By Own Correspondent | There was drama on Sunday night when a Rusape based man, Mr Clever Samakomva banged out voicing that he is not at all a police officer as was alleged following the Friday assaulting of innocent civilians by police officers in Harare.

The 41 year old, whose identity was confirmed by human rights advocate Dr Muzvare Betty Makoni, said he was nowhere near Harare on Friday the 16th August when the unplanned demonstration by civilians in Harare happened.

The demonstration saw several people injured by police officers most whose identity could not be established at the close of day, Sunday. Several mothers with their children were taken to Harare Police Station. (SEE THE LIVE VIDEO of the helpless women inside the holding area inside the station with their hungry suckling kids).

One of the police officers was named as Mr Clever Makomva from Rugoi village, in Rusape. This led civilians to conclude that the individual is Mr Samakomva. In the Manica dialect, the “Sa” prefix is traditionally added to a Male person’s surname – the equivalent honorary of the English, “Sir.” It was believed he is the notorious cop who smashed a 51 year old mother’s head, leaving her nearly totally lifeless in the open street near the Unity Square in the Harare CBD.

The scenes were captured on video by journalists and the public from several angles.

As is our dedication at ZimEye to give our valued readers not one side, nor two sides, not even three or four, but 12 sides to each story, we herewith give Mr Samakomva the opportunity to clear his name. His testimony was supported by Dr Makoni who also said he is not at all a police officer and the case is only one of mistaken identity. Added to this Samakomva said his surname is not Makomva, but Samakomva (imprinted onto his identity document and birth certificate). Tbe below LIVE engagement happened as emotions shifted from raging anger to sympathy for Samakomva.

VIDEO LOADING BELOW:

ORIGINAL PROGRAM- VIDEO LOADING BELOW….

Sadc countries have declared October 25 as solidarity day against sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe and resolved to conduct various activities in their respective countries on that day to resoundingly call for the immediate removal of the sanctions.

The secretariat has also since been tasked to escalate the lobby with the current African Union chairperson, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, who will be expected to raise the issue at the upcoming 74th United Nations General Assembly in September this year.

In a communiqué of the 39th Sadc Summit of the Heads of State and Government that was read out yesterday to mark the end of the indaba, Sadc Executive Secretary Dr Stergomena Lawrence Tax said the embargo was militating against economic growth in both Zimbabwe and the region.

“Summit noted the adverse impact on the economy of Zimbabwe and the region at large of prolonged economic sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe and expressed solidarity with Zimbabwe, and called for the immediate lifting of sanctions to facilitate socio-economic recovery in the country,” said Dr Tax.

“Summit declared the 25 October as the date on which Sadc member states can collectively voice their disapproval of the sanctions through various activities and platforms until the sanctions are lifted.”

President Mnangagwa told local media in an interview yesterday on the sidelines of the just-ended summit that the 16 member states, which were unanimous on the position that has been taken, would also engage the continental body to raise the issue with the United Nations.

“Well, as Zimbabwe, we were very pleased that this time around Sadc was unanimous on the issue of sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe. We resolved that we must pronounce ourselves as Sadc that sanctions on Zimbabwe should be lifted; that our secretariat should communicate that position of Sadc to the AU, so that the AU chairman, at the United Nations, can also pronounce the position of Sadc and the position of AU,” said the President.

“We are happy that again it was emphatic that there was no cause or need for sanctions to continue; after all, the basis for the sanctions are not there anymore, and they were illegal at the time when they were imposed by a few Western countries, America and the EU. So, we are very happy with that.”

Meanwhile, President Mnangagwa returned home yesterday afternoon from the 39th SADC Summit in Tanzania where he assumed the chairmanship of Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Corporation.

He was received at the Robert Mugabe International Airport by Vice-President Kembo Mohadi, Harare Metropolitan Minister Oliver Chidau, State Security Minister Owen Ncube, Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Dr Misheck Sibanda, service chiefs, Secretary for Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Mr Nick Mangwana and senior Government officials.

Defunct payTV channel Kwese had its expensive equipment stolen during a daring armed robbery that involved 13 thugs.

One of the robbers, according to police records, disguised himself as a security guard during the Sunday night raid on the company’s Randburg, Joburg studios.

More details to follow

GOVERNMENT is understood to be preparing a “meaningful offer” for civil servants as it seeks to address the challenges they face of high prices of goods and services.

The offer is set to be tabled during the next engagement of the National Joint Negotiating Council, which is expected to meet in the near future.

According to state media, a top Government official close to the negotiations confirmed that indeed, a package that should go a long way in cushioning civil servants has been decided.

“Government, taking its cue from its engagements with the Apex Council, is preparing a meaningful offer to address hardships facing civil servants for discussions during the next meeting of the National Joint Negotiating Council to be convened soon,” said the source on condition of anonymity.

Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Dr Sekai Nzenza confirmed that the Government and the Apex Council, which represents civil servants, will resume negotiations soon. But she declined to say the figure that Government would table.

“The negotiations will start soon on civil servants salaries. No figure (has been agreed) yet,” said Dr Nzenza.

Government is keen to improve the welfare of its employees and is frantically working towards that since the start of the year, on the back of a wave of unwarranted increases of prices of goods and services.

On July 18, Government and its workers held a National Joint Negotiating Council meeting, where an agreement was reached to pay a cushioning allowance of $400 to all civil servants to provide relief from the harsh economic environment.

The cushioning allowance was extended as a once-off payment for the month of July, while negotiations continued on a cost of living adjustment (COLA), to further cushion civil servants for the remaining five months of the year.

Foreign Affairs Minister Sibusiso Moyo has said the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) issued a prohibition order against the opposition MDC’s planned peaceful protest on 16 August 2019 due to the discovery of a cache of weapons.

In a statement on Sunday, SB Moyo said that the inflammatory statements made by the MDC-A leadership coupled with the discovery of a weapons cache (catapults and granite stones), necessitated the ban of the planned march.

He quoted by the state media said in part:
On 15 August, in the wake of highly irresponsible and inflammatory statements made by the MDC-A leadership and on the basis of a weapons cache discovered a few days previously, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), as the civil authority responsible for ensuring law and order, issued a prohibition order effectively denying legal authority for the demonstration to proceed the following day.

The prohibition order was communicated to the MDC-A well in time to enable them to advise their supporters that authorisation for the demonstration had been denied. Per their constitutional rights, the MDC-A appealed to the High Court seeking to overturn the civil authority’s prohibition order. In its wisdom, the High Court upheld the civil authority’s decision and dismissed the MDC-A’s appeal.

The fact that the MDC-A leadership — themselves noted lawyers — decided to defy both the civil authority and the High Court and to proceed in a highly confrontational manner with an illegal demonstration was as irresponsible as it was unfortunate.

They must take full responsibility for the consequences of their injudicious actions and their statements to incite and encourage their followers to challenge the law whilst they ‘led’ from ‘positions of safety’.

Once again, the MDC-A, as part of its relentless attention-seeking agenda, has incited public unrest at home to coincide with a key international event.

The deliberate act of defiance of 16th August was timed to coincide with the SADC Summit meeting scheduled to take place the following day, 17th August, in Tanzania at which Zimbabwe will assume the Chairmanship of the Regional Organ on Politics, Defence and Security.

The action was designed to achieve two specific objectives: firstly, by fomenting instability at home, to cast doubt among SADC leaders with regard to the suitability of Zimbabwe to take on the leadership of this key SADC Organ; and, secondly, to have Zimbabwe included in the agenda of the SADC Summit with the hope of breathing new life into their already long-discredited ‘legitimacy’ claims and with the intention of attaining their and their foreign backers’ objective of imposing some form of regional or continental mediation process upon our Government.

Once again, they have failed. Both they and those within Zimbabwe and beyond who continue to harbour such fantasies and who continue to pursue the politics of regime change by way of violence and terror and who must surely shoulder much responsibility for the ugly scenes witnessed in the streets of Harare on 16 August and indeed the tragic events of 1 August 2018 and 14/15 January, 2019, should simply cease and desist.

… Whilst the scenes which unfolded in our streets were indeed distressing to behold — as they are in any such circumstances — order was swiftly re-established and instances of serious confrontation avoided.

There have been no reports of any serious injuries. Social media allegations of fatalities are simply ‘fake news’ and must be rejected with contempt.

State Media|POLICE yesterday issued a prohibition order against a demonstration planned by MDC-Alliance in Bulawayo today, saying anyone taking part in such action will face the full wrath of the law.

A prohibition notice compels one to stop an activity immediately.

In a statement, national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the decision to ban the demonstration was arrived at following extensive consultations between the convener and the other stakeholders who include the business community.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police wishes to advise members of the public that the regulating authority for the Bulawayo Central District has issued a Prohibition Notice in terms of section 26 (9) of the Public Order and Security Act (POSA), Chapter 11:17 against the holding of a demonstration by MDC and its partners scheduled on 19 August 2019. This was after an extensive consultation with the convener and other stakeholders who include the business community.

“The High Court has since confirmed a Prohibition Notice after a court case had been filed the Bulawayo business community today (yesterday) citing security concerns,” he said.

Section 26 (9) of POSA reads: “After considering representations made in the course of a meeting held in terms of subsection (3), if any, the regulating authority may, if he or she on reasonable grounds is convinced that no amendment or condition contemplated in subsection (5) or (6) would prevent the occurrence of any of the circumstances contemplated in subsection (3), issue a prohibition notice, giving the reasons and grounds therefore to the convener.”

Ass Comm Nyathi assured the nation that officers were on high alert to deal with rogue elements following the intended demonstration called for by the MDC-Alliance and its partners.

“Police have deployed to maintain law and order in all parts of the country. We implore the public to cooperate with the police as they seek to protect all Zimbabweans and visitors in the country,” he said.

Ass Comm Nyathi said members of the public should continue with their economic and social activities, saying the environment was calm.

He urged people to report any form of intimidation, threats, violence or obstruction of traffic to Bulawayo police operations on 09-885279, 881925 or Harare on 0242-703631 or WhatsApp 0712 800 197.

Ass Comm Nyathi said the police will be conducting patrols, surveillance, stop and searches to ensure law and order is maintained in all areas of the country. In this regard, security for all citizens is guaranteed to conduct their social and economic activities.

According to the Prohibition Notice signed by the Officer Commanding Bulawayo Central District, Chief Superintendent Elizabeth Phiri, some of the reasons cited for barring the MDC Alliance demonstration include flashes of violence, which were reported along Luveve Road last Friday during which roads were barricaded with tree branches and rocks. On the same day, a Harare-bound bus had its windows smashed while it was loading. Police also cited the recent bombing of war veterans’ Bulawayo provincial offices in Entumbane suburb.

Last week police issued a statement saying they had concrete evidence showing that MDC-Alliance had plans to roll out violent demonstrations, considering the assortment of weapons the force found being smuggled into parts of Harare.

An MDC Alliance’s attempt to stage a demonstration in the capital failed on Friday after the High Court upheld a prohibition order that had been issued by police. However, a few dozen opposition activists defied the ban and tried to converge at Africa Unity Square in Harare. Police dispersed them and arrested 91 of them.

State Media|THE High Court has blocked today’s planned demonstration by the MDC in Bulawayo following an urgent chamber application by some ZANU PF aligned residents, business community and churches.

Bulawayo High Court judge Justice Thompson Mabhikwa ruled that MDC could not go ahead with the demonstrations after the Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers’ Association, the Bulawayo United Residents’ Association (BURA), the Apostolic Christian Council of Zimbabwe (ACCZ) and the Grain Millers’ Association of Zimbabwe (GMAZ) yesterday approached the High Court on an urgent basis seeking an order prohibiting the opposition party from carrying out the demonstrations in the city.

In papers before the court, the applicants through their lawyers Joel Pincus, Konson and Wolhuter Legal Practitioners, cited MDC-Alliance, the Officer Commanding Police in Bulawayo Central District Chief Superintendent Elizabeth Phiri and her boss Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga, as respondents.

“Pending the return date, the first respondent (MDC-Alliance) is temporarily prohibited from carrying out and convening a public demonstration and procession in terms of the first respondent’s notice dated 8 August 2019, such notice having been issued in terms of Section 24 of the Public Order and Security Act,” ruled Justice Mabhikwa.

In his founding affidavit, Mr Rodgers Hove, who is the Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers’ Association’s committee member, said the intended demonstration was likely to turn violent hence they were likely to suffer irreparable harm through loss of property and business.

“This is an urgent chamber application petitioning for the temporary prohibition of the MDC-Alliance’s intended demonstration scheduled for 19 August 2019. The applicants’ petition for temporary relief as they contend that no adequate security arrangements have been put in place to ensure that the first respondent’s demonstration will not occasion irreparable harm, grievous inconvenience, public endangerment, serious injury, loss of property and business,” he said.

Mr Hove argued that although they fully respected that MDC-Alliance had a right to protest and demonstrate, they had a compelling and reasonable fear that they would suffer and experience losses similar to the January 14-16 violent protests.

“The MDC-Alliance seeks to occupy Bulawayo central business district for the whole day and yet they do not even address the issue of public and property safety, an issue of direct interest to the applicants. Nothing expressive is said about the potential destruction of property and likelihood of monetary loss by businesses,” he said.

Mr Hove said some of their members were yet to receive compensation after their businesses were looted during the January protests.

The others applicants, in their supporting affidavits, concurred with the Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers’ Association, saying they suffered when their products were looted and destroyed in January. They said there was a reasonable fear that there would be a repeat was of the January protests if no stringent measures were employed to ensure MDC-Alliance’s protests were peaceful.

GMAZ deputy national chairperson Mr Masimba Dzomba said their members lost stock worth US$1 million with some of the consignment having been supplied on credit.

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.

1MDC-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.

Sadc countries have declared October 25 as solidarity day against illegal sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe and resolved to conduct various activities in their respective countries on that day to resoundingly call for the immediate removal of the sanctions.

The secretariat has also since been tasked to escalate the lobby with the current African Union chairperson, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, who will be expected to raise the issue at the upcoming 74th United Nations General Assembly in September this year.

In a communiqué of the 39th Sadc Summit of the Heads of State and Government that was read out yesterday to mark the end of the indaba, Sadc Executive Secretary Dr Stergomena Lawrence Tax said the embargo was militating against economic growth in both Zimbabwe and the region.

“Summit noted the adverse impact on the economy of Zimbabwe and the region at large of prolonged economic sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe and expressed solidarity with Zimbabwe, and called for the immediate lifting of sanctions to facilitate socio-economic recovery in the country,” said Dr Tax.

“Summit declared the 25 October as the date on which Sadc member states can collectively voice their disapproval of the sanctions through various activities and platforms until the sanctions are lifted.”State media

Twenty-six suspects who were arrested on Friday for participating in an illegal demonstration organised by the MDC Alliance were yesterday remanded in custody to Monday for bail application.

The activists were arrested for various offences arising from the illegal demonstration which the police had earlier prohibited.

Initially 91 people were arrested, however, some were released after paying fines.

Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi could not ascertain the number of people who had been released.

“I am no longer in the office at the moment. I cannot ascertain the number of people who have been fined and those who have appeared in court,” he told The Sunday Mail last night.

“I will, however, be able to give you the figures tomorrow morning.”
Through their lawyer Jeremiah Bhamu, the gang yesterday appeared before Harare magistrate Mr Richard Ramaboea.

Prosecutor Mr George Manokore requested that the accused be remanded in custody until tomorrow pending further investigations into the case.

“The state requests that the accused be remanded to 19 August pending further investigations on the matter,” he said.

The accused persons’ lawyer did not contest the date and said he would seek to challenge further remand of the accused or alternatively seek bail.
After hearing submissions from both parties, the magistrate rolled the matter to tomorrow.

The accused were arrested in Harare after the MDC-A organised demonstration was barred by police on Thursday in fear of the protest turning violent.

MDC-A the made an urgent High Court application seeking to challenge the police decision, but the bid hit a brick wall after Justice Joseph Musakwa dismissed it and upheld the prohibition.State media

A local human rights lobby group Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum has claimed that the opposition activists who were arrested on Friday during demonstrations in Harare were handed over to Zanu PF youths who tortured them amid fears some are still missing.

Posting on Twitter yesterday NGO Forum revealed that those who were arrested were taken to the Zanu PF provincial offices at Fourth street.

“Victims of police brutality from #August16 protests report that they were handed over to ZANU PF youths at the ZANU PF Office in 4th Street where they were tortured. Others are feared to have been disappeared,” said the organisation.ZIMUCU

Farai Dziva|Eskom, has placed tight conditions for ZESA following an agreement of a payment plan between the two power utilities.

Under the agreement, Zimbabwe committed to making weekly payments of US$890 000 to service the US$33 million debt and also undertook to submit weekly reports on this arrangement.

There is no room for leniency in the deal.

According to Business Times , the power supply agreement is backed by a US$15 million guarantee from a regional bank.

“Negotiations between Eskom and Zesa were not easy given Zimbabwe’s record in servicing debts.
Zimbabwe has to adhere to several conditions to keep this arrangement active.

Eskom has made it clear that it will not hesitate to switch off Zesa if it fails to effect its payments,” a source in the South African power utility said.

SADC leaders have resolved to reserve October 25 2019 as a day when the 16-member states would conduct activities to jointly call for the lifting of sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe.

The position was communicated by the regional body’s executive secretary, Dr Stergomena Lawrence Tax, as she read out the communique to mark the end of the 39th Ordinary Summit of the SADC Heads of State and Government in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Read part of the communique:

“…..12. Summit noted the devastating effects of tropical cyclones in the Union of Comoros, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe and expressed its sympathy, and commended all Member States and International Cooperating Partners for the humanitarian support rendered to the affected Member States.

13. Summit directed the SADC Secretariat to expedite the operationalization of the SADC Disaster Preparedness and Response Mechanism as part of the regional measures to respond to effects of climate change.

14. Summit noted the good progress towards representation of women in politics and economic decision making and urged Member States to translate laws and policies into concrete actions, such as legislative quotas on women’s representation in politics and the application of Article 5 of the SADC Protocol on Gender and Development on Special Measures.

15. Summit noted the adverse impact on the economy of Zimbabwe and the region at large, of prolonged economic sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe, and expressed solidarity with Zimbabwe, and called for the immediate lifting of the sanctions to facilitate socio-economic recovery in the country.

16. Summit declared the 25th October as the date on which SADC Member States can collectively voice their disapproval of the sanctions through various activities and platforms until the sanctions are lifted.

17. Summit approved Kiswahili as the Fourth SADC Official Working Language, in recognition of its contribution, Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere’s role in the liberation struggle of Southern Africa.”

This is a developing story. Refresh this page for latest updates

By 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. 

My God is my defense.

By A Correspondent- The Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) is set to launch an appeal against a prohibition order issued by police in Bulawayo barring the opposition party from staging a demonstration in the city on Monday.

Police banned the demonstration saying it would likely result in “public disorder”.

However, MDC Secretary for Constitutional and Parliamentary Affairs, Kucaca Phulu confirmed to CITE that the party would lodge an appeal at the Magistrate’s Court.

“We have a right to appeal and we are going to file at the Magistrates Court as early as possible. This will also depend on how fast we serve the interested parties such as the Officer Commanding Bulawayo and the Commissioner of Police. We are working on the appeal and want our case to be heard first thing in the morning,” he said.

Phulu noted it was necessary to go to court in order to overturn the ban rather than defy it since MDC believed in rule of law.

“We are committed to the rule of law and to comply with all the requirements set. We can’t ignore the ban. But the way the prohibition was served, it meant to deny us the right to appeal and the High Court issue (filed by four applicants Sunday citing the demo would cause chaos in Bulawayo) was a simple matter of mischief that detained us so we would be unable to appeal,” he said.

Phulu was the lawyer representing the MDC at the High Court.

He also argued that the Public Order and Security Act (POSA), which was used to by police to serve the prohibition order was unconstitutional and had to be modified accordingly.

“This is why we are calling for the law to be aligned to the constitution,” Phulu said.

Part of the reasons given by the police against the demonstration stated: “Ordinary citizens in the country are experiencing hardships so any call for the demonstrations might be taken advantage of by the already agitated citizens and violence may erupt.”

Phulu underlined that the argument by the police was an acknowledgement that people are suffering and already agitated, which was “precisely why people should demonstrate.

“That is the reality and police can’t use it as a reason to stop the demonstration. It is difficult to say people will not demonstrate given the fact they are facing insurmountable hardships. We are yet to see what will happen tomorrow,” he said.\

-Cite

By A Correspondent- Opposition leader Nelson Chamisa has warned President Emmerson Mnangagwa that time was running out for him to make decisions that will see him remembered as a legend or villain adding that the country was fast approaching a point of no return.

Chamisa said Mnangagwa’s actions would see him in a tight and dangerous corner since the current situation in the country was now way beyond party lines.

Speaking to a local publication on Sunday, the youthful MDC leader said:

“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.”

Chamisa’s comments come at a time where things have deteriorated economically in Zimbabwe. This has been exasperated by the reintroduction of the infamous Zim Dollar which masses never wanted or were prepared to accept.-DailyNews

By A Correspondent| A concerned traveller has raised the flag over the rampant corruption at Beitbridge border post RSA side revealing that Zimbabweans are being forced to pay bribes in order to get 90 days at the South African side.

Below is the alert:

“Please be advised that there is rampant corruption at Beitbridge border RSA side.

In order for you to enter RSA you have to bribe officers to get days and these are the charges:

R200 – 30 days
R400 – 60 days
R600 – 90 days

I refused to pay and my daughter was given 14 days stay.

I complained to Home Affairs and they rectified the problem.

Let’s all stop paying these bribes and get our 90 days for each entry free as per the RSA/ Zim bilateral agreement

Find below correspondence from Home Affairs

Dear Colleagues

Kindly find bellow correspondence for your attention.

Client, please note that your enquiry has been referred to Immigration Services for further considerations.

Thanks very much.

Regards

Acting Director General
Department of Home Affairs
South Africa.

Dear Client

Kindly note that your concern is noted and the matter is receiving necessary attention. However in the absentia of copies of the passport it will be difficult to rectify the mistake and update the system.

I have discussed the matter with the Port Manager Mr Sipho Chauke and he indicated that the matter can only be resolved on the day that your daughter will be departing.

However he advised that on the day that your daughter will be departing she should report directly at his office and not to the Immigration counters in order to avoid un-necessary delays. Mr Chauke may be contacted on 015 530 00967/ 072 889 6096.

Regards

Ms Susan Mofokeng
Deputy Director: Border Coordination
Office: 012 406 7189
Fax to email: 086 543 5496

Director General 8/12/2019 12:07 PM >>>

Farai Dziva|Eskom, has placed tight conditions for ZESA following an agreement of a payment plan between the two power utilities.

Under the agreement, Zimbabwe committed to making weekly payments of US$890 000 to service the US$33 million debt and also undertook to submit weekly reports on this arrangement.

There is no room for leniency in the deal.

According to Business Times , the power supply agreement is backed by a US$15 million guarantee from a regional bank.

“Negotiations between Eskom and Zesa were not easy given Zimbabwe’s record in servicing debts.
Zimbabwe has to adhere to several conditions to keep this arrangement active.

Eskom has made it clear that it will not hesitate to switch off Zesa if it fails to effect its payments,” a source in the South African power utility said.

Jane Mlambo| The 39th SADC Summit has declared 25 October “as the date on which Sadc member states can collectively voice their disapproval of the sanctions (on Zim) through various activities and platforms until the sanctions are lifted.”

More to follow…

Jane Mlambo| Four organisations including the Tafadzwa Musarara led Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe (GMAZ), Denford Mutashu led Confederations of Zimbabwe Retailers (CZR) and Bulawayo United Residents Association (BURA) have filed an urgent application to Stop the opposition MDC Bulawayo demonstration set for tomorrow.

The organisations sued both the Police and the opposition MDC.

Details on the reasons of the court action have not yet been revealed to ZimEye but it is widely believed to be part of a ploy by the ruling Zanu PF to stop the demonstration from proceeding.

More to follow…

The imprisonment of prominent Ntabazinduna traditional leader, Chief Felix Nhlanhlayamangwe Ndiweni, has been described as a “political sham” amid indications that his lawyers are preparing for an appeal.

Ndiweni, who is very vocal against President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government, was on Friday jailed 18 months by Bulawayo magistrate Gladmore Mushove for malicious damage to property.

Twenty-three villagers that were charged alongside him were only sentenced to 525 hours of community service each.

The chief and his subjects were accused of destroying a fellow villager’s crops.

Former Education minister David Coltart said it was clear that there was political interference in the case where former Home Affairs minister Obert Mpofu and Zanu PF ‘were deeply involved”.

“The prosecution was spurious, the judgement deeply flawed and the sentence utterly ridiculous,” he said.

“ Even if one accepts the deeply flawed State case as fact (which is strenuously denied by Chief Ndiweni), the damage alleged to property is only RTGS$300, namely US$30, for which Chief Ndiweni has been sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment.

“There was no evidence that Chief Ndiweni himself damaged the property, but somehow he has been found vicariously guilty.

“This is a profoundly shocking development and the hand of Zanu PF is clearly obvious.”

“The public at the court (on Friday) were deeply angered by the jailing of this honest, decent, compassionate and principled traditional leader, so much so that riot police had to be deployed in case their anger boiled over.”

Mhlonipheki Ncube, the MDC provincial spokesperson in Matabeleland North, said his party would stand by Ndiweni whom he said was being persecuted.

“We are quite aware that this is not aimed at the chief in particular but just to instill fear in the generality of disgruntled people of Matabeleland and the entire nation,” he said.

“We want once again to take this oppotunity to join our president Advocate Nelson Chamisa in calling for the immédiate release of Chief Ndiwani for what they are doing is only adding salt to the wound.”

A day before Ndiweni was sent to jail, he had posted videos on Twitter urging Zimbabweans to join peaceful protests against Mnangagwa’s government. Indications are that his lawyers will file an appeal by tomorrow and also apply for bail.

-The Standard

Jane Mlambo| Ruling party and government crackdown on opposition MDC supporters continues with reports indicating that Epworth Ward 5 Chairperson Patrick Bandera was attacked by four armed men last night accused of organising the August 16 demonstrations.

According to Heal Zimbabwe, Bandera sustained serious injuries from the attack.

“In Epworth,@MDCAllianceZW ward 5 chairperson, Chairman Patrick Bandera was attacked by 4 armed men last night .The men accused him of organising the #Aug16 demonstration.Bandera sustained serious injuries,” reported Heal Zimbabwe on Twitter this morning.

The Amalgamated Rural Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) has resolved to postpone our Pay Day Funeral from 19 August to 23 August 2019.

This is in the wake of the Zimbabwe regime’s relentless brutal crackdown of innocent men, women and the youth of our beloved motherland – before, during and after the 16 August 2019 demonstrations – whose only ‘crime’ was a peaceful and constitutional desire for prosperity and freedom.

Such a shameful and brazenly callous response by the regime to the genuine cries and aspirations by the suffering masses of Zimbabwe, further exposes the heartless nature of those who are supposed to be our leaders and employers, thereby highlighting the urgent need for us all not to falter in our struggle for a better life, but instead to put on the whole armour of boldness and fearlessness in our quest for a dignified livelihood worthy of any human being.

The PayDay Funeral is just but one of the peaceful and constitutional instruments in our vast toolbox of options that ARTUZ has seen appropriate in urging our employers (the government of Zimbabwe) to finally award the plight of the long-suffering teachers the seriousness it deserves.

It is with shame that we have to resort to pressure our government to consider teachers as an integral part of any vision to develop the living standards of the people of Zimbabwe – as there can never be any knowledge without the teacher, and there can never be any economic prosperity without knowledge. Something that should have seemed obvious to any government with genuine intent on improving the livelihood of the people.

However, we find ourselves having to engage in never-ending struggles for teachers to finally receive recognition and appreciation that they deserve – and we urge all peace-loving progressive and caring Zimbabweans to unite in solidarity on 23 August 2019 as we mourn our meagre salaries, as our government further exposes its wanton disregard for our welfare and the survival of our families – thereby, betraying its general contempt for the people of this country.

Teachers merely demand a living wage in this age of of the ever-escalating cost of living.

A nation without a teacher is a nation without a future!

By A Correspondent- The government, through the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA), will soon revoke the licences given to some Independent Power Producers (IPPs) who have failed to operate.

38 solar projects are non-operational, having a total capacity of 1280 megawatts (MW). These licences are now in the spotlight. Energy and Power Development minister Fortune Chasi had this to say:

We will soon be looking at dormant licenses and revoking them for non-performance. We want to do away with speculative behaviour.

Some license holders paid close to nothing for the licenses and now want to sell them for a fortune that is not acceptable.

IPPs [independent power producers] should have a clear timeline as to when they expect to start production.

There are 38 non-operational projects with a total capacity of 1280.24MW. The capacities of the solar plants range from 0,19MW SAZ plant to the 175MW Sinogy Power solar plant.

According to a Business Times report, ZERA has issued at least 77 power generation licences.

The report says:

As of July 31, 2019, ZERA issued more than 77 power generation licences and 70 of these are IPPs with 42 for solar power projects.

The total capacity of licensed solar projects is about 1285MW and this includes 5,5MW from operational projects and about 1280MW from projects under development.

Government has also licensed four operational biomass projects with a total capacity of 92.8MW, comprised of 3 Bagasse/Thermal projects and 1 Wood waste project which mostly generate power for own use, however excess power is banked in the ZESA grid.

In addition to this, there is a total of six licensed coal projects which are under development with a total capacity is 4560MW.

These include the PER group venture with a capacity of 2000MW in Binga and the China Africa Sunlight Energy project with a capacity of 600MW in Gwayi.

Jane Mlambo| Opposition MDC Treasurer General, David Coltart has told President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his opponent Nelson Chamisa to close the letimacy chapter to allow the country to move forward.

In an exclusive interview with Alpha Media Holdings owner Trevor Ncube, Coltart said if both Mnangagwa and Chamisa stand on their respective positions, it is going to be difficult for dialogue to pursue.

“I think both leaders have to park that issue. In other words Emmerson Mnangagwa mustn’t be insisting that he be recognised. Nelson Chamisa must say ok, I dispute that,but I am gonna park this issue for National interest so that we can get to the substantive issue. Because if both stand on their respective positions, its gonna be difficult for dialogue to pursue,” said Coltart.

MDC treasurer general David Coltart has said there is need for both President Emmerson Mnangagwa and the opposition party’s leader Nelson Chamisa to drop their hardline positions if genuine dialogue about the country’s political crisis is to take off.

Mnangagwa last week rejected Chamisa’s demands for a neutral mediator to help broker dialogue over last year’s disputed elections.

Coltart told Alpha Media Holdings chairman Trevor Ncube on the platform In Conversation with Trevor that the two should park their tough demands if there was to be any dialogue.

“I think both leaders have to park that issue. In other words, Emmerson Mnangagwa mustn’t be insisting that he be recognised,” he said.

“Nelson Chamisa must say okay, I dispute that, but I am going to park this issue for the national interest so that we can get to the substantive issue because if both stand on their respective positions, it’s going to be difficult for dialogue to be pursued.”

Coltart said the new MDC leadership was committed to helping Zimbabwe solve its problems.

“So what the public needs to understand is that there is a consensus that we are committed to stabilising the country and to take the country through meaningful dialogue,” he said. “What we believe though is that the playing field is uneven at present. We think — and I think justifiably — there are two dominant political parties in the country and two dominant political leaders, Nelson Chamisa and Emmerson Mnangagwa, and this is borne out of the election results.”

He said the dialogue must be primarily between the MDC and Zanu FP based on the outcome of last year’s elections.

-The Standard

Dear Editor

This man’s name is Thomas Mafupe and he is originally from Mozambique but is a C.I.O operative in Zimbabwe.

He is one of the people that abducted the missing activist, Itai Dzamara.

Mafupe is the one who also went with our Vice Chairperson Job Wiwa Sikhala when he was blindfolded and nicodemously transported to Bikita from Harare Remand Prison.

He was also spotted trying to abduct our youth leader Obey Sithole recently at a function organised by the Zimbabwe Council of Churches in partnership with the state run ZimPapers Television Network.

Please forward his picture to all the groups so that people know him and watch out for his uncalled for actions.

#TiriKugadzirisaNyika

Editor’s Note: Thomas Mafupe has a right of reply to the above allegations and you can contact us on [email protected]

ZANU-PF has polled a total of 25 597 votes to the MDC Alliance’s 11 369 in all by-elections held since last year’s harmonised elections, a Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) has survey revealed.

The figures show that around 60 percent of the voters, since last year’s general elections, have voted for the ruling party.

A schedule of statistics availed by ZEC to The Sunday Mail shows that the revolutionary party has remained the political party of choice for voters.
This is in sharp contrast to the MDC Alliance which has consistently failed to prove its mettle in the ballot box, despite claiming to have popular support.

According to ZEC; “The Commission has presently conducted a total of 14 by-elections (being) two National Assembly constituency elections and
12 Local Authorities by-elections since the July 2018 Harmonised elections.”

Since last year’s polls, ZEC has conducted two National Assembly by-elections in Mutoko North and Lupane, which were both won by Zanu-PF.

In Mutoko, Zanu-PF candidate Rambidzai Nyabote trounced the MDC A after polling 11 141 votes compared to Bonface Mushore’s 1 329.

In the last by-election held in Lupane, Mbongeni Dube of Zanu-PF polled 6 396 against the MDC’s Dalumazi Khumalo who amassed 4 505 votes.
Zanu-PF also won nine out of the 12 local authority elections held in Chimanimani, Chegutu, Chtiungwiza, Beitbridge, Matobo, Bulawayo, Mutasa, Kadoma, Nyanga, Bikita Lupane, Nkayi and Bubi.

Of the 12 by-elections, the Nelson Chamisa’s MDC only won in Kadoma, Mutasa and Chitungwiza.
The by-elections show a trend in which Zanu-PF has gained ground in areas that the opposition used to dominate.State media

A senior National Patriotic Front (NPF) official has chided MDC leader Nelson Chamisa for refusing to accept President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s legitimacy.

NPF vice president, Welcome Shumba told NewZimbabwe.com that Chamisa unwittingly endorsed Mnangagwa’s Presidency when he approached the Constitutional Court in August last year.

Shumba, who is infamous for openly boasting that he was enjoying the good things by participating in the ongoing State House dialogue, said, “This issue legitimacy is a closed chapter some might want to see how Chamisa was the first person to legitimise Cde ED Mnangagwa by trusting in the judiciary in the country.

“That means he had trust in any outcome of the court process, so he went to court, trusting in our judiciary system and the outcome was there for everyone to see.

“The President was declared the winner. So in terms of legitimacy, I think that is a closed chapter. I wonder how he is demonstrating, raising that issue.

“If he has got any issues, he must come to the political parties dialogue and we talk about them and move forward.”

Shumba urged Chamisa to join the Political Actors Dialogue (POLAD), a dialogue platform initiated by President Mnangagwa.

Jane Mlambo| A local human rights lobby group Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum has claimed that the opposition activists who were arrested on Friday during demonstrations in Harare were handed over to Zanu PF youths who tortured them amid fears some are still missing.

Posting on Twitter yesterday NGO Forum revealed that those who were arrested were taken to the Zanu PF provincial offices at Fourth street.

“Victims of police brutality from #August16 protests report that they were handed over to ZANU PF youths at the ZANU PF Office in 4th Street where they were tortured. Others are feared to have been disappeared,” said the organisation.

By A Correspondent| Officials from the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC), on Saturday, visited Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison to investigate claims that former Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister, Priscah Mupfumira is getting preferential treatment.

Jessie Majome, Frank Muchengwa and Kuziva Murapa requested to visit the prison cells, according to Mupfumira’s lawyer, Charles Chinyama.

He said:

I confirm the presence at Chikurubi Female Prison of two commissioners known to me from Zacc this afternoon.

They indicated that their intention was to investigate whether my client was being given preferential treatment ahead of other female prisoners, but after talking to them, they drove off.

Majome said that they were blocked from visiting the cells and told to write a letter in advance requesting access to the institution.

Said Majome:

“We could not access it and were advised to write a letter so that we can fully assess the circumstances under which she is living generally.

We are concerned about the reports from the media (of preferential treatment) and we have an obligation to investigate.”

Mupfumira was arrested in July at the instigation of the corruption watchdog on allegations of defrauding the National Social Security Authority (NSSA) of more than US$100 million.

She has been denied bail twice, the latest being this past Friday.- Standard

It is without shock to receive the news that my boss Hon Thabitha Khumalo, the National Chairperson of our party has been arrested for allegedly contravening Section 31(b) ii(A) of the Criminal Law Codification and Reform Act.

The offense insinuates that an accused person should have deliberately spread falsehoods knowing that he or she knows it to be false.

I don’t care about the stupid charge, but want to bring it to everyone attention both locally and abroad that the MDC leadership is under serious siege from the fascist, illegitimate regime of Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Since the formation of the MDC in 1999, at no point in its history has it had its leadership under attack than what it faces today. The illegitimate regime of Emmerson Mnangagwa has taken joy in hounding the leadership of the party.

Spurious and stupid charges are preferred against almost everyone in the party, the latest being the one preferred against our National Chairperson.

It is now clear that illegitimate Emmerson Mnangagwa wants to kill, squeeze and destroy all the democratic space for Zimbabweans. What hounds him is his illegitimacy.

He knows well deep down his heart that he did not win the elections. He is on a crusade to force himself upon the people of Zimbabwe, which we must all reject in unison.

The illegitimate fascist leader underestimates the resolve among the people of Zimbabwe and the MDC leadership to weather his oppression.

Hon Thabitha Khumalo is a strong woman. She will neither be intimidated or cowed by the shenanigans of a desperate despot.

No amount of arrests or intimidation will stop us from demanding our stolen victory. Free Thabitha Khumalo now.

Job Wiwa Sikhala
MDC National Vice Chairman

Agencies|Some social media users have distanced the Zimbabwe Republic Police from Friday’s violent scenes that were witnessed in the streets of Harare. They said that the conduct and combat some of the purported police officers were wearing raise serious questions about their real identity.

Prior to the demonstrations, there were reports suggesting that the army was being trained for deployment as police officers during demonstrations. Whether it is true or not, we cannot tell.

Hopewell Chin’ono, a Harvard trained journalist had to say:

These police officers, if they are that at all, are extremely unprofessional & the evidence lies before us to see. They were using ropes to beat up protesters, yet the Monthlante commission reminded the Government of the need to retrain the police force.

Are these real policemen?

There is a need for the progressive organizations in Zimbabawe to investigate whether there is now a conflation between the army and the police force. Are we now seeing soldiers dressed in police uniforms sent to inflict pain through disproportionate violence on protesters?

During the January military crackdown on civilians, authorities denied deploying the army saying that there were some people who stole military regalia and used it to commit crimes. Some cases are still pending in court.

Authorities also argued that if they were indeed soldiers, they were just rogue soldiers not operating under the command of their bosses. The government also denied deploying soldiers who fired live ammunition on civilians on August 1 2018. They argued that there must have been snipers who were shooting at the people.

By A Correspondent- Twenty-six suspects who were arrested on Friday for participating in a peaceful demonstration organised by the MDC Alliance were on Saturday remanded in custody to Monday for bail application.

At least 25 men and one woman were arrested for various offences arising from the peaceful demonstration which the police had earlier prohibited.

Initially 91 people were arrested, however, some were released after paying fines.

Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi could not ascertain the number of people who had been released.

“I am no longer in the office at the moment. I cannot ascertain the number of people who have been fined and those who have appeared in court,” he said

“I will, however, be able to give you the figures tomorrow morning.”

Through their lawyer Jeremiah Bhamu, the protestors on Saturday appeared before Harare magistrate Mr Richard Ramaboea.

Prosecutor Mr George Manokore requested that the accused be remanded in custody until Monday pending further investigations into the case.

“The state requests that the accused be remanded to 19 August pending further investigations on the matter,” he said.

The accused persons’ lawyer did not contest the date and said he would seek to challenge further remand of the accused or alternatively seek bail.

After hearing submissions from both parties, the magistrate rolled the matter to tomorrow.

The accused were arrested in Harare after the MDC-A organised demonstration was barred by police on Thursday in fear of the protest turning violent.

MDC-A the made an urgent High Court application seeking to challenge the police decision, but the bid hit a brick wall after Justice Joseph Musakwa dismissed it and upheld the prohibition.

MDC- Alliance activists, however, went on to gather at Africa Unity Square in defiance of the court ruling.

The police also say some of the youths went on to engage in confrontational acts which included threats, intimidation and disruption of the smooth flow of traffic in the Central Business District.

The police moved in and dispersed the unlawful gathering, arresting some of the suspects in the process. Others were arrested for various offences linked to the demonstration in Chitungwiza and Harare South.

In a statement the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services said no one died during the demonstrations, while two people were injured.-StateMedia

EMBATTLED former State Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko has challenged the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) to arrest incumbent President Emmerson Mnangagwa and former president Robert Mugabe, saying the two were also part of the presidency which allegedly abused power, the same allegations Mphoko is facing.

ZACC investigating officers on Friday visited Mphoko at his residence in Bulawayo to question him over his alleged release of former Zimbabwe National Roads Administration (Zinara) acting chief executive officer, Moses Juma from police custody following the latter’s arrest for criminal abuse of office in 2016.

In response, Mphoko argued he was not acting alone at the time.

“The presidency is an institution. In that case, it was President Mugabe, myself and ED (Mnangagwa),” Mphoko told the ZACC officers in a video image posted on social media by his daughter.

“There were people who were coming to us to inform us of what was happening, requesting the intervention of the presidency.”

Mphoko said some cases were referred to Mnangagwa while some were directed to him by Mugabe.

“In situations of that nature, there were some cases which were referred to me, some cases handled by ED,” said Mphoko.

The former vice president cited the Maleme Ranch Farm saga in Matobo as one of the cases which he handled as a special presidium assignment.

In the particular case, Mphoko intervened in a dispute involving a white commercial farmer, Peter Cunningham and a CIO officer Rodney Mashingaidze.

Mashingaidze’s illegal take-over of Maleme ranch had triggered protests from locals who were benefitting from Cunningham’s generosity.

Mphoko ordered Mashingaidze out of the farm.

He also told the ZACC investigators he was not a corrupt person as alleged.

“I never stole anything from anybody. I have a record of being generous together with my family. If at all there is anything I could have taken from people, there is nothing like that,” he said.

GOVERNMENT will this week bring its employees under the auspices of the Apex council to the negotiating table to discuss the August to December cost of living adjustments.

This comes after Government last month awarded the civil servants a once off $400 cushioning allowance.

Discussions have now begun on the cost of living adjustment which will further cushion civil servants from economic vagaries for the remaining five months.

Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Dr Sekai Nzenza said the two parties were set to meet early this week to resume talks on the negotiations.

“As soon as we get a mandate from the Treasury on the allocation from the supplementary budget, we will convene,” she said.

“We are most definitely going to have it (the meeting).

“Government will not revert on its obligation with the cost of living adjustment set to be effective from the August 1.“We will not revert from our previous agreement.”

Apex Council deputy chairperson Mr David Dzatsunga said the council was ready to begin negotiations with Government over the issue.

“We have been very clear with Government on our position which we would want fulfilled,” Mr Dzatsunga said.

“We want the Government to multiply our October 2018 salaries by the current prevailing interbank market rate.”

Zimbabwe Teachers Association (ZIMTA) general secretary Mr Tapson Sibanda said they were now waiting for the meeting.

“We now await for another round of talks with Government to negotiate for August to December cost of living adjustment. We expect the Government not to award us not less than $4 600 as demanded earlier,” he said.

Finance and Economic Development Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube recently said all civil servants will get their bonuses for the year in November.

In March civil servants received a salary increase of $400 million as part of their cost of living adjustment, with the Government promising another review of salaries in July this year.

Under this deal, a civil servant who was earning $441 is now getting $570, while those who were earning $519 saw their salaries rising to $649.

The salary increases ranged from 13 percent to 25 percent, depending on grade.

Last month, Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Dr Sekai Nzenza said the Government was working on introducing non-monetary incentives for its employees such as housing, transport and medical insurance.

Recently, civil servants got the green light to import vehicles duty-free as part of non-monetary incentives.

In addition, a $60 million housing facility was unveiled.