By A Correspondent- At a time when the opposition MDC has issued notice of a mega protest over the current deteriorating economic conditions bedevilling the nation, President Mnangagwa is set to join fellow Sadc leaders for the 39th Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government scheduled to take place in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Mnangagwa is also expected to assume the chairmanship of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security.

In a statement Thursday, Foreign Affairs and International Trade spokesperson Mr Shepherd Gwenzi said the Summit would be held under the theme: “A Conducive Environment for Inclusive and Sustainable Industrial Development, Increased Intra-Regional Trade and Job Creation.”

He said:

“President Emmerson Mnangagwa will participate at the 39th Ordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government scheduled to take in Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania from 17 to 18 August 2019, at the invitation of the outgoing Chairperson of SADC, His Excellency Dr Hage G. Geingob of the Republic of Namibia and the Executive Secretary of SADC, Dr Stergomena Lawrence Tax.”

Mr Gwenzi also said the outgoing Chair of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security, Zambian President Edgar Lungu was expected to handover the chairmanship to President Mnangagwa.

The agenda of the Summit includes receiving the report of the Sadc executive secretary for the period 2018 to 2019 giving an overview of the political and economic developments in the region and the implementation of programmes of regional cooperation and integration among  others.

Other items include an update on the regional economic integration particularly the status of the implementation of the Sadc Industrialisation Roadmap that was adopted during Zimbabwe’s chairmanship in 2015.

The Summit will also focus on political and security situation in the region focusing on the Kingdom of Lesotho and emerging issues of terrorism.

It will also review the implementation of the revised Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan, Strategic Indicative Plan for the Organ and other on-going Sadc programmes.

“The following Legal Instruments will be opened for signature at Summit following their clearance and recommendation to Summit by the Committee of Ministers of Justice and Attorney-General (a)Agreement Amending the Protocol on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters and (b) Draft Agreement Amending Article 7 of the Protocol on Extradition,” Mr Gwenzi added.-StateMedia

By A Correspondent| The European Union (EU) has reaffirmed Zimbabweans’ right to freedom of assembly, association and peaceful protest.

The EU has urged demonstrators to abstain from violence or vandalism, and security forces to exercise restraint.

It said in a statement:

On the eve of planned demonstrations, the EU reiterates that citizens have rights to freedom of assembly, association, expression and to peaceful protest.

We urge demonstrators to abstain from violence or vandalism and call on security forces to exercise constraint and proportionality!

Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe Republic Police has accused the protests convenors of plotting to unleash violence. Part of the ZRP statement reads in part:

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) informs the nation that based on the notifications given by MDC A to regulating authorities to hold demonstrations in Harare, Bulawayo, Gweru, Masvingo, Mutare and surrounding towns on August 16, 19, 20, 21 and 22 , intelligence and concrete evidence on the ground has revealed that indeed these so-called ‘peaceful’ demonstrations will turn out to be violent.

ln a serious act of political desperation, last night the illegitimate regime arm-twisted our national police to issue an 11th hour prohibition order against the people’s Free Zimbabwe march.

However, no such desperate attempts will not be allowed to stop the people of Zimbabwe from fully expressing themselves in line with Section 59 of the Constitution.

The people of Zimbabwe remain determined to continue with the march today. To this end, an urgent application to the High Court was filed by the people’s lawyers last night. The matter has been set for an urgent hearing at 7am today at the High Court.

The urgent application is seeking for the High Court to set aside the prohibition order immediately. lt is also seeking for an interdict to bar anyone from interfering with the people’s march today.

The people of Zimbabwe must be rest assured that no stone will be left unturned to make sure that no one stops the people’s Free Zimbabwe march from going ahead today.

MDC: Change That Delivers

Daniel Molokele
MDC Spokesperson

The website that accurately predicted the November 2017 coup, has reported on “evidence” that Vice President, Rtd General Constantino Chiwenga, is now recovering from his health woes at a top notch Beijing military hospital.

Spotlight quotes sources saying that Chiwenga is now visibly bouncing back.

Their report quotes a said senior aide in the VP’s office who was recently with him in Pretoria, before his transfer. The source has for the first time revealed Chiwenga’s true state of health, which is in sharp contrast to what President Emmerson Mnangagwa, has been telling the nation to date.

The report says Mnangagwa is ignorant of developments in China, could have been slapped with an information blackout by the military, and is only receiving general censored updates of Chiwenga’s health, for security and political reasons.

Chiwenga is being treated at The General Hospital of the People’s Liberation Army (PLAGH) in the Chinese capital, and Splotlight last month reported that China’s medical experts have found an antidote for Chiwenga, who is suspected to have suffered multiple poisoning attacks through food and his home water supply, from his nemesis in the ruling Zanu PF angling for his job.

The institution attending to the VP has provided health and medical care to the leaders of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, the Central Military Commission, the PLA’s general headquarters, and to the troops stationed in Beijing.

Chiwenga’s recovery news is certain to send shivers running down the spine of Mnangagwa’s inner circle, who are said to have been anticipating the former Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) Commander becoming incapacitated and eventually having to to be relieved of his top post on health grounds. It is also not sweet music in the ears of Zanu PF heavyweights, who had started jostling for Chiwenga’s position, after prematurely popping political champagne bottles hoping for his demise.

Media reports last week indicated that the vice president’s health troubles had ignited a scramble for his presidium seat, with current defence minister and ruling party national chairperson, Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri emerging as a front-runner. Information minister, Monica Mutsvangwa, was also named among contenders of the post, and thought to be formidable because of her husbund, Ambassador Christopher Mutsvangwa, who also has ties to China, where he was Zimbabwe’s Ambassador for six years between December 2002 to December 2006.

Another political couple, that was said to be eying the second highest post in the land by Zanu PF insiders from the shadows, are the Moyo family, of foreign affairs minister, Sibusiso Busi Moyo and his wife Justice Loice Matanda-Moyo, who was promoted by Mnangagwa in May to become the chairperson of the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC). However SB Moyo is believed to belong to Chiwenga’s faction, which is fighting for Zanu PF control with Mnangagwa’s faction.

“The vice president is bouncing back soon, as he is fully recovering from treatment,” said the VP aide in a telephone interview this week. “He (Chiwenga) does not wish to make his exact nature of treatment and progress known for political and security reason. The information in the public sphere about his health situation from government is incomplete, as he appears to be now out of the woods. China wants to monitor him closely, and he should be coming home at an opportune time.”

The VP aide said there has been mystery surronding Chiwenga’s illness, and speculation that he was suffering from liver damage to multiple organ failure, because people do not know the true story.

“A lot has been said about his health, with some speculating that he was suffering from a liver disease, to reports of multiple organ failure, simply because the true story had hitherto been untold. According to a close family member of the VP who I cannot name, our vice president was poisoned using food on multiple occasions ever since the military intervention in November 2017, but is very lucky to be alive because the poisoning was done by amateurs. Furthermore the other untold dimenson disclosed by the family member is to do with spiritual afflication and attack. You should know that there are evil forces out there, and the VP was targeted by elements who do not want him to succeed the current leader as president. Spiritual affliction and attack is not physical and therefore difficult to examine and explain. The good news is that China found an antidote for the poisoning and are also good at not simply treating illness, but rather about taking care of the whole person, body, mind, and spirit, through what they call ‘The Five Shen of Chinese medicine’.

The Five Shen of Chinese medicine are the spirits associated with each of the body’s five yin organ systems (Heart, Kidney, Spleen, Liver, and Lungs).

Government especially Mnangagwa himself has been kept guessing about the VP’s condition, releasing press statements bereft of meaningful detail.

In a statement last Tuesday, prepared by his office Mnangagwa said China had completed extensive tests on Chiwenga and was now beginning treatment, describing his condition as “remarkably stable”.

“Further to my communication last month updating the nation on the condition of our Vice President, Dr CGDN Chiwenga, I wish to add that the Vice President has now completed extensive tests required by the Chinese medical team attending to him, thus paving way for the commencement of actual treatment,” Mnangagwa said.

“While it is too early in the treatment process, I am advised that the vice president’s conditions remains remarkably stable, with the initial strict regimen imposed on him at the time of his admission being gradually eased to allow greater access by close family members.”

Meanwhile, Chiwenga’s enemies have been on a propaganda campaign of announcing his death in recent times.

A 22-YEAR-OLD man from Victoria Falls has been arrested for having sexual intercourse with a minor girl in a moving commuter omnibus full of passengers.

The Form Four girl, now 16, is seven months pregnant following the consensual sexual encounter that took place on December 24 last year in a kombi that was heading to Jambezi from Victoria Falls.

Nhlalwenhle Mpofu, a general hand at Victoria Falls Municipality and residing in Chinotimba suburb, pleaded guilty to having sexual intercourse with a young person when he appeared before Victoria Falls magistrate, Ms Rangarirai Gakanje.

He was remanded in custody to today for sentence.
His lawyer, Mr Thulani Nkala of Dube, Nkala and Company said Mpofu deserved a second chance as he had shown remorse by pleading guilty. “The accused is a young person who is gainfully employed and incarcerating him will destroy his future as he will be unemployed.

Besides, the age difference is small as the complainant is 16,” said Mr Nkala.
Prosecuting, Mr Bheki Tshabalala said Mpofu and his unnamed friend offered to have the complainant and her younger sister sit on their laps as the vehicle was full.

Along the way, Mpofu and the complainant had consensual sex.
“On December 23 the accused proposed love to the complainant who rejected. The following day the complainant boarded a kombi to Jambezi and the accused was also in the kombi. The kombi was full and the complainant and other girls were made to sit on the accused and his friends’ laps,” said the prosecutor.

The court was told that along the way, Mpofu unzipped his pair of trousers and had sex with the complainant in the presence of her younger sister and other passengers.
The matter came to light in May when the complainant’s aunt suspected that she was pregnant. The girl revealed that she had not had her periods for five months.State media

MULTI-MILLIONAIRE businessman Simon Rudland, whose $5 million injection into Dynamos at the beginning of the year provided a kiss of life for the Glamour Boys, was shot and seriously wounded in an assassination attempt in Johannesburg on Wednesday morning.

Two assassins are reported to have pumped nine bullets into the car in which Rudland and his lawyer were travelling in, with the businessman being hit in the neck and rushed to hospital where, according to reports from South Africa, he remains in a critical condition.

In what is being described in the South African media as a hit, in a country and city with a shockingly high homicide rate, two men in a white Golf GTI pulled behind the car in which Rudland and his lawyer were in, parked outside the Fair Trade Tobacco Association offices in the plush Norwood area of Johannesburg.

CCTV images show the Porsche Boxster in which Rudland and his lawyer were travelling in, coming in to park in front of the FITA offices ahead of a scheduled meeting for members of the organisation.

Then, a white Golf GTI pulls behind the Porsche and shots are fired before the attackers drive off the scene.
The Porsche is then reversed and speeds away to hospital where Rudland, who is a member of FITA, was admitted and is said to be in a critical condition in the intensive care unit.

Rudland, with interests in tobacco through the Golden Leaf Tobacco and R&G cigarettes, the brand he used to tie a five-year sponsorship deal with Dynamos as the flagship sponsor of the country’s biggest football club, is considered one of the richest Zimbabweans.State media

Farai Dziva|Protests at escalating economic challenges will spread to South Africa in the coming weeks, the MDC has said.

In a statement, MDC Information and Publicity Secretary, South Africa Branch, Innocent Nsingo said mass protests would be staged in the neighboring country in the coming weeks.

See the full statement below :

South Africa we are really saddened by the violence being perpetrated by Zanu PF- through state agents and rogue militia – against unarmed and defenseless members of the civic society in the run up to tomorrow’s demonstration.

Zanu PF is in panic mode, they are running around like headless chicken.

They have failed the people of Zimbabwe in uncountable ways.

Tomorrow it is all systems out.Most of our members from South Africa are already in the country, including myself.

We are unfazed by Zanu PF’s machinations to intimidate the citizens of Zimbabwe – in a bid to stop them from exercising their democratic right to demonstrate against their bad governance and false promises.

We are here to show solidarity with our fellow citizens, Zimbabwe is our home.In South Africa plans are also underway to stage a demonstration at the Zimbabwean embassy in Pretoria at a date to be announced.

Our team has already filed a notice to stage a demonstration in Pretoria.

This will be the first of a series of such demos.

It’s just the beginning, Zanu PF has to watch out,we are sick and tired of this regime that doesn’t respect rule of law and human rights.

We are also going to demonstrate in Cape Town.

Our team has already approached the authorities with the notice to demonstrate and mobilisation is already underway.

Innocent Nsingo-Information and Publicity Secretary MDC South Africa

This is just the beginning, we are taking these demonstrations to the next level in and outside South Africa and in Zimbabwe.

Farai Dziva|The Government is not involved in the harassment of human rights activists and opposition members, an official has said.

Instead, Government spokesperson Nick Mangwana has claimed a third force is behind the abductions.

Read Mangwana’s full statement below:

We have noted with concern and distress reports of alleged abductions and torture of citizens by unknown assailants in Harare. Whilst the Zimbabwe Republic Police are still investigating these allegations and their veracity, the Government would like to inform the public of the following:
Torture, arbitrary punishment and degrading treatment of citizens by anyone is contrary to the provisions of the Constitution and ethos of the Second Republic.
As the Government, we undertake to uphold the rights of citizens to be treated with dignity and respect.
Since the emergence of the New Dispensation, there has always been a force comprised of discharged and disgruntled former members of the old establishment, of whom some are trained.
These have shown a determination to impair President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s image as a sincere reformer through various acts of malice and criminality in order to cause both local and international outrage.
This is the Third Force that we have reasonable grounds to believe to be in existence. Its hand in the incidences of the alleged violation of human rights, where established, cannot be discounted.
The Police will leave no stone unturned in efforts to detect and act upon any violation of human rights.
So far, the following persons and details have been reported:
Mr Morgen Gumbo (46) of Mufakose made a report to the police that he was abducted and assaulted on 13/8/2019. Earlier in the day, there had been a reported violent altercation between Mr Gumbo and Mr Shamboc Chivese also known as Mufaose, over an allegation of abuse of Constituency Development Funds (CDF) by Hon Susan Matsunga. This is reported to have degenerated into a fistfight and open threats were made. Police are investigating whether the alleged abduction and the said violent incident is related.
On the 14th of August 2019, the Police also received a report on the alleged abduction and assault of one Blessing Kanotunga of Mufakose on 13/8/2019. Investigations are underway.
Tatenda Mombeyarara also made a report to the police on 14/8/2019, saying that he had been abducted from Chitungwiza and assaulted on the night of 13/8/2019, before being dumped in Hatfield.
These allegations and any other will be professionally investigated to their final conclusion and the outcomes shared with the public.
Statement Issued by
N. Mangwana
Secretary for Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services

By A Correspondent- Police in Chinhoyi have arrested Mashonaland West provincial chief lands officer Malvin Tendai Mhaka for criminal abuse of office.

Mhaka was arrested after he allegedly demanded bribes from white farmers applying for 99-year leases.

Mhaka (37) was arrested today after police investigations that were instigated following a tip-off on his criminal activities.

Mashonaland West police provincial spokesperson Inspector Clemence Magbweazara confirmed Mhaka’s arrest adding that the crimes were committed between October 2016 and January this year.-StateMedia

By A Correspondent- The government has expressed concerned over the cases of alleged abductions and torture of citizens by unknown assailants adding that there could be a third hand behind these acts bent on tarnishing the image of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration.

The state however vowed that police is looking into these cases to ensure citizens are treated with dignity and respect.

The state media reported that police had received cases of abductions as well as torture and investigations are underway.

In a statement today, Information, Media and Broadcasting Services secretary, Mr Nick Mangwana said since the emergence of the Second Republic, there has been a force comprised of discharged and disgruntled former members of the old establishment who have shown determination to impair President Mnagangwa’s image and attract international outrage.

“We have noted with concern and distress reports of alleged abductions and torture of citizens by unknown assailants in Harare. Whilst the Zimbabwe Republic Police are still investigating these allegations and establishing their veracity, Government would like to inform the public of the following: Torture, arbitrary punishment and degrading treatment by anyone is contrary to the provisions of the Constitution and ethos of the Second Republic. As Government, we undertake to uphold the rights of citizens to be treated with dignity and respect,” he said.

Mr Mangwana said there were some traits that indicated that there could be a third force in the abductions of citizens that were bent on tarnishing the image of the President and Government .

“Since the emergence of the new dispensation, there has always been a force comprised of discharged and disgruntled of former members of the old establishment, of whom some are trained. These have shown a determination to impair President Mnangagwa’s image as a since reformer through various acts of malice and criminality in order to cause both local and international outrage.

“This is a Third force that we have reasonable grounds to be in existence. Its hands in the incidences of alleged violation of human rights, where established cannot be discounted.

“The police will leave no stone unturned in efforts to detect, and act upon any violation of human rights,” he said.

Mr Mangwana said Police were investigating reports made by Mr Morgan Gumbo (aged 46) of Mufakose who reported abduction and assault on Tuesday.

“Earlier in the day, there had been reported violent altercation between Mr Gumbo and Mr Shamboc Chivese, also of Mufakose over an allegation of abuse of Constituency Development Fund by Hon Susan Matsunga. This is reported to have degenerated into a fistfight and open threats were made. Police are investigating whether the alleged abduction and the said violent incident are related,” he said.

Blessing Kanotunga of Mufakose Mufakose also made a report of abduction and assault on 13 August 2019 while Tatenda Mombeyarara reported that he been abducted from Chitungwiza and assaulted on the night of 13 August 2019 before being dumped in Hatfield.

“These allegations and any other would be professionally investigated to their final conclusion and the outcome shared with the public,” he said.-StateMedia

Farai Dziva|Protests at escalating economic challenges will spread to South Africa in the coming weeks, the MDC has said.

In a statement, MDC Information and Publicity Secretary, South Africa Branch, Innocent Nsingo said mass protests would be staged in the neighboring country in the coming weeks.

See the full statement below :

South Africa we are really saddened by the violence being perpetrated by Zanu PF- through state agents and rogue militia – against unarmed and defenseless members of the civic society in the run up to tomorrow’s demonstration.

Zanu PF is in panic mode, they are running around like headless chicken.

They have failed the people of Zimbabwe in uncountable ways.

Tomorrow it is all systems out.Most of our members from South Africa are already in the country, including myself.

We are unfazed by Zanu PF’s machinations to intimidate the citizens of Zimbabwe – in a bid to stop them from exercising their democratic right to demonstrate against their bad governance and false promises.

We are here to show solidarity with our fellow citizens, Zimbabwe is our home.In South Africa plans are also underway to stage a demonstration at the Zimbabwean embassy in Pretoria at a date to be announced.

Our team has already filed a notice to stage a demonstration in Pretoria.

This will be the first of a series of such demos.

It’s just the beginning, Zanu PF has to watch out,we are sick and tired of this regime that doesn’t respect rule of law and human rights.

We are also going to demonstrate in Cape Town.

Our team has already approached the authorities with the notice to demonstrate and mobilisation is already underway.

Innocent Nsingo-Information and Publicity Secretary MDC South Africa

This is just the beginning, we are taking these demonstrations to the next level in and outside South Africa and in Zimbabwe.

By A Correspondent- President Emmerson Mnangagwa has described MDC leader Nelson Chamisa as being impossible after the youthful opposition politician snubbed his political parties dialogue (Polad) to solve the country’s crippling economic crisis.

In a lengthy letter to the Zimbabwe Heads of Christian Denominations, which was written to him asking for dialogue between the two main parties to pull the nation from the dark hole, Mnangagwa said he could not dance to pre-conditions set by Chamisa for national engagement.

He, instead, implored the church leaders to talk to Chamisa and convince him to join the ongoing Polad meetings that the Zanu PF leader is holding with other fringe opposition parties.

“I, as leader of Zanu PF, and as the President-elect, called for harmony and dialogue in our nation, including pointedly calling on, and inviting the leader of the MDC, Advocate Nelson Chamisa, to come on board in amity and brotherhood, to rebuild our broken peace, and reunite our people in order to take our nation forward. Specifically and pointedly, I called upon the two of us to lead by example and show Zimbabweans that peace is paramount,” Mnangagwa said.

In the spirit of building bridges, Mnangagwa said he offered Chamisa an official position as the leader of the opposition and invited him to join the national inclusive dialogue of all political leaders which he spurned.
“The MDC leader is still to requite my goodwill, so repeatedly and unconditionally expressed and extended. Much worse, he is still to respect the legitimate will of the Zimbabwean people as expressed in the results of the 2018 elections,” Mnangagwa said.

“Still, I assure you and the Heads of Christian Denominations, that I personally will not tire of going the extra mile for the sake of peace and unity in our nation. The doors of national dialogue remain wide open to all political leaders, including the MDC, which dialogue must be without pre-conditions or any sense of preferential entitlement or recognition on any one’s part, including myself.”

Chamisa has refused to be part of Mnangagwa’s talks, saying genuine engagement should be led by a neutral convener at a neutral venue.

Turning to the economy, Mnangagwa said the current hardships are unavoidable if a better tomorrow has to be created. “We must continue on the path or reforms in spite of temporary hardships for a better tomorrow. Indeed, the signs of recovery and positive growth are now ample, with clear indications that more jobs are now being created the ever before,” he said.-Newsday

By A Correspondent- Opposition MDC has said it will be dragging the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) to court after the electoral management body turned down their request to have a recount of ballots in the just-ended Lupane West East by-election, which was won by Zanu PF.

Party secretary-general Charlton Hwende said he had instructed party lawyers to take Zec to court after his August 5 request to have a recount was turned down.

“We have asked our lawyers to approach the courts on this matter. We will be able to give you further updates once all the matters have been presented before the courts,” he said.

In his letter to Zec, Hwende said the party believed that votes were inflated at some polling stations in favour of Zanu PF and wanted a recount to dispel the rumours.

“The MDC strongly believes that the vote count in all the polling stations inflated the votes for the supposedly winning candidate and deflated the votes for Dalumuzi Khumalo (MDC candidate). Consequently, this inflation created a miscount of the final result, to the prejudice of the MDC candidate,” Hwende wrote.

Zec, however, turned down the request on August 7 saying the MDC had failed to meet the strict requirements of section 67 A of the Electoral Act.

“Please be advised that the commission deliberated on the matter and resolved to decline your request for non-compliance with the provisions of section 67A of the Electoral Act,” wrote Zec chairperson Justice Priscilla Chigumba.

Section 67 A requires that notice be given within 48 hours of the election result being declared and also demands that the party requesting the recount should specify the number of votes that it suspects to have been miscounted.

“67 A (2b) states specifically the number of votes believed to have been miscounted and if possible, how the miscount may have occurred … (2C) state how the results of the election have been affected by the alleged miscount,” part of the section read.

The by-election was held on August 3 and results declared on August 4. While the request was delivered within time limit, it, however, failed to state the exact number of votes miscounted.

Mbongeni Dube of Zanu PF won the by-election after garnering 6 369 votes followed by MDC’s Khumalo who got 4 505 votes.-Newsday

Reports from Zimbabwe indicate that there is a shortage of notes in the country with many people allegedly queuing

Reports from Zimbabwe indicate that there is a shortage of notes in the country with many people allegedly queuing in the banks to get hold of the Zimdollars also known as “zollers”.

Physical Zimdollar notes have become increasingly scarce since they became Zimbabwe’s sole legal tender in June. It is claimed that banks are rationing them.

Most people in Zimbabwe are now opting to go to the black market as to acquire the notes.

A shortage of cold, hard cash has dogged Zimbabwe for years.

Back in 2009, soaring inflation prompted Zimbabwe to ditch its failing sovereign currency in favour of a basket of foreign currencies led by the US dollar. But “dollarising” the economy hit a major bump in 2015 when greenbacks started vanishing from the formal banking system.

In a bid to end the US dollar shortage, Zimbabwe’s central bank introduced bond notes – a form of surrogate currency – that was backed by a $200 million bond facility from the Africa Export-Import Bank.

But black market speculation quickly eroded the bond note value, triggering a shortage that the central bank tried to offset by creating electronic notes.

Most Zimbabweans are now hoping that a new currency set to be introduced, will help ease the current shortage of cash.

In Summary

• Prosper Kandanhamo and Thomas Gundani left Zimbabwe and entered Botswana illegally because of the moribund economy in their homeland.
• “I came to Botswana because back home in Zimbabwe, there are no job opportunities,” Kandanhamo said.
• The two are among the many illegal immigrants from Zimbabwe who line the streets of Gaborone looking for odd jobs.
• But they are an unwelcome sight for authorities and subject to frequent police raids.
• The number of Zimbabweans arrested and deported in Botswana rose from 22,000 in 2015 to nearly 29,000 in 2018.

Botswana is battling an influx of illegal immigrants from Zimbabwe, as the Zimbabwean government struggles to overcome a deep economic crisis. But authorities in Botswana appear to be losing the battle, as those who are deported are soon back in the country.

Prosper Kandanhamo and Thomas Gundani left Zimbabwe and entered Botswana illegally because of the moribund economy in their homeland.

“I came to Botswana because back home in Zimbabwe, there are no job opportunities,” Kandanhamo said.

The two are among the many illegal immigrants from Zimbabwe who line the streets of Gaborone looking for odd jobs.

Not so welcome

But they are an unwelcome sight for authorities and subject to frequent police raids.

The number of Zimbabweans arrested and deported in Botswana rose from 22,000 in 2015 to nearly 29,000 in 2018.

Kandanhamo, an accountant, says they are often caught.

“It’s better to be caught by the police,” he said. “At the (police) cells, they will give you food and transport to the border. They deport you, and you find your way back (rather) than to go back to Zimbabwe.”

Gundani, a painter, says they would rather risk arrest than return to face hardship in Zimbabwe.

“We just have to come back,” he said. “The situation here is difficult for us, but compared to Zimbabwe, it’s worse.”

Botswanan citizens like Moemedi Mokgachane say illegal immigrants contribute to rising crime and are demanding a solution.

“We take them back today, tomorrow they are here, because there is nothing to hide. There is nothing that can put them to stay where you are taking them. They will come back because they know there is a fruit here,” Mokgachane said.

Solution lies in Zimbabwe

Illegal immigration will persist as long as Zimbabwe’s economic crisis is not addressed, says Gaborone-based analyst Lawrence Ookeditse.

“For so long as economic and other opportunities are not quite there, people are going to move, and you can’t stop them from moving,” he said. “It is not nice going through a border hunted with guns and all those things. When you see people doing it, it means the cost of doing it is higher than the cost of staying.”

Botswana spends about $100,000 a year deporting Zimbabwean illegal immigrants.

Doves Funeral Assurance has been sued by one of its employees Judith Kutombo for US$176 328.89 after the company failed to honour its obligation to reward new business clients.

According to papers filed at the High Court, Kutombo argues that the company communicated to all staff in 2014 encouraging them to be innovative.

Armed with the development, Kutombo introduced to Doves a new product known today as Special Pensioner’s Scheme and was entitled to receive commission paid monthly.

However, in July 2016, Doves stopped paying Kutombo.

In her declaration, Kutombo said;

“Plaintiff only became aware of the cessation when she received her August 2016 salary without the commission.

“In spite of the fact that the payment of commission should never have ceased, Plaintiff was never given notice of such cessation neither was she given an opportunity to make representations before the benefit was taken away from her.

“Accordingly, Plaintiff is owed her accrued commission for the period ranging from August 2016-July 2019 in the aggregated sum of RTGS$176 328.29.”

Kutombo now wants the High Court to make a declaratory order confirming Plaintiff’s right to receive the five percent monthly commission as outstanding since unlawful cessation.

Doves Funeral Assurance have entered their Appearance to defend the action.

By A Correspondent- Government is concerned with the cases of alleged abductions and torture of citizens by unknown assailants and is looking into the cases to ensure citizens are treated with dignity and respect.

Police have reportedly received cases of abductions as well as torture and investigations are underway.

In a statement today, Information, Media and Broadcasting Services secretary, Mr Nick Mangwana said since the emergence of the Second Republic, there has been a force comprised of discharged and disgruntled former members of the old establishment who have shown determination to impair President Mnagangwa’s image and attract international outrage.

“We have noted with concern and distress reports of alleged abductions and torture of citizens by unknown assailants in Harare. Whilst the Zimbabwe Republic Police are still investigating these allegations and establishing their veracity, Government would like to inform the public of the following: Torture, arbitrary punishment and degrading treatment by anyone is contrary to the provisions of the Constitution and ethos of the Second Republic. As Government, we undertake to uphold the rights of citizens to be treated with dignity and respect,” he said.

Mr Mangwana said there were some traits that indicated that there could be a third force in the abductions of citizens that were bent on tarnishing the image of the President and Government .

“Since the emergence of the new dispensation, there has always been a force comprised of discharged and disgruntled of former members of the old establishment, of whom some are trained. These have shown a determination to impair President Mnangagwa’s image as a since reformer through various acts of malice and criminality in order to cause both local and international outrage.

“This is a Third force that we have reasonable grounds to be in existence. Its hands in the incidences of alleged violation of human rights, where established cannot be discounted.

“The police will leave no stone unturned in efforts to detect, and act upon any violation of human rights,” he said.

Mr Mangwana said Police were investigating reports made by Mr Morgan Gumbo (aged 46) of Mufakose who reported abduction and assault on Tuesday.

“Earlier in the day, there had been reported violent altercation between Mr Gumbo and Mr Shamboc Chivese, also of Mufakose over an allegation of abuse of Constituency Development Fund by Hon Susan Matsunga. This is reported to have degenerated into a fistfight and open threats were made. Police are investigating whether the alleged abduction and the said violent incident are related,” he said.

Blessing Kanotunga of Mufakose Mufakose also made a report of abduction and assault on 13 August 2019 while Tatenda Mombeyarara reported that he been abducted from Chitungwiza and assaulted on the night of 13 August 2019 before being dumped in Hatfield.

“These allegations and any other would be professionally investigated to their final conclusion and the outcome shared with the public,” he said.-StateMedia

POLICE on Thursday morning said they have gathered intelligence and evidence that the MDC Alliance purported peaceful demonstration will turn out to be violent.

MDC Alliance has given notice that it will embark on demonstrations starting tomorrow in Harare and ending on Thursday next week in Mutare.

National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said in light the of the MDC Alliance demonstrations, cops have unearthed weapons that prove that the protests will end up being violent.

Asst Comm Nyathi said police have recovered substantial amounts of stashed granite and catapults which were delivered by two unregistered vehicles.

He said police were on high alert and will not tolerate destructive behaviour which also infringe on other people’s rights.

More to follow…

Farai Dziva| Transform Zimbabwe leader, Jacob Ngarivhume has urged Zimbabweans from all walks of life to participate in Friday’s peaceful march.

Read Ngarivhume ‘s statement below :

As Transform Zimbabwe we cannot maintain our silence on the events unfolding in our country which is now well known for breaking the record on mismanagement of the economy and torture of opposition members.

We urge people to pour into the streets of Harare on the 16th but as they do so they must know that we all must shun violence. Citizens must be driven by their intrinsic motivation to be on the streets and not by the words of politicians.

Economic hardships and hunger are politically blind so anyone who feels the pinch must join others on the streets regardless of political affiliation. Our first option is a genuine dialogue then the streets are our last option since our plea for a round table has fallen on deaf ears.

As a word of advice, this is not a show of power for anyone, so let us air our grievances in a peaceful manner. Police and army must desist from inciting violence through partisan handling of protestors who should be protected by the constitution and bill of rights.

Thank you ALL and GOD bless you.

God bless Zimbabwe

Jacob Ngarivhume

TZ President.

GOVERNMENT has assured the nation that there will be enough buses to ferry people to and from their destinations tomorrow in spite of the planned MDC demonstrations.

There were fears that public transport operators, particularly kombis, would not operate during the demonstrations organised by Nelson Chamisa’s MDC.

Speaking to state media today, Zimbabwe United Passengers Company (ZUPCO) chief executive Mr Everisto Madangwa allayed citizens’ fears saying the company will avail adequate transportation for everyone, in and outside the cities.

He said ZUPCO will not park its coaches and will not in any way be affected by the demonstrations and will be in full operation.

“As ZUPCO, we are saying our commuters should not be worried about transport issues during the so called demonstrations. There will be enough buses for them.

“We will not be affected at all by the demonstrations and our buses will be operating as usual, so we are assuring all citizens country wide that there will be reliable and adequate transport for them,” he said.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has made a passionate plea to the opposition MDC to dump the protests and engage in a dialogue process towards finding a solution to the nation’s crisis.

One ZANU PF functionary Munashe Mututsa said Mnangagwa must stop inviting MDC because he has done enough of it.

“Cde President it’s high time we ignore some of these guys. They want you to extend a red carpet for talks. There is no one who is bigger than Zimbabwe and as such those who want to dialogue have POLAD to be part of. Kana vasingade.” Mututsa said.

Farai Dziva|The Government is not involved in the harassment of human rights activists and opposition members, an official has said.

Instead, Government spokesperson Nick Mangwana has claimed a third force is behind the abductions.

Read Mangwana’s full statement below:

We have noted with concern and distress reports of alleged abductions and torture of citizens by unknown assailants in Harare. Whilst the Zimbabwe Republic Police are still investigating these allegations and their veracity, the Government would like to inform the public of the following:
Torture, arbitrary punishment and degrading treatment of citizens by anyone is contrary to the provisions of the Constitution and ethos of the Second Republic.
As the Government, we undertake to uphold the rights of citizens to be treated with dignity and respect.
Since the emergence of the New Dispensation, there has always been a force comprised of discharged and disgruntled former members of the old establishment, of whom some are trained.
These have shown a determination to impair President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s image as a sincere reformer through various acts of malice and criminality in order to cause both local and international outrage.
This is the Third Force that we have reasonable grounds to believe to be in existence. Its hand in the incidences of the alleged violation of human rights, where established, cannot be discounted.
The Police will leave no stone unturned in efforts to detect and act upon any violation of human rights.
So far, the following persons and details have been reported:
Mr Morgen Gumbo (46) of Mufakose made a report to the police that he was abducted and assaulted on 13/8/2019. Earlier in the day, there had been a reported violent altercation between Mr Gumbo and Mr Shamboc Chivese also known as Mufaose, over an allegation of abuse of Constituency Development Funds (CDF) by Hon Susan Matsunga. This is reported to have degenerated into a fistfight and open threats were made. Police are investigating whether the alleged abduction and the said violent incident is related.
On the 14th of August 2019, the Police also received a report on the alleged abduction and assault of one Blessing Kanotunga of Mufakose on 13/8/2019. Investigations are underway.
Tatenda Mombeyarara also made a report to the police on 14/8/2019, saying that he had been abducted from Chitungwiza and assaulted on the night of 13/8/2019, before being dumped in Hatfield.
These allegations and any other will be professionally investigated to their final conclusion and the outcomes shared with the public.
Statement Issued by
N. Mangwana
Secretary for Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services

Heavily armed Zimbabwe Republic Police details were reportedly seen in Harare on Thursday in anticipation of the much hyped MDC demonstration slated for Friday.

The police were clad in the recently purchased anti-riot gear.

Meanwhile police have issued a statement saying they have retrieved some weapons that were allegedly being stocked by MDC to commit violence on Friday.

The weapons include granite stones and catapults.

MDC issued a statement on Wednesday saying they are proceeding with the peaceful demonstrations which are indefinite.

MDC Spokesperson Damiel Molekele told members of the press that the protest will be rolled out in all cities in Zimbabwe until the desired end is achieved.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has made a last minute call to the MDC to cancel the protests and join the national dialogue to find a solution to Zimbabwe’s challenges.

Farai Dziva|The MDC Students Council is ready to take part in tomorrow’s peaceful march.

See the council’s statement below:

MDC Students Council Urges All Students to participate on August 16 Demonstration

Revolutionary Greetings comrades of the Academic Struggle.

The year 2019 continues to reveal its ugly armpits and their vociferous odor while pain continues to stalk the nation like a ghost.

It is a hollow year in which the gods have shown the genius of their schemes.

It is a year we are seeing the terminal decline of a ravished economy.

An economy that is in cataleptic condition.

It has proved that these bunch of people are clueless and cannot govern this country.

That they do not have the love the care and the wisdom of running this country.
Nor do they possess the industry ,marksmanship and levity that can offer salvation to the beleaguered soul of this fed up nation.

We have seen failure on steroids. Failure sliding on roller blades.

The situation is particularly dire for us students.

*Accommodation costs are beyond reach. Rentals for Off Campus Accommodation at some houses is being charged in the ever elusive US dollar.

We can no longer afford decent meals at campuses.

Crippling power cuts are obviously impacting negatively on our studies.

Transport costs to and from campuses are rising almost everyday*

The Life of the student has become miserable and unbearable.

It is against this background that we call upon the student community to join us on the 16th of August as we demonstrate against this clueless junta

Regards

MDC Students Council.

VIDEO LOADING BELOW…

The Zimbabwe Republic Police summoned MDC youth assembly vice-chairperson, Cecilia Chimbiri on Thursday, less than a day before the anticipated demonstration slatted for 16 Agust 2019.

The arrest was confirmed by the organ’s spokesperson, Stephen Sarkozy Chuma. He said that Chimbiri will be accompanied by a lawyer from the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, Jeremiah Bamu.

Meanwhile, Chuma declared that his party will remain resolute in the midst of the arrest of its members, which he characterised as political persecution.

Jane Mlambo| US Ambassador Brian Nichols has visited tortured human rights Activist Tatenda Mombeyarara who is currently admitted in hospital.

Farai Dziva|Emmerson Mnangagwa has described MDC leader Nelson Chamisa as a “stubborn person.”

Responding to a call for dialogue between between Zanu PF and MDC -by the Zimbabwe Heads of Christian Denominations, Mnangagwa insisted that Chamisa “would not get any preferential treatment.”

“I, as leader of Zanu PF, called for harmony and dialogue in our nation, including pointedly calling on, and inviting the leader of the MDC, Advocate Nelson Chamisa, to come on board in amity and brotherhood, to rebuild our broken peace, and reunite our people in order to take our nation forward.

Specifically and pointedly, I called upon the two of us to lead by example and show Zimbabweans that peace is paramount.

The MDC leader is still to requite my goodwill, so repeatedly and unconditionally expressed and extended. Much worse, he is still to respect the legitimate will of the Zimbabwean people as expressed in the results of the 2018 elections.
Still, I assure you and the Heads of Christian Denominations, that I will not tire of going the extra mile for the sake of peace and unity in our nation.

The doors of national dialogue remain wide open to all political leaders, including the MDC, which dialogue must be without pre-conditions or any sense of preferential entitlement or recognition on any one’s part, including me,”wrote Mnangagwa.

Farai Dziva|MDC Youth Assembly deputy chairperson, Cecilia Chimbiri has been summoned by the police as tension escalates, a day before the much anticipated peaceful march.

See the MDC Youth Assembly statement:

MDC Youth Assembly National Vice Chairperson, Cecelia Chimbiri has been called by CID Law and Order on charges that are yet to be ascertained.

She is being accompanied to Harare Central Police Station by her lawyer, Jeremiah Bhamu.

As an Assembly we remain resolute and unshaken in the face of political persecutions!

Stephen Sarkozy Chuma

MDC Youth Assembly National Spokesperson

By Jane Mlambo| British parliamentarian Kate Hoey has urged her country’s foreign office to demand that President Emmerson Mnangagwa control his army and police ahead of the planned mega demonstration by the opposition MDC.

Responding to human rights lawyer Douglas Coltart who posted pictures of Tatenda Mombeyarara who was tortured by suspected State security agents yesterday, Hoey called on the United Kingdom foreign office to take keen interest in Zimbabwean activities as they could degenerate into chaos if undamaged.unmanaged.

By Tererai Rushwaya| Regarding the demonstration on the 16th of August, it’s prudent to expect the worst from this brutal Zanu regime

Picture taken from REUTERS via BBC website

Zanu is already churning out goebbelsian press statements and direct threats to the people who will protest on the 16th of August. The way I see it, this regime could react in two ways:

1) The regime could allow the demonstration to go ahead and not respond with violence

The regime could surmise that there is not much fire in the bellies of the citizenry and that this demo or these demos will fizzle out quickly, and as such it would be not worth sending out the soldiers to kill people. Also, this way, the regime would hope to get brownie points from the international community for ‘respecting the democratic rights of people to demonstrate as per the Zimbabwean constitution’.

However, this hypothesis is based on the dangerous and somewhat naive assumption that this blood thirsty military junta cares more about its image to the world than its inherent fear of an uprising from the masses. If I am correct, since the coup in 2017, there have been three demonstrations in Zimbabwe and in two of those demos the regime responded by sending gun totting soldiers onto the streets and in the ghettos to torture and kill people.

The one demonstration to which the junta responded relatively tamely was the demonstration in Harare for electoral reforms by the MDC Alliance before the 2018 general election. It’s worth noting that this was during the post coup period when the regime was trying to look benign in an effort to hoodwink the MDC into walking into a rigged election – which they did. Oh yes, those who read my blog will know that in June and July of 2018 I made the point that Zanu is hoping that the MDC sleepwalks into a rigged election. Months following the coup, Zanu was enjoying a whole lot of ‘benefit of the doubt’ even within the intellectual culture of Zimbabwe.

There are numerous ‘intellectual observers’ who were giving ED a chance – god knows on what basis; maybe there were blinded by the scarf which is obviously a PR prop designed to make a scary man look human or approachable.

Or maybe these observers believed the reformist propaganda which ED was putting out on a daily basis on the state owned media. Either way, it’s a damning indictment of these so called ‘intellectuals’ who are now back on the right side of history and rightfully criticising this military junta.

Anyway, where was I? Oh yes, like I said, the first post coup demo was an MDC demo for electoral reforms which happened before the election in 2018. The regime allowed it to go peacefully because they were trying to coax the MDC into a false sense of security and then sleepwalk them into a rigged election.

As for the other two demonstrations, one happened right after the election and the other, after fuel price hikes in January of this year, and as we know both demos were met with a ruthless response by the military. A pattern is observable here. Since stealing the election, the regime has shown a hard-line, draconian, and murderous response to demonstrations.

One could argue that after the election in 2018, the regime really does not care how the international community views its treatment of citizens exercising their right to demonstrate. Therefore, expecting them to react benevolently or democratically to the demonstration on the 16th is extremely optimistic.

2) The regime could respond to the demonstrations with a ruthless and murderous crackdown on the MDC and the public

This second hypothesis takes into consideration the pattern of behaviour by the regime which I have described above.

It also takes into consideration the fact that this is a military junta; a jumpy and mad military junta led by old and cruel men who will not hesitate to kill and crackdown on any dissenting public. Already, we have seen the regime putting out goebbelsian propaganda about the MDC via its ministers, and actual threats via its knuckle dragging cheerleaders in the war veterans association.

I mean, to me, this lot are talking the language of war just as I have opined in numerous posts in my blog, that Zanu pf is in a war mood and has been warring with the Zimbabwean public for the last 3 decades. When they treat the public as a potential insurgency, one is wise to believe that they will treat a peaceful demonstration as if it is an actual insurgency.

So what next?
Well, if people want to demonstrate against the rapid deterioration of the economy and much else in the country they should do so.

If people want to rise up against this brutal kleptocracy they should do so. But it’s prudent to know that this is a mad regime that has killed before and will kill again. People need to be adequately prepared.

Now, I’ve heard numerous recommending that the demonstrators should carry cameras and videotape the demo so that they capture any encroachments from the regime. Indeed that is a good idea. But I also, don’t think collecting evidence of the regime’s brutality will result in justice.

At the same time, not having the evidence is also problematic because the regime’s automatic response to accusations of state violence would be ‘show us the evidence’. But last August, there was evidence showing soldiers shooting at a fleeing public, and still, justice was never served – we all remember the egregiousness of that Commission of Inquiry.

I believe adequate preparation for this demonstration should focus a lot more on practical issues such as first aid kits, makeshift bulletproof vests (if that’s possible), tear gas masks, loads of water, identifying and rooting out Zanu provocateurs within the crowds. This is a mad regime, people should always expect the worst from this lot.

By Tererayi Rushwaya @Irreverencesuit, https://theradicalzimbabwean.wordpress.com/

Zimbabwe Republic Police national spokesperson Paul Nyathi says police officers have recovered a number of granite stones, catapults and a host of other weapons delivered into Harare by vehicles without number plates suspected to be intended for use by the opposition MDC during a demonstration tomorrow.

“We are warning people who are driving vehicles without registration numbers or displaying requisite plates that the police will impound such vehicles throughout the country at check points,” said Nyathi.

He said the police would not fold hands and allow  MDC Alliance supporters to unleash violence and anyone caught would be arrested.

Below is the full statement

By A Correspondent- A police disciplinary committee has dismissed an application for discharge filed by a Lupane-based officer who was arrested early this year for allegedly insulting President Emmerson Mnangagwa, by imploring the Zanu PF leader to step down in favour of opposition MDC leader Nelson Chamisa.

Taison Hove (29), who was arrested at Lupane Business Centre on January 3, is also alleged to have said the Zanu PF regalia was only fit for manual labourers, out there in the fields.

Hove was made to appear before a Lupane magistrate early this year, but the matter is currently awaiting the Prosecutor-General’s consent to go on trial.

Hove is also facing police disciplinary action, which has been ongoing since his arrest in January.

His lawyer, Bruce Masamvu, in May filed an application for discharge, arguing the charges against his client were a violation of his rights.

Masamvu yesterday told a local publication that the police disciplinary committee dismissed the application for discharge, saying he had a case to answer.

“Police disciplinary committee dismissed the application for discharge, and we filed an application for review of the proceedings and ruling at the High Court. We are awaiting the High Court dates for the review proceedings,” Masamvu said.

In an application dated May 2, Hove submitted that he was charged with contravening section 35 of the schedule to the Police Act Chapter 11:10, and is denying the charge.

Hove said the basis of his application was that evidence led by the State witnesses during the hearing does not show that he committed the offence.

The disciplinary committee was presided over by one Superintendent Mudepfa.

Allegations are that on January 3 this year, Hove was drinking beer with other patrons when an unidentified reveller passed by putting on a Zanu PF T-shirt, emblazoned with Mnangagwa’s picture.

When Hove saw the man, he allegedly said such clothing should only be worn by one going to tend to the fields. Mnangagwa, he allegedly said, had failed to run the country and, as such, should hand over power to Chamisa.

“We are suffering because of ED Mnangagwa, and we are paid money equivalent to US$100,” Hove is alleged to have said.-Newsday

By A Correspondent- Millers have distanced themselves from the ongoing litigation against government which is seeking to scrap the banning of individuals and companies from buying maize from farmers.

In June, government gazetted Statutory Instrument (SI) 145 of 2019 which restricts farmers from selling maize to private buyers.

According to SI, maize is a controlled product in terms of Section 29 of the Grain Marketing Act. No person or statutory body or company or entity shall sell or otherwise dispose any maize except to a contractor or to the GMB.

Last month, two farmers, through the Harare East legislator, Tendai Biti’s law firm TB Law, filed a court application challenging SI 145, saying the law was ill-timed.

The two in their court application cited Lands, Agriculture, Water, Climate and Rural Resettlement minister Perrance Shiri and the Grain Marketing Board as first and second respondents, respectively.

In a statement Wednesday, Grain Millers’ Association of Zimbabwe national (GMAZ) chairman Tafadzwa Musarara said litigation was not going to solve anything.

“Inasmuch as we appreciate, recognise and respect the litigants’ constitutional rights to vindicate their position in the courts, we believe that the so called ‘limitations’ in the SI can be cured through engagement with the Agriculture minister,” Musarara said.

The GMAZ boss said the milling industry had a good working relationship with government and Shiri.

“Minister Shiri is a listening minister and we are forever indebted to him for the various and numerous dispensations he has granted us. With respect to the ongoing litigation, we remain adamant that only dialogue can bring about the necessary legal framework that will regulate grain trading in the country,” he added.

Musarara added that through government’s blessings the milling industry had in the past three years procured local and imported grain worth over US$500 million, hence the need for continuous engagement with the authorities.

“We continue to work with government in coming up with the necessary and effective interventions critical to mitigate on the grain shortages occasioned by the drought and ensure the country is adequately stocked and resourced,” he said.-Newsday

By A Correspondent- Doctors have said they are no longer be able to carry out their duties due to incapacitation in another blow to the already ailing health delivery sector.

Zimbabwe Hospital Doctors Association (ZHDA) said with immediate effect, they would not be able to report for duty since their salaries had not been reviewed despite the rise in prices of basic commodities.

In a letter addressed to the Health Services Board (HSB) chairperson, the doctors said the cost of living had increased tenfold over the past few months, but salaries had been reviewed by less than 10 %.

They also noted that the “meagre” allowances were no longer sufficient for one basic food basket.

“Members are struggling to meet the costs of basic needs in food and shelter let alone clothing and healthcare,” they said.

Among their list of grievances was the issue of living conditions, which they said had become a health hazard and mental condition to both the doctors and the patients

“We request the employer to adjust our earnings to the interbank bank rate which currently sits at 8,7. We, hereby, give notice of total incapacitation with immediate effect giving the employer a grace period of three weeks upon receiving this letter to present practical solutions to our financial crisis,” the doctors said.

Asked if the action was a strike, acting chair for the doctors association, Peter Magombeyi, said it was just incapacitation.-Newsday

By A Correspondent- Zanu PF youth league in Mashonaland East province on Wednesday held an emergency meeting in Marondera to devise ways to thwart tomorrow’s nationwide protests organised by the MDC.

The league’s provincial members met to map the way forward on how to prevent the demonstrations by protesters who are irked by the current economic crisis, which has resulted in the majority of citizens facing survival challenges.

Provincial youth chairperson Kelvin Mutsvairo confirmed the meeting, saying the youth league was prepared for a head-on with violent protesters in the province.

“As the youth league, we are prepared for a head-on with protesters in this province. We don’t tolerate violence as occurred in January, hence the move to defend peace-loving and progressive people of Zimbabwe. President Emmerson Mnangagwa has been on record calling political players to come to the table and present their ideas that will benefit the nation, he has an open door policy,” he said.

In January, protesters besieged and pulled down Dombotombo Police Station and overpowered police officers, who scampered for cover, while some of them were injured in the attack. The protesters allegedly ransacked the police station, stealing computers, teargas canisters and destroying dockets.

A man was also shot dead in Dombotombo suburb by suspected police officers who were trying to disperse the crowd before hundreds, including the MDC Alliance councillors, were arrested and charged with inciting the violence.

“The MDC Alliance should take heed to President Mnangagwa’s call for dialogue if they are serious about dealing with the economic crisis, not war. We will match the protestors as we do not tolerate violence,” Mutsvairo added.

Following the announcement of the protest dates, Zanu PF has been responding with threats to block the protesters, with some top officials openly declaring that the army would thwart the demonstrations.

Meanwhile, Zanu PF-linked cleric Obadiah Msindo said, while protesting was a right enshrined in the Constitution, the opposition party should ensure the process is peaceful to safeguard democracy, economic prosperity and national cohesion.

“Yes, demonstrating is their right, but if it turns violent, it ceases to be a right because it violates other people’s rights,” he said.

Alleging that there were criminal elements and other political forces, even in the ruling party and former Zanu PF members booted out of government who are bitter with the presidency of Mnangagwa, he added: “They are itching to use such an opportunity to remove the President through violence.”

Meanwhile, some Zanu PF youths from across the country will gather at the Harare Gardens starting today until tomorrow for “farming lessons” ahead of the Harare Agricultural Show.

Speaking ahead of the arrival of provincial delegates in Harare yesterday, Mashonaland West provincial chairperson Vengai Musengi, who is co-ordinating the event, said Zanu PF youths would not disrupt the opposition MDC protests as long as they are peaceful.

“Our farming lessons were organised last month and had nothing to do with MDC protests. We will not disrupt their activities, but the Zanu PF youth will be forced to interfere if they disrupt our activities,” Musengi said.

But the ruling party’s Mashonaland West youth league issued a statement warning MDC members to shun violence.

“We do, hereby, categorically and unequivocally state that Mashonaland West province is strongly behind President Mnangagwa and government, as such, we will not tolerate, let alone allow violence and chaos to reign supreme in our province. Violence is alien to our province. The youth league will not stand in akimbo and watch as elements of disorder destroy properties. We are ready to defend our vote!” the statement read.