwe.
GUTU – In a chilling incident, a Gutu mother lost her two children at a stroke on Tuesday morning when a mentally challenged man forced himself into a kitchen where the minors had sought refugee and stoned both to death.
Sunungurai Charova (29) of Mazonde Village under Chief Gutu cannot imagine her loss after her daughters Shallom and Ruvarashe Chingovo who are six months and three years respectively were murdered by Tauya Tafirei Bonda (33) .
Police Spokesperson Assistant Inspector Kudakwashe Dhehwa confirmed the incident and urged people with mentally challenged relatives to take care of them and make sure that they take their medications.
Bonda from Bonda Village who is mentally challenged arrived at Chingovo’s homestead at 8am on Tuesday and found Charova with her mother in law Felistus Mharire (67).
Mharire warned Bonda not to come at Chingovo’s homestead at night like he did the previous Friday. Bonda then left saying he was going to look for his cattle.
Around 10am, Bonda came back holding a stone in his hands, Charova sensed danger and rushed into her bedroom and told her seven year old son to take Shallom and Ruvarashe into the kitchen.
The seven year old then went with the two infants into the kitchen and closed the door. Bonda pushed the door and got inside with his stone. He struck the six months baby Shallom on the forehead whilst the seven year old boy was holding her.
Bonda went out of the kitchen and took another stone which he used to strike Ruvarashe on the forehead. The two kids bled profusely from the nose and ears.
Bonda walked away after the act. Bonda was taken to Gutu Police Station and the deceased’s bodies were taken to Gutu Mission Hospital for post-mortem.
By A Correspondent- A cabinet minister has ordered non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to cooperate with the government or close down their operations.
In a statement on Sunday, Home Affairs Minister, Cain Mathema warned NGOs that if they are unwilling to work with the government, they will be deemed spy organisations.
He said:
“Let me state it again, all NGOs must work with the government or they should close their offices and each has to tell us who funds them and how they use their funds.
If they do not work with the government, they are spy organisations.
My ministry knows that its officers are human rights officers all the time during the performance of their duties.”
The Zanu Pf government has under the leadership of the former President Robert Mugabe kicked out NGOs ahead of elections, making it difficult for the outside world to provide humanitarian assistance or monitor a vote marred by political violence and voter intimidation.
The NGOs were described as vehicles of the regime change agenda.-Newsday
Nelson Chamisa, the leader of Zimbabwe’s main opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), intends to pay visits to Moscow and Beijing to seek help in settling the political crisis that has been gripping his country for over a year now, Chamisa’s spokesman told Sputnik.
The situation in Zimbabwe remains tense since July 2018, when opposition candidate Chamisa refused to concede the defeat to Emmerson Mnangagwa in the presidential race, claiming that the result was rigged.
The country has since been repeatedly shaken by violent protests, with the opposition accusing the government of corruption, rising economic woes and clampdown on dissent. Most recently, on Friday, the opposition had to call off its rally in Harare after a court ruled against the action.
Yet, hundreds of protesters defied the decision, prompting the police to use tear gas and batons and arrest a number of demonstrators.
“The [MDC] president is open and has plans to travel to major international centers, including Moscow and Beijing, some capitals in Europe and the West just to highlight the extent of the problem in terms of how the problem is man-made and how the problem is costing millions of lives and has threatened food security for millions of people,” Nkululeko Sibanda said.
According to the opposition spokesman, the economic situation in the country is unprecedentedly fragile.
“In just a few weeks, I’m told, we would completely run out of electricity. And we haven’t got money to buy electricity from other countries like we have done in other years when there was a drought.
“The situation has been made worse as in the last twelve months we have lost about $3 billion to corruption in one transaction. It means that the country doesn’t have money to pay for electricity, the country doesn’t have money to pay for food,” he argued.
Zimbabwe’s opposition believes that Mnangagwa’s government is not much different from the one of Robert Mugabe, who ruled the country for over 30 years.
Along with blaming the incumbent government for pressuring the opposition, the MDC is also highly critical of the economic situation in the country, which is one of the poorest in the world.
The MDC stands firmly by the side of Chief Ndiweni and the people of Ntabazinduna against the unjust attack and intimidation by the rogue regime.
Indeed, the MDC as the legitimate people’s movement will do everything in its power; legally, politically and diplomatically to make sure that the outspoken Chief Ndiweni is freed as soon as possible.
The unjust victimisation and persecution of the outspoken Chief Ndiweni has now added yet another justified reason for all the people of Bulawayo to actively join the people’s Free Zimbabwe march on Monday 19th August 2019.
Chief Ndiweni is the Voice of the Voiceless! He is a popular people’s chief, who is clearly now being victimised by the increasingly intolerant rogue regime for speaking the truth to power and also speaking out on behalf of the people.
Like the people of Zimbabwe, Chief Ndiweni must also be set FREE unconditionally.
lndeed, it is clear that under ED, Zimbabwe is NO longer open for freedom, justice or democracy!
Instead, Zimbabwe is now open for despotism and dictatorship!
Zimbabwe is now worse than the colonial regime under Ian Smith that the people of Zimbabwe fought against and finally defeated in April 1980.
The time has now come for the people of Zimbabwe to stand up and fight for their freedom once again.
As such, on Monday, the people of Bulawayo will now be marching for both their own freedom and in solidarity with Chief Ndiweni.
Sadc countries have declared October 25 as solidarity day against targeted sanctions imposed on Zimbabwean corrupt and brutal leaders and resolved to conduct various activities in their respective countries on that day to resoundingly call for the immediate removal of the sanctions.
The move has left many people shell shocked on the regional bloc’s attitude towards Zimbabwe’s economic and social problems which are beyond the so called sanctions mantra.
Several critics have come out trailblazing against the bloc which chose to ignore all the ongoing human rights abuses Mnangagwa’s government is inflicting on Zimbabweans.
Renowned writer Hopewell Chinono in one of his latest social media postings, blasted the bloc calling on citizens never to take the bloc serious as the leaders are bound to defend each other no matter how bad one has been.
Below is his comment on the bloc:
Fellow citizens, DON’T waste your time worrying about what SADC says, it is a useless club of dictators running failed economies, that rely on foreign Aid from Western countries!
What SADC says is absolutely inconsequential to the bigger picture and scheme of global politics!
They will support each other regardless, because that is what they have always done even in the face of human made tragedies.
President John Pombe Magufuli of Tanzania who presided over this SADC Summit, jails critics, journalists and has no respect whatsoever for human rights!
History will judge all of them harshly for being anti-people, corrupt and useless political leaders!
The only country that matters to Zimbabwe in SADC is South Africa.
Listen to what its Minister of Higher Education Dr Blade Nzimande thinks of the crisis in Zimbabwe.
SADC continues to make statements disconnected from the realities of its millions of citizens subjecting them to poverty.
Zimbabwe’s problem is not Sanctions, it is corruption, incompetence, nepotism and mismanagement.
Added to that is Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa’s refusal to implement genuine political reforms that will see sanctions removed and unlock reforms.
Is is that simply! Failure to understand this self evident truth makes us a laughing stock around the world!
These leaders don’t think beyond their noses, and they lack the big ideas, instead settling for pedestrian thinking.
We are on our own and should not expect much from the SADC clowns.
Billions of Dollars are looted from the Zimbabwean State, and then SADC blames Sanctions for our lack of electricity, fuel, investment and medication?!
Who in their right mind thinks like that? Citizens are brutalized and SADC calls that a new chapter for international reengagement?!
A badly damaged Dubai City Wedding Hall the day after the attack.
At least 63 people have been killed and scores wounded in an explosion targeting a wedding in the Afghan capital, officials said yesterday, the deadliest attack in Kabul this year.
The suicide blast took place on Saturday evening in the men’s reception area of the Dubai City wedding hall in western Kabul, in a minority Shia neighbourhood, packed with people celebrating a marriage.
Women and children were among the casualties, interior ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi said yesterday. The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL or ISIS) group claimed responsibility for the attack yesterday.
The attack came as the Taliban and the United States are trying to negotiate an agreement on the withdrawal of US forces in exchange for a Taliban commitment on security and peace talks with Afghanistan’s US-backed government.
The Taliban denied any involvement, calling Saturday’s blast “forbidden and unjustifiable”, but Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, said that the group “cannot absolve themselves of blame, for they provide platform for terrorists”.
In a series of tweets yesterday, Ghani strongly condemned the “inhumane attack” and called for an “extraordinary security meeting to review and prevent such security lapses.”
The blast occurred near the stage where musicians were and “all the youths, children and all the people who were there were killed,” witness Gul Mohammad said.
In the aftermath of the attack, images from inside the hall showed blood-stained bodies on the ground along with pieces of flesh and torn clothes, hats, sandals and bottles of mineral water.
Charlotte Bellis, reporting from an emergency hospital in central Kabul, where many of the injured were being treated, said: “Dozens of people are waiting for any news of loved ones.
“People have been ferried here all night, the wounded and also the dead, people caught up in this explosion,” she added.
One witness, Sahi, said he was at the back of the wedding hall when the explosion happened.
“It was very big,” he told Al Jazeera. “I fell down where I was. When I stood up I saw tables and people were scattered everywhere. The scene was awful. My brother was injured. Most of my friends were killed.”
Ahmad Omid, another survivor, said that about 1 200 guests had been invited to the wedding for his father’s cousin. “I was with the groom in the other room when we heard the blast and then I couldn’t find anyone. Everyone was lying all around the hall.”
Sunni Muslim armed groups, including the Taliban and ISIL have repeatedly attacked the Shia Hazara minorities in Afghanistan and neighbouring Pakistan over the years.
Fighters have periodically struck Afghan weddings, which are seen as easy targets because they frequently lack rigorous security precautions.
On July 12, at least six people were killed when a suicide bomber attacked a wedding ceremony in the eastern Afghan province of Nangarhar. ISIL, which has a growing footprint in the region, claimed the blast. At least 40 people were killed in an explosion at a wedding hall in Kabul in November 2018.
The latest attack shattered more than a week of relative calm in the Afghan capital.
On August 7, a Taliban car bomb aimed at Afghan security forces detonated on the same road, killing 14 people and wounding 145 — most of them women, children and other civilians. — AP
