By Tererayi Rushwaya| We can express our dismay at Zanu’s corruption for days on end, and we can complain about the rises in commodity prices and shortage thereof; we can snigger at Zanu stooges like that Lumumba chap when they find themselves being reprimanded by the Zanu system; we can pour scorn at Patrick for being that bald headed moron who took pride in grand opening a bin; we can ridicule the general’s vanity to use skin lightening cream or the scarf wearer for…the scarf; but all this is idle chatter since the country is continually rotting. For people who want to see real political and economic progressive change in Zimbabwe there seems to be two ways of turning that into reality: a public revolt or a progressive coup d’état.
Public Revolt?
A civil uprising is labour
intensive and is not for the faint hearted as it requires the public to go
against the whole entire Zanu system which has a trigger happy army that will
not hesitate to let off at the public. It strikes right at the heart of the
average Zimbabwean’s weaknesses. A civil uprising requires unity and effective
coordination amongst the public. But unity and coordination are two things
which are notoriously and historically lacking within the Zimbabwean masses.
For the civil uprising to succeed they would have to be country wide, every
major town and city would need to be flooded with protesters demanding this
government to bugger off; Harare, Bulawayo, Gweru, Kwekwe, Masvingo, Mutare,
Chitungwiza, Marondera, Norton. The more I list these towns the more I realise
just how impossible a civil uprising in Zimbabwe is. Then there is the issue of
fear which to be fair is the number one impediment. People are scared, we all
are scared of this Zanu juggernaut, we have seen it in action, it is brutal.
Moreover, it is not easy to provide an argument for the benefits of a civil
uprising to a highly literate person who probably has one or two degrees under
their belt to put everything aside and protest and risk their own life for the
good of everyone. Mass educated people tend to be individualistic in their
approach to problem solving.
Progressive coup d’état
This therefore leaves us
with the option of a progressive coup de tat. The premise of this would be that
a younger group (possibly born frees) within the military who have progressive
political views and who are fed up with the corruption and cruelty of the old
generation would rise up and remove the old dossiers at the top and then do a
deal with the MDC (preferably do the deal before the progressive coup). Some
argue that this could result in an all out war, while others believe that so
long as the half a dozen old men who control the military and Zanu are
arrested, the rest of the turncoats will fall in line. After all there were
Zanu top officials who were publicly heaping opprobrium on the scarf wearer
when he was being dressed down by the then first lady only to heap praises on
him after the coup.
What about the war veterans?
Well, the war vets too
have several turncoats in their membership. Nonetheless, the young coup leaders
and the MDC would need to put out a statement to the war vets that they need
not worry about their welfare since the new administration will continue
recognising their heroic efforts during the liberation war.
What happens after this progressive coup d’état?
I believe a new
constitution would need to be drafted which brings serious change to the way
Zimbabwe is governed. I believe that for a generation or so, Zimbabwe should
not be governed by a single party but by a coalition government. No single
political party should be entrusted with a big task of turning around an
economy in rigor mortis such as ours. Moreover, Zimbabwe ought to have a prime
minister who is leader of government. The position of president should be
removed.
What about the military’s role after this coup?
The army would be
converted into a civilian army and a recruitment drive for maybe 20 000 young
people would need to be carried out. The old army personnel will be given
retrenchment packages or take civilian roles such as in infrastructure building
and maintenance or other public services. In my upcoming book I will go into a
lot more detail about this notion of a progressive coup.
By A Correspondent| In a restructuring exercise currently underway at First Capital Bank, more than 200 employees are set to lose their jobs.
The bank reportedly sent a memo to the would-be retrenches Friday, pledging to continue supporting each and every affected member.
The memo read in part:
The restructuring exercise is a significant change and the bank remains commited to assist each colleague through this process.
The HR Department has already communicated arrangements that have been put in place for the support services that includes counselling and financial advice.
The First Capital Bank Head of Corporate Affairs and Customer services confirmed the development to a local publication and said:
First Capital bank Zimbabwe can confirm that some employees will be exiting the bank undera compulsory restructuring exercise.
This has come at the back of the review of the operating model aimed at creating operational efficiencies. The exercise also seeks to respond to local and global trends impacting the banking industry.
This comes barely a month after First Capital Bank employees threatened to go on strike over low remunerations.
Some workers were reportedly shaken by the sudden announcement.-263Chat
May you please tell your people to stop following me around!! Ever since I was released from prison I am being followed and monitored everwhere I go by weird people in tinted cars without number plates. In the past four days, the car pictured below (black tinted ford ranger with no number plates) has been parking outside my house in the evenings.The pattern of its arrival and departure is consistent with my arrival at home from work.
I would like to reiterate that I am neither a terrorist, nor a security threat in any way. My work as a women and human rights activist is in no way related to any insurgency or terrorism acts as alleged by state security agents.
I hold no intentions to unconstitutionally remove your Government from power. I am a law abiding and peace loving Zimbabwean. I was never trained on the use of either small or big arms in Maldives as wrongly stated by propaganda in state media. The workshop I participated in was on human rights and peace building in line with my work of mobilising and capacitating women to take up leadership positions.
Please tell your people to leave me and my kids alone!! The intensified surveillance is traumatizing my family and the children are now afraid of moving freely at home where they are supposed to feel safe and secure. My children (aged 4 and 3 years) deserve peace and a safe environment just like yours and every other kid for proper development. Above all, they also need me and risk growing up without parental love and guidance if I am to be harmed by these menacing thugs.
May you also please tell your people who arrested me and confisticated my passport at the airport on 27 May 2019 to return my passport to law and order officers at Harare central police station. During my last court appearance, the investigating officer indicated that she never received my passport from the people who arrested me.
I had many opportunities to leave this country but I chose to stay so please don’t punish me for choosing to stay in Zimbabwe amidst all the economic turmoils we have faced as a country over the years.
I am not an enemy of the state Mr Mnangagwa, the enemy is the ailing economy, corruption and misgovernance. Women are suffering the worst in this economy and as a woman I don’t deserve further harassment by your agents. Women, girls and the general citizens are in a state of hopelessness. May you kindly solve the political and economic crisis sir rather than persecuting human rights defenders!
Zimbabwe’s economy is getting close to the fuel market price after eliminating subsidies which have been in place over the past months, subsidies which helped keep prices low in US$ terms, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has said.
Despite the erratic supplies, fuel prices have over the last few months rising gradually, tracking movements on the foreign exchange market. Demand for the commodity increased since May as business and domestic consumers of use fuel as an alternative source of energy. Zimbabwe is facing rolling power outages lasting up to 18 hours due to depressed generation at the country’s largest hydro-powered station.
Until May, fuel importers were accessing foreign currency at 1:1 between the RTGS dollar and the greenback despite the central bank dumping the parity in February.
IMF resident representative to Zimbabwe Patrick Imam told Business Times the subsidy was not done in a transparent manner as it was not reflecting in the budget.
“Zimbabwe has subsidised fuel on a large scale in the recent past. This was, however, not done in a transparent manner, as these were not reflected in the budget despite the budget eventually having to pay for it. It was instead done indirectly,” Imam said.
“The central bank, through preferential foreign exchange allocation to fuel importers, helped keep fuel prices low. This quasi-fiscal activity has now started to be addressed, and we are getting close to the market price.”
Since the removal of the fuel subsidy, the price has been on an upward trend will fuel retailing at ZWL$9.01 and ZWL$9.06 per litre for petrol and diesel respectively from ZWL$3.26 and ZWL$3.38 prior to the removal of the subsidy.
Imam said the Fund was not opposed to subsidies as they can be used, for instance, when the government wants to encourage the consumption or production of something that would otherwise be under-supplied by the market such as education.
“In all countries around the world, there is a strong belief in the importance of having an educated population, both for its own sake because there is an intrinsic value in being educated, but also because an educated workforce imposes a positive externality on the country,” he said.
He said when Malawi removed all primary school fees, enrollment went up from 2 million children to 3 million over 6 years and the enrollment gap between the rich and the poor closed.
Imam said there were also bad reasons to subsidise, for instance, when it happens for political reasons and that from society’s point of view are not necessarily desirable or efficient.
“Think of the Common Agricultural Policy as practiced in Europe in the 1980s. European farmers were able to extract large subsidies, because they mattered politically. The result of this policy was that it imposed a huge cost on European consumers, but especially on farmers around the world who saw on oversupply of products such as milk depressing international prices,” he said adding that there are subsidies used to keep loss-making State-owned enterprises that are not viable alive.
“Think of all the airlines over the African continent that are recapitalised every few years. It’s politically easier to keep a State-owned enterprise alive than face a vocal group of unemployed individuals.”
Farai Dziva|MDC leader Nelson Chamisa has said Zanu PF betrayed the core values of the liberation war through massive vote rigging.
Below is Chamisa’s statement on the coming Heroes and Defence Forces celebrations:
It is exactly twelve months since disputed and stolen election of 2018.
The majority of Zimbabweans are still in shock at the brazen manner in which their vote was stolen.
Disputed elections continue to pose a major blow and betrayal to the fundamental ideals of the liberation struggle, whose main aim and clarion call was One Man, One Vote.
Manipulation of the vote is indeed a negation of the sanctity and integrity of the right to choose for which so many of our people died in pursuit of that democratic right.
The non racial Zimbabwe of today was born out of a strong desire, and a determined sense of sacrifice, by many brave young men and women, who put their lives and livelihoods at risk in order to deliver a free and prosperous Zimbabwe, for all who live and belong to it.
The liberation of Zimbabwe came through a protracted war of independence, so this month we are joined together as Zimbabweans in paying tribute to the valiant men and women, who fought for the liberation of their country, Zimbabwe.
What brings and binds us together as Zimbabweans is far more important than what may separate us as a people.
Through this incredible sacrifice, we are moved to believe that with unity of purpose, fortitude and commitment, no weapon can stop a moment whose time has come.
Our liberation heroes such as Josiah Tongogara and Nikita Mangena, always reminded us that victory was certain, those worlds have never been more appropriate and truer, than for this time that we are living in.
No evil force can overwhelm a people’s desire whose cause is just and righteous, and whose time has now come.
In fact, so important is the Heroes commemoration, such that allocating a mere day for such a mammoth and important occasion is not enough.
In a New Zimbabwe, under a new people’s government, everyday will be a Heroes Day, because we honour our heroes through how we live our lives and not through cosmetic, vacuous and inadequate celebratiosn that ignore our people’s suffering.
We believe that Heroes are found at all levels, and are not only political, because we find them in our communities looking after orphans and the disabled, an example set by the late great Jairos Jiri.
Our new government will declare a Heroes and Memorials month so that the nation is accorded adequate time to remember the sacrifices made, the courage exhibited, the bodies maimed and the lives lost in the struggles to liberate and democratize our beautiful Zimbabwe.
We will be setting aside a whole month to celebrate this significant epoch in the national story of Zimbabwe, these celebrations will be done and reflected through how we look after our people, especially the most vulnerable.
There is nothing heroic or revolutionary about stealing money meant for pensioners at NSSA, and looting money meant for social services as we have seen happen for decades under the present government.
Heroism is about protecting our people and not about making empty speeches at a place that has been turned into a political party cemetery, yet funded by the struggling taxpayer in Guruve, Gwanda, Murewa, Bikita and everywhere in the country.
It is my wish for the whole month of August to be littered with community programs, town-hall meetings, village communions, dance, arts, film and various other festivities in remembrance of those patriotic Zimbabweans whose blood irrigated the tree of our political and economic emancipation.
These gallant sons and daughters of this land, whose sweat, toil and tears birthed an independent and democratic Zimbabwe, should be celebrated through works that reflect how they envisaged a free Zimbabwe.
Those of us who are the political alternative are fully aware of the fact that the democratic struggle that we are prosecuting, is mutually inclusive and consistent with the liberation struggle ideals of Nikita Mangena and Josiah Tongogara.
We fully recognize that the unfulfilled part of their struggle desires is found in the lack of liberation and political independence outcomes, which are defined by the freedom to choose, and also by the availability of a better life for our people.
Theirs was a truly heroic struggle, but unfortunately their dream of a better Zimbabwe remains a dream deferred that we must now fulfil in order to complete the liberation struggle.
The challenge for our generation is to fully address that conspicuous deficit, one that has brought untold suffering to our people.
Our role as a democratic movement is simply to complete the unfinished business of the liberation struggle, whose aspirations and desires should never be ignoredd or undermined.
Our struggle as a democratic movement, the struggle we began with the iconic Dr Morgan Richard Tsvangirai and others in 1999, is a patriotic struggle that stands right on the shoulders of the struggle waged by Alfred Nikita Mangena, Joshua Nkomo, Josiah Magama Tongogara and Lookout Khalisabantu Vumindaba Masuku, Herbert Chitepo, Leopold Takawirato mention but a few.
We only wish to complete that unfinished National Democratic struggle by ensuring that the attendant freedoms and the full democracy that this iconic generation aspired for are fully achieved in our lifetime.
And indeed from this generation, they shall come forthwith our own heroes, those who are sacrificing for the fulfilment of the Zimbabwean dream.
The spirit of heroism is within each and every one of us.
That spirit of sacrifice, that sense of responsibility and duty towards others around and beyond us within our borders is what we are in pursuit of.
We salute those who at times risk their lives to save others in one-way or another.
Each and every generation has its own heroes. We also have modern-day heroes who remind us that it is in our nature to reach out to others, to sacrifice for others and to do that which is good for our country.
On this National Heroes’ Day, we resolutely salute them, as we do to our sportsmen and women; our musicians who through their hard work on the international scene continue shine a positive and bright light on Zimbabwe.
Indeed, we also have everyday heroes in our military and police forces, our teachers, nurses, and countless responsible citizens who see sacrifice as a duty, and honour in service to our great nation.
I am painfully aware that some of you may be in a fuel or bank queue, or have no electricity or water, or can’t get your passport, or are struggling with medical or school fees, or have nightmares with the rising cost of living and high prices.
Remember, every shortage is but a shortage of love. Every problem and shortages that we are encountering are a leadership deficit.
Amidst the current hardships of water, power and cash shortages, I wish to take advantage of this occasion to salute all resilient Zimbabweans who are braving these painful realities under these difficult circumstances.
Indeed, you are national heroes. Your sacrifices under these trying times need to be equally celebrated and acknowledged.
I urge you all the heroic people of Zimbabwe not to despair, better must come, and it will come if we are united in delivering a Zimbabwe for not only ourselves, but for future generations to come whose stock is constantly being looted by a corrupt, incompetent and nepotistic predatory group.
Let all Zimbabweans reflect on the sacrifices paid on this day.
Let us all spend the holiday with our families and friends and share our aspirations and thoughts of a united and peaceful country.
It is heart wrenching to note that war veterans who were at the centre of the struggle for our independence are living under squalid conditions and without any social or economic support from the State.
The plight of war veterans and their families is of immediate national concern.
The men and women who fought for the independence of this country from colonial rule had a vision and aspirations.
This vision has being shattered by criminal behaviour and selfish and personal pursuits for wealth.
Today, this once breadbasket of Africa is now a basket case.
Surely, this stands out as a betrayal of the loft ideals of the liberation struggle.
Incredibly, Zimbabwe houses vast wealth, exceptionally talented Human Resources, rich minerals, fertile lands and natural wonders.
The opportunities for economic transformation and prosperity are limitless and immediately available if we have a people’s government, one that cares about the nation.
The population of our young and very educated people makes an ambitious economic growth path more certainly achievable in our lifetime.
The vision that has been set by our forefathers and yet betrayed by their successors is not far beyond our reach, but only if we start working NOW.
That work begins today by fixing our politics and governance deficits.
Good governance and growth have long been pencilled to go hand in hand with a nation’s success.
However, we will not fix our politics without true and legitimate leaders, Zimbabwe is a long way from real transformation and sustainable growth as long as it is subjected to comical political arrangements meant to satisfy the greed and very few.
The Zimbabwe that our heroes dreamt, worked and died for is one in which no citizen would be unsafe and insecure in the land of their birth.
In that Zimbabwe, no citizen would die or be in jail on account of politics, power and political differences.
It would be a Zimbabwe in which every citizen would have a decent job and wage, with all Zimbabweans having a fair share and equal opportunities to the wealth they create and equal rights that our heroes secured for us.
This Zimbabwe, however, can only be built by a political leadership that places the highest premium on integrity and which is committed to the highest standards of public service, while recognising the importance of a partnership with the people they serve.
We can best honour our heroes by providing this leadership in our various areas of endeavour, as we rededicate ourselves to the task of building a Zimbabwe that offers opportunity to all its people, and where we all share and care for each other.
This is where we must begin today here in Zimbabwe. We are determined to return our country to legitimacy, democracy and prosperity.
My fellow citizens, nothing short of a political solution through national dialogue will extricate our country from the jaws of impoverishment, poverty and suffering.
We must have genuine comprehensive political and electoral reforms to transform our country and make it prosperous.
To the entrepreneurs (vendors), the war veterans, the workers, youth and women’s groups, the marginalized groups, the civic and church groups, let us mobilize each other as peacemakers in the quest for freedom.
Let us not miss our turn to be genuinely heroic in pursuit of a better life.
Let us sacrifice for a better Zimbabwe. Let us be the heroes of our time by bringing back that glitter, glamour and glory to our motherland.
Our national heroes have left us a great heritage and legacy to build on; let us preserve it for generations to come.
None but ourselves can fix this country.
This is the purpose of our generation. The liberation generation discovered theirs, we as the transformation generation must play our part and act our duty by delivering a truly prosperous Zimbabwe.
In conclusion, I wish to say to the youth of this country, you are the game changers and defenders of our country.
The cost of doing nothing far exceeds the cost of doing something.
We must change our unmerited circumstances and harsh realities of joblessness, hopelessness and poverty.
The future is bright. Tomorrow is glorious!
Change that delivers.
Thank you and God Bless You.
Happy Heroes Month.
Zimbabwe, land we love, land of peacemakers, Our motherland.
At least 57 people have been killed and 65 injured in a fuel tanker explosion in Tanzania, police say.
Pictures posted online show flaming wreckage scattered over a wide area and charred bodies lying on the ground.
Police said people were trying to recover fuel from the vehicle, which had overturned on a major road some time earlier, when the blast happened.
The incident occurred in Morogoro region, about 200 km (124 miles) west of the port city of Dar es Salaam
The city of Morogoro is on a major route for transporting cargo and fuel from the port, which is the country’s commercial capital.
There are fears the death toll could rise.
“The situation is really bad. Many people died, here even those who were not stealing fuel because this is a busy place,” said eyewitness Daniel Ngogo, quoted by Reuters news agency.
Correspondents say disasters like this have happened all too frequently in parts of Africa where some people are willing to take huge risks to remove fuel from tankers and pipelines.
Last month at least 45 people were killed when a crashed fuel tanker exploded in Nigeria’s northern Benue state. – BBC News
By A Correspondent| The house is in Borrowdale, Harare.
Sources privy to the developments alleged that hundreds on MDC t-shirts are being printed in preparation for the upcoming August 16 protest.
The regalia, is set to be distributed to Zanu Pf youths who are going to cause violence and mayhem.
The development follows revelations by the Zimbabwe National Army boss Valerie Sibanda that while the army is not partisan, it would not fold its hands and watch “anarchy”.
Could this be reason why MDC t shirts are being printed?
Will violence perpetrated by Zanu Pf erupt on August 16?
By Farai D Hove| Latest reports indicate that there are busy efforts by ZANU PF members to sabotage the upcoming MDC demo.
This comes as the planned 16th Aug protest drew nigh.
Said Nelson Chamisa’s spokesman, Nkululeko Sibanda, “there are confirmed efforts underway by Mnangagwa’s militias to hijack the MDC demonstrations and cause mayhem on the 16th of August.
“The truth is Mnangagwa can not continue to barricade himself at State House using bodies of dead Zimbabweans.
There is a limit to this. It is rare that two dictators follow each other on brutality and the latter also gets away with it. Mnangagwa’s strategy of using guns is perilous.”
By Saturday morning, revelations pointer to an address in Borrowdale road where MDC t shirts are being printed. Sources confirmed the regalia were truly being printed overnight on Friday.
ALSO WATCH THE BELOW SITING OF ALLEGED PRINTING OF FAKE MDC T SHIRTS:
By Nelson Chamisa| It is exactly twelve months since disputed and stolen election of 2018.
The majority of Zimbabweans are still in shock at the brazen manner in which their vote was stolen.
Disputed elections continue to pose a major blow and betrayal to the fundamental ideals of the liberation struggle, whose main aim and clarion call was One Man, One Vote.
Manipulation of the vote is indeed a negation of the sanctity and integrity of the right to choose for which so many of our people died in pursuit of that democratic right.
The non racial Zimbabwe of today was born out of a strong desire, and a determined sense of sacrifice, by many brave young men and women, who put their lives and livelihoods at risk in order to deliver a free and prosperous Zimbabwe, for all who live and belong to it.
The liberation of Zimbabwe came through a protracted war of independence, so this month we are joined together as Zimbabweans in paying tribute to the valiant men and women, who fought for the liberation of their country, Zimbabwe.
What brings and binds us together as Zimbabweans is far more important than what may separate us as a people.
Through this incredible sacrifice, we are moved to believe that with unity of purpose, fortitude and commitment, no weapon can stop a moment whose time has come.
Our liberation heroes such as Josiah Tongogara and Nikita Mangena, always reminded us that victory was certain, those worlds have never been more appropriate and truer, than for this time that we are living in.
No evil force can overwhelm a people’s desire whose cause is just and righteous, and whose time has now come.
In fact, so important is the Heroes commemoration, such that allocating a mere day for such a mammoth and important occasion is not enough.
In a New Zimbabwe, under a new people’s government, everyday will be a Heroes Day, because we honour our heroes through how we live our lives and not through cosmetic, vacuous and inadequate celebration that ignore our people’s suffering.
We believe that Heroes are found at all levels, and are not only political, because we find them in our communities looking after orphans and the disabled, an example set by the late great Jairos Jiri.
Our new government will declare a Heroes and Memorials month so that the nation is accorded adequate time to remember the sacrifices made, the courage exhibited, the bodies maimed and the lives lost in the struggles to liberate and democratize our beautiful Zimbabwe.
We will be setting aside a whole month to celebrate this significant epoch in the national story of Zimbabwe, these celebrations will be done and reflected through how we look after our people, especially the most vulnerable.
There is nothing heroic or revolutionary about stealing money meant for pensioners at NSSA, and looting money meant for social services as we have seen happen for decades under the present government.
Heroism is about protecting our people and not about making empty speeches at a place that has been turned into a political party cemetery, yet funded by the struggling taxpayer in Guruve, Gwanda, Murewa, Bikita and everywhere in the country.
It is my wish for the whole month of August to be littered with community programs, town-hall meetings, village communions, dance, arts, film and various other festivities in remembrance of those patriotic Zimbabweans whose blood irrigated the tree of our political and economic emancipation.
These gallant sons and daughters of this land, whose sweat, toil and tears birthed an independent and democratic Zimbabwe, should be celebrated through works that reflect how they envisaged a free Zimbabwe.
Those of us who are the political alternative are fully aware of the fact that the democratic struggle that we are prosecuting, is mutually inclusive and consistent with the liberation struggle ideals of Nikita Mangena and Josiah Tongogara.
We fully recognize that the unfulfilled part of their struggle desires is found in the lack of liberation and political independence outcomes, which are defined by the freedom to choose, and also by the availability of a better life for our people.
Theirs was a truly heroic struggle, but unfortunately their dream of a better Zimbabwe remains a dream deferred that we must now fulfil in order to complete the liberation struggle.
The challenge for our generation is to fully address that conspicuous deficit, one that has brought untold suffering to our people.
Our role as a democratic movement is simply to complete the unfinished business of the liberation struggle, whose aspirations and desires should never be ignored or undermined.
Our struggle as a democratic movement, the struggle we began with the iconic Dr Morgan Richard Tsvangirai and others in 1999, is a patriotic struggle that stands right on the shoulders of the struggle waged by *Alfred Nikita Mangena, Joshua Nkomo, Josiah Magama Tongogara and Lookout Khalisabantu Vumindaba Masuku, Herbert Chitepo, Leopold Takawira*to mention but a few.
We only wish to complete that unfinished National Democratic struggle by ensuring that the attendant freedoms and the full democracy that this iconic generation aspired for are fully achieved in our lifetime.
And indeed from this generation, they shall come forthwith our own heroes, those who are sacrificing for the fulfilment of the Zimbabwean dream.
The spirit of heroism is within each and every one of us. That spirit of sacrifice, that sense of responsibility and duty towards others around and beyond us within our borders is what we are in pursuit of.
We salute those who at times risk their lives to save others in one-way or another.
Each and every generation has its own heroes. We also have modern-day heroes who remind us that it is in our nature to reach out to others, to sacrifice for others and to do that which is good for our country.
On this National Heroes’ Day, we resolutely salute them, as we do to our sportsmen and women; our musicians who through their hard work on the international scene continue shine a positive and bright light on Zimbabwe.
Indeed, we also have everyday heroes in our military and police forces, our teachers, nurses, and countless responsible citizens who see sacrifice as a duty, and honour in service to our great nation.
I am painfully aware that some of you may be in a fuel or bank queue, or have no electricity or water, or can’t get your passport, or are struggling with medical or school fees, or have nightmares with the rising cost of living and high prices.
Remember, every shortage is but a shortage of love. Every problem and shortages that we are encountering are a leadership deficit.
Amidst the current hardships of water, power and cash shortages, I wish to take advantage of this occasion to salute all resilient Zimbabweans who are braving these painful realities under these difficult circumstances.
Indeed, you are national heroes. Your sacrifices under these trying times need to be equally celebrated and acknowledged.
I urge you all the heroic people of Zimbabwe not to despair, better must come, and it will come if we are united in delivering a Zimbabwe for not only ourselves, but for future generations to come whose stock is constantly being looted by a corrupt, incompetent and nepotistic predatory group.
Let all Zimbabweans reflect on the sacrifices paid on this day.
Let us all spend the holiday with our families and friends and share our aspirations and thoughts of a united and peaceful country.
It is heart wrenching to note that war veterans who were at the centre of the struggle for our independence are living under squalid conditions and without any social or economic support from the State.
The plight of war veterans and their families is of immediate national concern.
The men and women who fought for the independence of this country from colonial rule had a vision and aspirations.
This vision has being shattered by criminal behaviour and selfish and personal pursuits for wealth.
Today, this once breadbasket of Africa is now a basket case.
Surely, this stands out as a betrayal of the loft ideals of the liberation struggle.
Incredibly, Zimbabwe houses vast wealth, exceptionally talented Human Resources, rich minerals, fertile lands and natural wonders.
The opportunities for economic transformation and prosperity are limitless and immediately available if we have a people’s government, one that cares about the nation.
The population of our young and very educated people makes an ambitious economic growth path more certainly achievable in our lifetime.
The vision that has been set by our forefathers and yet betrayed by their successors is not far beyond our reach, but only if we start working NOW.
That work begins today by fixing our politics and governance deficits.
Good governance and growth have long been pencilled to go hand in hand with a nation’s success.
However, we will not fix our politics without true and legitimate leaders, Zimbabwe is a long way from real transformation and sustainable growth as long as it is subjected to comical political arrangements meant to satisfy the greed and very few.
The Zimbabwe that our heroes dreamt, worked and died for is one in which no citizen would be a unsafe and insecure in the land of their birth.
In that Zimbabwe, no citizen would die or be in jail on account of politics, power and political differences.
It would be a Zimbabwe in which every citizen would have a decent job and wage, with all Zimbabweans having a fair share and equal opportunities to the wealth they create and equal rights that our heroes secured for us.
This Zimbabwe, however, can only be built by a political leadership that places the highest premium on integrity and which is committed to the highest standards of public service, while recognising the importance of a partnership with the people they serve.
We can best honour our heroes by providing this leadership in our various areas of endeavour, as we rededicate ourselves to the task of building a Zimbabwe that offers opportunity to all its people, and where we all share and care for each other.
This is where we must begin today here in Zimbabwe. We are determined to return our country to legitimacy, democracy and prosperity.
My fellow citizens, nothing short of a political solution through national dialogue will extricate our country from the jaws of impoverishment, poverty and suffering.
We must have genuine comprehensive political and electoral reforms to transform our country and make it prosperous.
To the entrepreneurs (vendors), the war veterans, the workers, youth and women’s groups, the marginalized groups, the civic and church groups, let us mobilize each other as peacemakers in the quest for freedom.
Let us not miss our turn to be genuinely heroic in pursuit of a better life.
Let us sacrifice for a better Zimbabwe. Let us be the heroes of our time by bringing back that glitter, glamour and glory to our motherland.
Our national heroes have left us a great heritage and legacy to build on; let us preserve it for generations to come.
None but ourselves can fix this country.
This is the purpose of our generation. The liberation generation discovered theirs, we as the transformation generation must play our part and act our duty by delivering a truly prosperous Zimbabwe.
In conclusion, I wish to say to the youth of this country, you are the game changers and defenders of our country.
The cost of doing nothing far exceeds the cost of doing something.
We must change our unmerited circumstances and harsh realities of joblessness, hopelessness and poverty.
The future is bright. Tomorrow is glorious!
Change that delivers.
Thank you and God Bless You.
Happy Heroes Month.
Zimbabwe, land we love, land of peacemakers, Our motherland.
MDC Mbizo MP Settlement Chikwinya and his Redcliff counterpart, Lloyd Mukapiko, were yesterday acquitted of charges of inciting violence during the January fuel price hike protests.
Kwekwe magistrate Story Rushambwa concurred with the legal team for the MPs led by Gweru lawyer Wellington Davira that the State had failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt.
Chikwinya and Mukapiko spent more than two weeks in custody, before being granted bail.
The State, led by prosecutor Yemurai Mugumba, had alleged that the two MDC officials incited public violence during the fuel price hike protests that rocked the country in January after President Emmerson Mnangagwa raised the price by 150 %.
According to the State, the actions of the two led to the blocking of roads and destruction of property in central Kwekwe.
In an interview with Southern Eye yesterday, the duo’s lawyer, Davira, said the magistrate had directed himself well in clearing the MPs of the charges.
“Our clients’ defence was that of alibi. They were not at the scene of the alleged crimes. That on its own, therefore, saw them being cleared of the false charges,” he said.
Chikwinya is a national executive member of the MDC, where he heads the transport and logistics committee. On the other hand, Mukapiko is the MDC Midlands organising secretary.
Davira argued during trial that Chikwinya was at a local pub during the time he was alleged to have addressed people at Rippaz Shop, inciting them to turn violent.
He also told the court that Mukapiko was, in fact, sitting for a provisional driver’s license at Vehicle Inspection Department at the time police also alleged he had addressed people, inciting them to engage in violence.
It is exactly twelve months since disputed and stolen election of 2018.
The majority of Zimbabweans are still in shock at the brazen manner in which their vote was stolen.
Disputed elections continue to pose a major blow and betrayal to the fundamental ideals of the liberation struggle, whose main aim and clarion call was One Man, One Vote.
Manipulation of the vote is indeed a negation of the sanctity and integrity of the right to choose for which so many of our people died in pursuit of that democratic right.
The non racial Zimbabwe of today was born out of a strong desire, and a determined sense of sacrifice, by many brave young men and women, who put their lives and livelihoods at risk in order to deliver a free and prosperous Zimbabwe, for all who live and belong to it.
The liberation of Zimbabwe came through a protracted war of independence, so this month we are joined together as Zimbabweans in paying tribute to the valiant men and women, who fought for the liberation of their country, Zimbabwe.
What brings and binds us together as Zimbabweans is far more important than what may separate us as a people.
Through this incredible sacrifice, we are moved to believe that with unity of purpose, fortitude and commitment, no weapon can stop a moment whose time has come.
Our liberation heroes such as Josiah Tongogara and Nikita Mangena, always reminded us that victory was certain, those worlds have never been more appropriate and truer, than for this time that we are living in.
No evil force can overwhelm a people’s desire whose cause is just and righteous, and whose time has now come.
In fact, so important is the Heroes commemoration, such that allocating a mere day for such a mammoth and important occasion is not enough.
In a New Zimbabwe, under a new people’s government, everyday will be a Heroes Day, because we honour our heroes through how we live our lives and not through cosmetic, vacuous and inadequate celebratiosn that ignore our people’s suffering.
We believe that Heroes are found at all levels, and are not only political, because we find them in our communities looking after orphans and the disabled, an example set by the late great Jairos Jiri.
Our new government will declare a Heroes and Memorials month so that the nation is accorded adequate time to remember the sacrifices made, the courage exhibited, the bodies maimed and the lives lost in the struggles to liberate and democratize our beautiful Zimbabwe.
We will be setting aside a whole month to celebrate this significant epoch in the national story of Zimbabwe, these celebrations will be done and reflected through how we look after our people, especially the most vulnerable.
There is nothing heroic or revolutionary about stealing money meant for pensioners at NSSA, and looting money meant for social services as we have seen happen for decades under the present government.
Heroism is about protecting our people and not about making empty speeches at a place that has been turned into a political party cemetery, yet funded by the struggling taxpayer in Guruve, Gwanda, Murewa, Bikita and everywhere in the country.
It is my wish for the whole month of August to be littered with community programs, town-hall meetings, village communions, dance, arts, film and various other festivities in remembrance of those patriotic Zimbabweans whose blood irrigated the tree of our political and economic emancipation.
These gallant sons and daughters of this land, whose sweat, toil and tears birthed an independent and democratic Zimbabwe, should be celebrated through works that reflect how they envisaged a free Zimbabwe.
Those of us who are the political alternative are fully aware of the fact that the democratic struggle that we are prosecuting, is mutually inclusive and consistent with the liberation struggle ideals of Nikita Mangena and Josiah Tongogara.
We fully recognize that the unfulfilled part of their struggle desires is found in the lack of liberation and political independence outcomes, which are defined by the freedom to choose, and also by the availability of a better life for our people.
Theirs was a truly heroic struggle, but unfortunately their dream of a better Zimbabwe remains a dream deferred that we must now fulfil in order to complete the liberation struggle.
The challenge for our generation is to fully address that conspicuous deficit, one that has brought untold suffering to our people.
Our role as a democratic movement is simply to complete the unfinished business of the liberation struggle, whose aspirations and desires should never be ignoredd or undermined.
Our struggle as a democratic movement, the struggle we began with the iconic Dr Morgan Richard Tsvangirai and others in 1999, is a patriotic struggle that stands right on the shoulders of the struggle waged by *Alfred Nikita Mangena, Joshua Nkomo, Josiah Magama Tongogara and Lookout Khalisabantu Vumindaba Masuku, Herbert Chitepo, Leopold Takawira*to mention but a few.
We only wish to complete that unfinished National Democratic struggle by ensuring that the attendant freedoms and the full democracy that this iconic generation aspired for are fully achieved in our lifetime.
And indeed from this generation, they shall come forthwith our own heroes, those who are sacrificing for the fulfilment of the Zimbabwean dream.
The spirit of heroism is within each and every one of us.
That spirit of sacrifice, that sense of responsibility and duty towards others around and beyond us within our borders is what we are in pursuit of.
We salute those who at times risk their lives to save others in one-way or another.
Each and every generation has its own heroes. We also have modern-day heroes who remind us that it is in our nature to reach out to others, to sacrifice for others and to do that which is good for our country.
On this National Heroes’ Day, we resolutely salute them, as we do to our sportsmen and women; our musicians who through their hard work on the international scene continue shine a positive and bright light on Zimbabwe.
Indeed, we also have everyday heroes in our military and police forces, our teachers, nurses, and countless responsible citizens who see sacrifice as a duty, and honour in service to our great nation.
I am painfully aware that some of you may be in a fuel or bank queue, or have no electricity or water, or can’t get your passport, or are struggling with medical or school fees, or have nightmares with the rising cost of living and high prices.
Remember, every shortage is but a shortage of love. Every problem and shortages that we are encountering are a leadership deficit.
Amidst the current hardships of water, power and cash shortages, I wish to take advantage of this occasion to salute all resilient Zimbabweans who are braving these painful realities under these difficult circumstances.
Indeed, you are national heroes. Your sacrifices under these trying times need to be equally celebrated and acknowledged.
I urge you all the heroic people of Zimbabwe not to despair, better must come, and it will come if we are united in delivering a Zimbabwe for not only ourselves, but for future generations to come whose stock is constantly being looted by a corrupt, incompetent and nepotistic predatory group.
Let all Zimbabweans reflect on the sacrifices paid on this day.
Let us all spend the holiday with our families and friends and share our aspirations and thoughts of a united and peaceful country.
It is heart wrenching to note that war veterans who were at the centre of the struggle for our independence are living under squalid conditions and without any social or economic support from the State.
The plight of war veterans and their families is of immediate national concern.
The men and women who fought for the independence of this country from colonial rule had a vision and aspirations.
This vision has being shattered by criminal behaviour and selfish and personal pursuits for wealth.
Today, this once breadbasket of Africa is now a basket case.
Surely, this stands out as a betrayal of the loft ideals of the liberation struggle.
Incredibly, Zimbabwe houses vast wealth, exceptionally talented Human Resources, rich minerals, fertile lands and natural wonders.
The opportunities for economic transformation and prosperity are limitless and immediately available if we have a people’s government, one that cares about the nation.
The population of our young and very educated people makes an ambitious economic growth path more certainly achievable in our lifetime.
The vision that has been set by our forefathers and yet betrayed by their successors is not far beyond our reach, but only if we start working NOW.
That work begins today by fixing our politics and governance deficits.
Good governance and growth have long been pencilled to go hand in hand with a nation’s success.
However, we will not fix our politics without true and legitimate leaders, Zimbabwe is a long way from real transformation and sustainable growth as long as it is subjected to comical political arrangements meant to satisfy the greed and very few.
The Zimbabwe that our heroes dreamt, worked and died for is one in which no citizen would be a unsafe and insecure in the land of their birth.
In that Zimbabwe, no citizen would die or be in jail on account of politics, power and political differences.
It would be a Zimbabwe in which every citizen would have a decent job and wage, with all Zimbabweans having a fair share and equal opportunities to the wealth they create and equal rights that our heroes secured for us.
This Zimbabwe, however, can only be built by a political leadership that places the highest premium on integrity and which is committed to the highest standards of public service, while recognising the importance of a partnership with the people they serve.
We can best honour our heroes by providing this leadership in our various areas of endeavour, as we rededicate ourselves to the task of building a Zimbabwe that offers opportunity to all its people, and where we all share and care for each other.
This is where we must begin today here in Zimbabwe. We are determined to return our country to legitimacy, democracy and prosperity.
My fellow citizens, nothing short of a political solution through national dialogue will extricate our country from the jaws of impoverishment, poverty and suffering.
We must have genuine comprehensive political and electoral reforms to transform our country and make it prosperous.
To the entrepreneurs (vendors), the war veterans, the workers, youth and women’s groups, the marginalized groups, the civic and church groups, let us mobilize each other as peacemakers in the quest for freedom.
Let us not miss our turn to be genuinely heroic in pursuit of a better life.
Let us sacrifice for a better Zimbabwe. Let us be the heroes of our time by bringing back that glitter, glamour and glory to our motherland.
Our national heroes have left us a great heritage and legacy to build on; let us preserve it for generations to come.
None but ourselves can fix this country.
This is the purpose of our generation. The liberation generation discovered theirs, we as the transformation generation must play our part and act our duty by delivering a truly prosperous Zimbabwe.
In conclusion, I wish to say to the youth of this country, you are the game changers and defenders of our country.
The cost of doing nothing far exceeds the cost of doing something.
We must change our unmerited circumstances and harsh realities of joblessness, hopelessness and poverty.
The future is bright. Tomorrow is glorious!
Change that delivers.
Thank you and God Bless You.
Happy Heroes Month.
Zimbabwe, land we love, land of peacemakers, Our motherland.
MDC President Nelson Chamisa’s Heroes Month message to the people of Zimbabwe
It is exactly twelve months since disputed and stolen election of 2018.
The majority of Zimbabweans are still in shock at the brazen manner in which their vote was stolen.
Disputed elections continue to pose a major blow and betrayal to the fundamental ideals of the liberation struggle, whose main aim and clarion call was One Man, One Vote.
Manipulation of the vote is indeed a negation of the sanctity and integrity of the right to choose for which so many of our people died in pursuit of that democratic right.
The non racial Zimbabwe of today was born out of a strong desire, and a determined sense of sacrifice, by many brave young men and women, who put their lives and livelihoods at risk in order to deliver a free and prosperous Zimbabwe, for all who live and belong to it.
The liberation of Zimbabwe came through a protracted war of independence, so this month we are joined together as Zimbabweans in paying tribute to the valiant men and women, who fought for the liberation of their country, Zimbabwe.
What brings and binds us together as Zimbabweans is far more important than what may separate us as a people.
Through this incredible sacrifice, we are moved to believe that with unity of purpose, fortitude and commitment, no weapon can stop a moment whose time has come.
Our liberation heroes such as Josiah Tongogara and Nikita Mangena, always reminded us that victory was certain, those worlds have never been more appropriate and truer, than for this time that we are living in.
No evil force can overwhelm a people’s desire whose cause is just and righteous, and whose time has now come.
In fact, so important is the Heroes commemoration, such that allocating a mere day for such a mammoth and important occasion is not enough.
In a New Zimbabwe, under a new people’s government, everyday will be a Heroes Day, because we honour our heroes through how we live our lives and not through cosmetic, vacuous and inadequate celebratiosn that ignore our people’s suffering.
We believe that Heroes are found at all levels, and are not only political, because we find them in our communities looking after orphans and the disabled, an example set by the late great Jairos Jiri.
Our new government will declare a Heroes and Memorials month so that the nation is accorded adequate time to remember the sacrifices made, the courage exhibited, the bodies maimed and the lives lost in the struggles to liberate and democratize our beautiful Zimbabwe.
We will be setting aside a whole month to celebrate this significant epoch in the national story of Zimbabwe, these celebrations will be done and reflected through how we look after our people, especially the most vulnerable.
There is nothing heroic or revolutionary about stealing money meant for pensioners at NSSA, and looting money meant for social services as we have seen happen for decades under the present government.
Heroism is about protecting our people and not about making empty speeches at a place that has been turned into a political party cemetery, yet funded by the struggling taxpayer in Guruve, Gwanda, Murewa, Bikita and everywhere in the country.
It is my wish for the whole month of August to be littered with community programs, town-hall meetings, village communions, dance, arts, film and various other festivities in remembrance of those patriotic Zimbabweans whose blood irrigated the tree of our political and economic emancipation.
These gallant sons and daughters of this land, whose sweat, toil and tears birthed an independent and democratic Zimbabwe, should be celebrated through works that reflect how they envisaged a free Zimbabwe.
Those of us who are the political alternative are fully aware of the fact that the democratic struggle that we are prosecuting, is mutually inclusive and consistent with the liberation struggle ideals of Nikita Mangena and Josiah Tongogara.
We fully recognize that the unfulfilled part of their struggle desires is found in the lack of liberation and political independence outcomes, which are defined by the freedom to choose, and also by the availability of a better life for our people.
Theirs was a truly heroic struggle, but unfortunately their dream of a better Zimbabwe remains a dream deferred that we must now fulfil in order to complete the liberation struggle.
The challenge for our generation is to fully address that conspicuous deficit, one that has brought untold suffering to our people.
Our role as a democratic movement is simply to complete the unfinished business of the liberation struggle, whose aspirations and desires should never be ignoredd or undermined.
Our struggle as a democratic movement, the struggle we began with the iconic Dr Morgan Richard Tsvangirai and others in 1999, is a patriotic struggle that stands right on the shoulders of the struggle waged by Alfred Nikita Mangena, Joshua Nkomo, Josiah Magama Tongogara and Lookout Khalisabantu Vumindaba Masuku, Herbert Chitepo, Leopold Takawirato mention but a few.
We only wish to complete that unfinished National Democratic struggle by ensuring that the attendant freedoms and the full democracy that this iconic generation aspired for are fully achieved in our lifetime.
And indeed from this generation, they shall come forthwith our own heroes, those who are sacrificing for the fulfilment of the Zimbabwean dream.
The spirit of heroism is within each and every one of us. That spirit of sacrifice, that sense of responsibility and duty towards others around and beyond us within our borders is what we are in pursuit of.
We salute those who at times risk their lives to save others in one-way or another.
Each and every generation has its own heroes. We also have modern-day heroes who remind us that it is in our nature to reach out to others, to sacrifice for others and to do that which is good for our country.
On this National Heroes’ Day, we resolutely salute them, as we do to our sportsmen and women; our musicians who through their hard work on the international scene continue shine a positive and bright light on Zimbabwe.
Indeed, we also have everyday heroes in our military and police forces, our teachers, nurses, and countless responsible citizens who see sacrifice as a duty, and honour in service to our great nation.
I am painfully aware that some of you may be in a fuel or bank queue, or have no electricity or water, or can’t get your passport, or are struggling with medical or school fees, or have nightmares with the rising cost of living and high prices.
Remember, every shortage is but a shortage of love. Every problem and shortages that we are encountering are a leadership deficit.
Amidst the current hardships of water, power and cash shortages, I wish to take advantage of this occasion to salute all resilient Zimbabweans who are braving these painful realities under these difficult circumstances.
Indeed, you are national heroes. Your sacrifices under these trying times need to be equally celebrated and acknowledged.
I urge you all the heroic people of Zimbabwe not to despair, better must come, and it will come if we are united in delivering a Zimbabwe for not only ourselves, but for future generations to come whose stock is constantly being looted by a corrupt, incompetent and nepotistic predatory group.
Let all Zimbabweans reflect on the sacrifices paid on this day.
Let us all spend the holiday with our families and friends and share our aspirations and thoughts of a united and peaceful country.
It is heart wrenching to note that war veterans who were at the centre of the struggle for our independence are living under squalid conditions and without any social or economic support from the State.
The plight of war veterans and their families is of immediate national concern.
The men and women who fought for the independence of this country from colonial rule had a vision and aspirations.
This vision has being shattered by criminal behaviour and selfish and personal pursuits for wealth.
Today, this once breadbasket of Africa is now a basket case.
Surely, this stands out as a betrayal of the loft ideals of the liberation struggle.
Incredibly, Zimbabwe houses vast wealth, exceptionally talented Human Resources, rich minerals, fertile lands and natural wonders.
The opportunities for economic transformation and prosperity are limitless and immediately available if we have a people’s government, one that cares about the nation.
The population of our young and very educated people makes an ambitious economic growth path more certainly achievable in our lifetime.
The vision that has been set by our forefathers and yet betrayed by their successors is not far beyond our reach, but only if we start working NOW.
That work begins today by fixing our politics and governance deficits.
Good governance and growth have long been pencilled to go hand in hand with a nation’s success.
However, we will not fix our politics without true and legitimate leaders, Zimbabwe is a long way from real transformation and sustainable growth as long as it is subjected to comical political arrangements meant to satisfy the greed and very few.
The Zimbabwe that our heroes dreamt, worked and died for is one in which no citizen would be a unsafe and insecure in the land of their birth.
In that Zimbabwe, no citizen would die or be in jail on account of politics, power and political differences.
It would be a Zimbabwe in which every citizen would have a decent job and wage, with all Zimbabweans having a fair share and equal opportunities to the wealth they create and equal rights that our heroes secured for us.
This Zimbabwe, however, can only be built by a political leadership that places the highest premium on integrity and which is committed to the highest standards of public service, while recognising the importance of a partnership with the people they serve.
We can best honour our heroes by providing this leadership in our various areas of endeavour, as we rededicate ourselves to the task of building a Zimbabwe that offers opportunity to all its people, and where we all share and care for each other.
This is where we must begin today here in Zimbabwe. We are determined to return our country to legitimacy, democracy and prosperity.
My fellow citizens, nothing short of a political solution through national dialogue will extricate our country from the jaws of impoverishment, poverty and suffering.
We must have genuine comprehensive political and electoral reforms to transform our country and make it prosperous.
To the entrepreneurs (vendors), the war veterans, the workers, youth and women’s groups, the marginalized groups, the civic and church groups, let us mobilize each other as peacemakers in the quest for freedom.
Let us not miss our turn to be genuinely heroic in pursuit of a better life.
Let us sacrifice for a better Zimbabwe. Let us be the heroes of our time by bringing back that glitter, glamour and glory to our motherland.
Our national heroes have left us a great heritage and legacy to build on; let us preserve it for generations to come.
None but ourselves can fix this country.
This is the purpose of our generation. The liberation generation discovered theirs, we as the transformation generation must play our part and act our duty by delivering a truly prosperous Zimbabwe.
In conclusion, I wish to say to the youth of this country, you are the game changers and defenders of our country.
The cost of doing nothing far exceeds the cost of doing something.
We must change our unmerited circumstances and harsh realities of joblessness, hopelessness and poverty.
The future is bright. Tomorrow is glorious!
Change that delivers.
Thank you and God Bless You.
*Happy Heroes Month.
Zimbabwe, land we love, land of peacemakers, Our motherland.
By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) has refuted claims on social media and other debates that former Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Priscah Mupfumira — who is in jail for grand corruption — has been getting special treatment in and out of remand prison
Social media yesterday was awash with pictures and videos of Mupfumira coming to court smartly dressed and holding a handbag as well as toiletry bag in her hand.
It is alleged that Mupfumira got a special seat in the prison van and used the back door entrance to enter the court for her bail hearing yesterday.
However, in an interview Friday, Chief Correctional Officer and national public relations officer for ZPCS Meya Khanyezi said unconvicted prisoners like Mupfumira have special rights they are entitled to.
‘‘We have Section 78 of Prisons Act Chapter 7:11 which says an unconvicted prisoner may be permitted to maintain himself and to arrange for the purchase or receive from private sources at proper hours items such as food, bedding clothing or other necessities as the commissioner may from time to time determine,” she said.
‘‘Section 80 further states that if an unconvicted prisoner does not provide himself with food, clothing and bedding, he shall receive normal prison food, clothing and bedding,” she added.
Her clarification is in line with the findings of an independent body about the rights of prisoners in Zimbabwe.
A 2018 report by the Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum, titled “RIGHTS BEHIND BARS: A Study of Prison Conditions In Zimbabwe” concluded that Zimbabwe prisons were in compliance with international and domestic standards on conditions of detention to make recommendations.
The central aim of the study was to determine whether the conditions in our prisons are consistent with the international and domestic standards that are provided for in international instruments, the Constitution and the Prisons Act (Chapter 7:11).
“To make this determination, the Forum, in conjunction with the Zimbabwe Association for Crime Prevention and Rehabilitation of the Offender (ZACRO), carried out prison monitoring visits at seven correctional or custodial institutions representing different types of prisons in the country and found out that Zimbabwe was at 80 percent compliance level in terms of providing prisoners with dignity, cell conditions and sanitations, bedding, adequate clothing, the right to sufficient food.
“The study also found out that the prisoners are getting education as well as various forms of vocational trainings and work.
“The study also recommended that the prisoners have a right to clean water and the right to health care services,” said the organisation.-StateMedia
By A Correspondent- Parliament has passed the Maintenance of Peace and Order Bill (MOPA) — which is set to replace the contentious Public Order and Security Act (POSA) — as well as two Budget Bills, with the House having to sit from Thursday afternoon to 4am yesterday.
The amended MOPA as well as the Finance and Appropriation Bills will, however, not become law until they have been passed by Senate, assented to by the President and gazetted as Acts of Parliament.
President Mnangagwa has since summoned Senate to sit on Wednesday.
In a statement Friday, Parliament said Senate will consider the Finance Bill (2009), Appropriation (Supplementary) 2019 and Maintenance of Peace and Order Bill.
“The President of the Republic of Zimbabwe has in terms of Section146 (a) of the Constitution, summoned the Senate to meet on Wednesday 14th August 2019 to consider the Finance Bill (2019), Appropriation (Supplementary) 2019 and the Maintenance of Peace and Order Bill. Consequently, all senators are invited to attend the sitting on Wednesday 14th August 2019 commencing at 1430 hours,’’ reads the statement.
MOPA is one of the major milestones in legal reform and opening up of democratic space in the Second Republic.
In a bid to entrench democratic values and freedoms in line with Vision 2030 of achieving an upper middle income economy, President Mnangagwa’s leadership has implemented a raft of reforms designed to transform the political and economic environment.
The Bill went through the three readings in Parliament after the Parliamentary Legal Committee withdrew an adverse report that it had issued against MOPA, which is in fulfilment of reforms aimed at opening up democratic space in the Second Republic.
This Bill was passed by the National Assembly yesterday, but with amendments proposed by the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Ziyambi Ziyambi to accommodate the reservations expressed by the PLC in its adverse report.
The amended Bill received a non-adverse report from the PLC before the final vote in the National Assembly and its transmission to Senate.
Said Ziyambi just before the third and final reading: “I want to thank the Honourable Members and everyone. I think this was highly informative, exciting, educative and I think we have come up with certain pieces of clauses that were also problematic but we managed to bring our brains together and improve them.
“I believe that what we have done tonight and finished this morning is a wonderful job. I want to thank all the Honourable Members that have endured the whole night until now for a job well done. I think we have done justice to the Bill and I want to thank all the Honourable Members even though at times we appeared to be differing for coming together to deal with specific clauses and improving them.”
MDC-Alliance vice-president Tendai Biti said: “Honourable Chair, can we also thank the esteemed Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs and his team for granting us indulgence and also for holding fort on behalf of the State. This dialogue must be a national dialogue to serve our country. So we want to thank you Minister and everyone else on the right and left side. Zikomo kwambili.”
The Appropriation Bill allows for additional funding as presented by Finance and Economic Development Minister Mthuli Ncube during the Supplementary Budget and Mid-Term Budget Review Statement last week while the Finance Bill gives effect to the minister’s proposals.-Statemedia
By A Correspondent- Zimbabwean born Wellington Chaparadza, is a successful UK entrepreneur who is flying the Zimbabwean flag high.
Chaparadza was last year awarded a jackport when he received an order for close to US$300k to manufacture among other products, his powerful yet odourless detergent which is way stronger and much more powerful and effective than most products that are currently on the shelves.
Wellington Chaparadza
In an exclusive interview with ZimEye, the successful entrepreneur, whose field of study is chemistry, demonstrated how the detergent, made from maheu works.
Watch the video (loading) below…..
He attributed his success to the negative and mocking comments by flamboyant businessman Philip Chiyangwa some time in 2000 against teachers in Banket who were being forced to attend a Zanu Pf rally.
He was one of those teachers resisting to attend the rally.
The comments, according to him, was his turning point where he realised that the teaching profession was not his field.
He told ZimEye that he wants to one day meet Chiyangwa.
Chaparadza said:
“Sometimes you get inspired by negative comments and sometimes you are driven by passion. Sometimes circumstances push you towards your goals and success. Mine is a long story.
… I hope you will connect me to this man (Philip Chiyangwa). I would love to meet the man one day.”
Chaparadza however narrated the events of the day which marked the beginning of his journey towards entrepreneurship.
“I was teaching in Chinhoyi, Banket and i was teacher at Zimbabwe Open University. And so one day, we went to a rally. It was on a Friday and then as teachers, you know, we were not allowed to be active in politics, but then we were forced to go on this particular day.
Chiyangwa saw the resistance among the teachers and then he told us, “Teachers you have nothing, why are you this pompous, you know you work all year but your salary can not buy my left shoe”.
Maybe he has forgotten but i have not. It was in 2000.
This was my turning point because I then realised that teaching was not for me. What he said that i can work all year but my salary is not enough to buy his left shoe really moved me.
He said this while he was standing on the podium and he emphasised it that our salary for the whole year could not buy his left shoe adding that it is the least expensive of his two shoes. The right shoes was therefore out of bounce for us because it was way more expensive.
But that inspired me and i said myself teaching is not for me. Yes, some of the things said you forget, but for some, you do not forget, But that was my turning point.”
The detergent manufactured by Chaparadza, Bio Attitude is a powerful, instant yet odourless hard surface cleaner which is non corrosive. The detergent does not have volatile organic compounds.
By Stanley Goreraza| I would not know about the Bond being the strongest currency in Southern Africa or even if it is a currency at all but thank you Mr President for finally briefing the only stockholders of Zimbabwe who are none other than Zimbabweans themselves.
It’s not the Military, it’s not War Veterans, it’s not Cabinet or Parliament but the people of Zimbabwe who own Zimbabwe and to them, you Mr President sir and others, are answerable. Mese imi muri nothing but vashandi, the Army, Police, CIO, Cabinet and entire State machinery.
But you hear some idiots threatening varidzi venyika with violence and might. Idiots like Matemadanda and Pupurai Togarepi. Who are they panyama yehuku? Who are they really?
If people want to demonstrate peacefully, let them do so for some people gave up their lives to accord and afford them that right. That right was purchased by blood and life making it a sacred right.
The test of freedom is your opponents freedom! I am no fan of Nelson Chamisa but he has rights, and so do those he leads, these rights are non negotiable because they were guaranteed by blood.
Reign in your people Mr President. Ngava kwane. It’s now clear you can take Robert Mugabe out of Zanupf but you cannot take Mugabeism out of Zanupf.
Even when he is long gone, Mugabe still is Zanupf. Zanupf was Mugabe and Mugabe was Zanupf.
By A Correspondent| The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe has warned banks and bureau de changes from engaging in abusive behaviour of posting pictures of their cash holdings on social media
The RBZ said that stern measures will be taken against those violating the directive.
Said the RBZ:
“The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe would like to warn banks and bureau de change from abusive behaviour of posting their cash withholding on social media.
Such behaviour is not tolerated. It is against this background that the Bank is investigating the posting of bond notes pictures circulating on social media.
The bank shall take stern measures against such practice.”
Reserve Bank Of Zimbabwe would like to warn banks and bureaux de change from abusive behaviour of posting their cash holdings on social media.
— Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (@ReserveBankZIM) August 9, 2019
By A Correspondent- There are no sacred cows in the fight against corruption and Zimbabweans must collectively play a part in building a transparent society, the President has said.
Officially opening the 20th Sadc Lawyers Association (Sadc-LA) annual conference and general meeting here, Mnangagwa said his administration will stop at nothing to weed out corrupt individuals from public office.
On Thursday, the President sacked jailed Environment, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Priscah Mupfumira, saying her conduct was not consistent with what is expected of a Government minister.
Mupfumira is facing a slew of criminal abuse of public office charges involving US$95 million of National Social Security Authority (NSSA) funds.
She also faces two fresh charges after the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) reportedly established that she was involved in money laundering and fraudulently ordering companies dealing with NSSA to transfer money into her personal bank account.
Mnangagwa told the lawyers’ conference that corruption was a threat to the gains of Independence, hence the need to fight it in all sectors of the economy.
A lawyer by profession, said the country needs strong institutions capable of ensuring access to affordable justice delivery as he exhorted the legal fraternity to partner Government in re-engagement and rebuilding the economy.
“Sadly, corruption being an antithesis of justice has left a stain on our post-independence legacy. As a result, too many opportunities have been squandered, lives ruined and our development potential stunted. We must now collectively return our country to an era of transparency and openness. Corruption and mismanagement in our institutions and systems cannot be whitewashed.
“It is incumbent upon all of us to reform and rebuild every facet of our society from the foundations up. The age of impunity must be behind us and my Government shall never shy away from doing the right thing. The bureaucratic bottlenecks and frustrating foot-dragging officials must be dealt with without fear or favour because officials do not only enrich themselves, but they also impoverish the majority,” said Mnangagwa.
He said equally, bad crops in the judicial system must be weeded out as he promised Government support for national institutions in the execution of their mandate and putting the judicial system back on the high pedestal it belongs.
Mnangagwa said the law should empower ordinary citizens by increasing their involvement in matters related to their affairs and protecting them from exploitation by corrupt individuals.
“Under the Second Republic, my administration recognises that weak institutions and restricted access to justice will deprive opportunities to our people and undermine the delivery of public services and economic development.
“Thus, my Government is accelerating efforts to consolidate constitutionalism, the rule of law as well as strengthening institutions that support democracy. We shall with greater resolve, protect constitutionally enshrined rights, fully cognisant, however, of the fact that the enjoyment of such rights is not absolute.”
He said legal practitioners have a role to play in nation-building.
Mnangagwa said the need to balance an open economy and the rights of all citizens to access quality public services and economic development remains Government’s priority.
He challenged lawyers never to be aloof to issues related to international trade, finance and investment but to interrogate policy and use their skills to fight cross-border crimes and security threats.
The President said there was a strong political will among Sadc political leaders to entrench a democratic culture rooted in Africa’s need for sustainable socio-economic development.
“As Sadc member states, our ties are based not only on a common history but shared hopes and aspirations. These are anchored on a better and more prosperous tomorrow as we share a common destiny in the economic, political, legal, social, cultural and religious spheres,” said Mnangagwa.
He said Government is committed to the doctrine of separation of powers and independence of the justice system and would always seek collaboration with various stakeholders, including the legal fraternity, towards the attainment of an upper middle income economy by 2030.
The theme for the conference, which ends tomorrow, is: “Supporting strong institutions for equal access to justice for all”.
President Mnangagwa said the theme resonated with the aspiration of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 16 which advocates unity, peace, justice and strong institutions, tenets he said were indispensable ingredients for a just and prosperous society.
He urged the legal fraternity to be transformative and work closely with governments within a goal of protecting vulnerable members of the society like women and children as abuse of such has no place in society.
“I exhort you legal professionals to go beyond ensuring the entrenchment of constitutionalism, rule of law and other democratic tenets within our respective jurisdictions. You must use the law to propel modernisation, industrialisation and integration of our economies.
“Our collective efforts must be towards ensuring legal frameworks that accelerate the elimination of poverty, mitigation of climate change, enhancement of food security and facilitation of quality medical healthcare and other social services,” Mnangagwa said.-StateMedia
By Own Correspondent| Human rights activist, Star Dewah who is accused of plotting to overthrow a constitutionally elected government has implored President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his administration to stop the 24 hour surveillance on her.
Dewah, is one of the 7 human rights activists arrested in May at Robert Mugabe International Airport soon after coming from a workshop in the Maldives hosted by the Centre for Applied Nonviolent Action and Strategies.
The charge sheets against the activists specified the meeting and its training in civil disobedience and alleged that they wanted to overthrow a constitutionally elected government.
The arrests came days after state-owned daily The Herald ran a story claiming organizations with links to the main opposition MDC party “had been hard at work laying the groundwork for civil unrest to be unleashed next month.”
Dewah however pleaded with Mnangagwa’s administration to stop the 24 hour surveillance on her adding that her family was now living in fear.
She said:
Dear Mr ED Mnangagwa
May you please tell your people to stop following me around. Ever since I was released from prison, I am being followed and monitored everywhere I go by weird people in tinted cars without number plates.
In the past four days, the car pictured below, black tinted Ford ranger with no number plates has been parking outside my house in the evenings. The pattern of its arrival and departure consistent with my arrival at home from work.
Please tell your people to leave me and my kids alone! The intensified surveillance is traumatising my family and the children are now afraid of moving freely at home where they are supposed to feel safe and secure.
Below is the thread by Dewah
Dear Mr @edmnangagwa May you please tell your people to stop following me around!! Ever since I was released from prison I am being followed and monitored everwhere I go by weird people in tinted cars without number plates pic.twitter.com/2d9R9aCk9w
Please tell your people to leave me and my kids alone!! The intensified surveillance is traumatizing my family and the children are now afraid of moving freely at home where they are supposed to feel safe and secure.
The workshop I participated in was on human rights and peace building in line with my work of mobilising and capacitating women to take up leadership positions.
I hold no intentions to unconstitutionally remove your Government from power. I am a law abiding and peace loving Zimbabwean. I was never trained on the use of either small or big arms in Maldives as wrongly stated by propaganda in state media.
I would like to reiterate that I am neither a terrorist, nor a security threat in any way. My work as a women and human rights activist is in no way related to any insurgency or terrorism acts as alleged by state security agents.
Business has come to a standstill in the capital Lilongwe as many government offices and private companies have not opened for business.
Yesterday Human rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) held a mass protest calling for Malawi electoral Commission (MEC) chairperson to step down for allegedly managing the disputed May 21 elections.
Government offices at Capital Hill and Filing stations are also closed in city.
Meanwhile Human Rights Defenders Coalition Vice Chairperson, Gift Trapence, says after spending a night near Parliament, they will in the afternoon march to Capital Hill.
Despite all the calls that have been made, the MEC chair has been adamant saying she cannot resign as the matter is still in court and that the court can determine f indeed the elections had irregularities.
On the other hand HRDC has vowed not to relent from demonstrating until Ansah resigns.
United Transformation Movement (UTM) leader and Lazarus Chakwera of Malawi Coongress Party (MCP) are challenging the presidential results in court saying the results are not legible following the use Tipp-Ex.
President Peter Mutharika of Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) was declared winner of the May 21 disputed elections with 37%.
Mozambican authorities have charged 20 people, including the son of former President Armando Guebuza, over a fraud scam in which state-owned companies contracted $2 billion in debt for dubious projects.
Legal action may follow against former finance minister Manuel Chang, who Mozambican authorities as well as the U.S Justice Department want for his alleged role in approving government guarantees for foreign debt of $2 billion in 2013-14. Chang, currently being held in South Africa on U.S. charges, is no longer immune from prosecution after he resigned as a lawmaker effective July 19.
The final indictment of the 20 that follows an earlier one and arrests in February, comes as the southeast African country prepares for elections scheduled for Oct. 15.
The attorney-general issued the final indictment after four months, which is unlawful. Our clients should be released immediately on the grounds of that violation.
The accused include Armando Ndambi Guebuza, the former head of state security Gregorio Leao and Antonio Carlos do Rosario, chief executive of the three state companies for which the debt was contracted.
Charges include corruption, money laundering, criminal association, possession of prohibited weapons, blackmail, abuse of office and the falsification of documents, the attorney-general said in a statement on Thursday.
“The attorney-general issued the final indictment after four months, which is unlawful,” said Alexandre Chivale, a lawyer for Guebuza. “Our clients should be released immediately on the grounds of that violation.”
A former Credit Suisse Group AG managing director, Andrew Pearse, has admitted taking millions of dollars in kickbacks to help arrange bank loans for the companies. Proindicus SA was to perform coastal surveillance, Mocambicana de Atum SA, or Ematum, was to engage in tuna fishing, while Mozambique Asset Management, or MAM, was to build and maintain shipyards. None of the three have reported a profit and their assets are lying idle.
A 35-YEAR-OLD man from Bulawayo has appeared in court for allegedly failing to honour an agreement to pay school fees for two children studying abroad resulting in their father losing $32 500.
Mpumelelo Mhlanga allegedly failed to pay school fees for Mr Josiah Silivanah Singene’s two children who were pursuing their studies in India and Malaysia.
He pleaded not guilty to a theft charge when he appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Mr Tinashe Tashaya who remanded him out of custody on bail to August 16.
The court heard that Mhlanga and the complainant knew each other from the time when Mhlanga was a property agent who helped Mr Singene when he wanted to sell his property and that the accused person was also known for conducting business in the United States of America.
Prosecuting, Mr Leonard Chile said sometime in June last year, Mr Singene approached Mhlanga and asked him if he was able to access foreign currency on his behalf so that he pays school fees for his two children who were studying in India and Malaysia.
“Mhlanga told Mr Singene that he could access foreign currency and that he needed a deposit of $32 500 paid into his CBZ bank account so that he makes a direct payment to the universities. The complainant then deposited the money into the accused person’s account.
“Sometime in July the accused person then allegedly gave the complainant receipts as proof that he had paid the required amount to the respective institutions,” Mr Chile said.
He said sometime between December last year and January this year, the complainant received communication from the two institutions that his children’s fees had not been paid.
Mr Singene then reported the matter to the police and a follow up was made, leading to Mhlanga’s arrest.
NewsDay|THE Zanu PF youth league has threatened to block the demonstrations planned by the opposition MDC party to protest government’s poor handling of the economy which it claims has left the majority of people in the country poor.
The southern Africa country is in the throes of its worst economic crisis since 2009, with rolling power cuts of up to 18 hours daily threatening industry and mines, while shortages of cash, fuel, bread and medicines have become chronic.
The Nelson Chamisa-led MDC on Tuesday this week filed a notice with the police to demonstrate against rising unemployment, corruption and a deteriorating
economy, but the response by Zany PF sets the stage for possible clashes between the country’s dominant political foes.
Zanu PF youth league boss Pupurai Togarepi said by announcing the protest date, battle lines between his party and the MDC had been drawn in the sand.
“Any thuggery will be confronted with equal measure,” Togarepi warned.
“If they decide to be funny as they did in previous so called demonstrations, there won’t be anything called MDCA from that day. We are not going to sit back
and watch them tear the Constitution of our country with impunity.”
At least 17 people were killed and 200 sustained gunshot wounds after security forces crushed protests over a 150% fuel price increase in January this year. Cumulatively, the cost of fuel has risen by over 500% this year alone following a 26% rise early this week, although the commodity remains scarce.
Zanu PF youths, soldiers and police officers were all implicated in the violence.
Togarepi added: “If they have set a date then the battle lines have been drawn. I hope they don’t cross the Rubicon line.”
Asked if he was not inciting violence by his choice of words, particularly when the Constitution provides for peaceful demonstrations, Togarepi accused the MDC
of planning to subvert a constitutionally-elected government.
Charging that the opposition party had failed the test for peaceful protests in the past, he said: “They are threatening to remove a constitutionally-elected government. I am reacting to a threat from the MDC-A to remove a government through illegal means.”
“They abused the freedom to demonstrate, destroyed police stations and people’s properties etc. We cannot stand akimbo while terror mongers are threatening
anarchy. While the Constitution gives the right to demonstrate, it also gives the right for self-defence.
“We will defend our Zimbabwe, our democracy and our people. We will respond decisively if we are provoked. To defend our democracy is a right too. The right to
demonstrate is not an absolute right; unfortunately MDC Alliance has failed the test in past demonstrations.”
However, quizzed on how they intend to carry out their plans since they are not the law enforcers, Togarepi ominously retorted: “A touch is a move.”
The opposition has in the past accused Zanu PF activists of fomenting anarchy and inciting violence during their demonstrations. Some have accused Zanu PF of
targeting and attacking known opposition activists during the protests.
In January, both police and soldiers were accused of gross human rights violations when they indiscriminately beat up citizens following the protest over therising cost of living.
THREE female Zimbabwean nationals have died on the spot while five others have sustained serious injuries after a Toyota Granzia they were in overturned in Kazungula District.
The accident happened on Tuesday around 13:30hrs 17km North of Kazungula at Mapanda Village, Chief Sekute along Nakatindi Road.
Deputy Police Spokesperson Rae Hamoonga has confirmed the development to Mwebantu in a statement and said the accident involved a Toyota Granvia Registration number AJD 5955 which was being driven by Tawila Imungana aged 30 years of Sesheke.
Hamoonga said the accident happened when the vehicle had a rear right tyre burst and in the process the driver lost control, went off the road and overturned.
He said three female Zimbabwean Nationals whose particulars are not yet known died on the spot and their bodies have been deposited at Livingstone District General Hospital Mortuary awaiting postmortem and examination.
Meanwhile, Hamoonga said the driver and four other passengers sustained serious injuries and were rushed to Livingstone General Hospital while the vehicle is extensively damaged.
Police lead away one of the Mthwakazi Republic Party Supporters
THREE Mthwakazi Republic Party (MRP) activists were yesterday fined $200 for engaging in public violence during a public hearing conducted in Bulawayo by the commission of inquiry led by ex-South African president Kgalema Motlanthe that looked into last year’s post-election violence.
Marshal Sibanda (40) of Emakhandeni suburb, Welcome Moyo (30) of Fourwinds and Venat Ncube (40) of Njube suburb were convicted of public violence or alternatively contempt of commission in contravention of section 14 (1) of the Commissions of Inquiry Act, by Bulawayo magistrate Ms Sithembiso Ncube.
They were each fined $200 or 30 months’ imprisonment. The trio was further slapped with another three months in jail, which were wholly suspended for five years on condition that the accused persons do not within that period commit a similar crime.
“In arriving at an appropriate sentence, the court took into consideration the fact that you are first offenders. However, in aggravation, you disturbed a public hearing by a commission of inquiry by engaging in violence, forcing the meeting to adjourn. Although the accused persons have a constitutional right, that right cannot be exercised without limitations. The court will however, give you a second chance to reform by imposing a non-custodial sentence,” ruled the magistrate.
The trio was given up to August 31 to pay the fines through the clerk of court at the Bulawayo magistrate’s court.
The prosecutor, Mr Leonard Chile said on October 26 last year at about 1pm, the Motlanthe commission of inquiry into last year’s August 1 post-election violence that resulted in the death of six people and destruction of property conducted a public hearing at a hotel in Bulawayo.
One witness, Mr Wisdom Mkhwananzi was given a chance to give his testimony.
Mr Mkhwananzi pointed at President Mnangagwa’s portrait and remarked that he was “orphaned because the President killed his parents during Gukurahundi.”
“A member of the public, one Mr Derrick Nkomo, who was part of the people in the gallery, interjected and challenged Mkhwananzi’s testimony,” said Mr Chile.
Irked by Mr Nkomo’s reaction, Sibanda, Moyo and Ncube, who were also part of the gathering during the hearing, confronted him. A heated argument ensued during which the accused persons assaulted Nkomo and threw chairs at him. “The proceedings of the commission adjourned due to the disturbances and police had to be deployed to quell the situation and he accused persons were arrested,” said Mr Chile.
Former Bikita West MP Munyaradzi Kereke may just see through his 14 year jail term after Supreme Court Judge, Justice Ben Hlatshwayo dismissed his appeal on both conviction and sentence.
Kereke was in 2016 jailed 14 years for raping his then 10-year-old niece at gun point.
Kereke wrote to the Supreme Court seeking the establishment of an independent tribunal to investigate alleged criminal abuse of office by Judicial Services Commission (JSC) officers who handled his High Court appeal.
He also recently lost his appeal against both conviction and sentence after High Court Judge, Charles Hungwe ruled against him.
But the Harare businessman insists through his court papers that the judgment was biased. His latest application to the Supreme Court was triggered by Judge President Justice George Chiweshe’s refusal to entertain his claims.
But Justice Hlatshwayo ruled the application was brought before him improperly.
“There being no proper appeal before the Supreme Court and there being no application for condonation pending before the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court has no jurisdiction in dealing with the application for bail filed. The matter is struck off the roll with no order as to costs,” said Justice Hlatshwayo.
According to Justice Hlatshwayo, Kereke seemed to have failed to follow procedure in filing his application.
“It is recorded that for any failure proceedings in this matter the Prosecutor General’s Office should be cited and served together with the respondent.
“The (Supreme Court) Registrar is instructed to ensure that service is effected on the relevant parties upon filing by the applicant of processes in terms of the rules,” the Supreme Court Judge said.
Kereke contends that Justice Hungwe’s judgment on appeal should be declared null and void on the ground that it allegedly contained imported new and incorrect evidence and also that court’s conduct was unconstitutional.
Four years of his jail time were suspended on condition of good behaviour. He was also acquitted on another charge of indecently assaulting the rape victim’s elder sister.
Motorists in some parts of the country last night spent their night blocking Toll Gates in protest to the new toll gate fees which went up by 500%
This unaffordable 500% toll gate price hike, comes regardless of the propaganda by the Finance Minister, Prof. Mthuli Ncube & Regime Associates in the Presidential Advisory Council that prices were coming down after the introduction of a local currency.
Some boom gates at the toll gates were forcibly opened and cars proceeded without paying the fees in protest!
Government increased tollgate entry fees and other traffic related fees through Statutory Instrument 171 of 2019 published in the Government Gazette yesterday.
The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development increased the fees in terms of Section 6 of the Toll Roads Act (Chapter 13:13).
Light motor vehicles now pay $10 from $2, mini buses $15 from $3, buses $20 from $4 heavy vehicles $25 from $5 and haulage trucks $50 from $10. SI 171 of 2019 also says: “It is hereby notified that the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development has in terms of Section 52 of the Vehicles Registration and Licensing Act (Chapter 13:14), vehicle registration and vehicle number plate replacement is now at $400.”
Duplicate registration book and change of ownership is now $75, whereas personalised number plates are now $12 500.
The cost of a provisional driver’s licence has also risen to $100 for Classes 3 and 4 vehicles; Classes 1 and 2 are now $125.
Application for foreign drivers licences have also been increased to $500.
FIRED Environment, Tourism, and Hospitality Industry Minister Prisca Mupfumira
FIRED Environment, Tourism, and Hospitality Industry Minister Prisca Mupfumira yesterday challenged the State to furnish her with a trial date on three of the seven counts of corruption she is facing.
Mupfumira is facing seven counts of criminal abuse of office involving US$95 million.
Speaking through her lawyer Mr Charles Chinyama during her routine remand, Mupfumira demanded that she be given a trial date for the three counts.
Mupfumira said this following reports that police have completed investigations into three cases.
“We are ready to proceed wih trial in respect of the three counts,” said Mr Chinyama.
The State led by Mr Michael Reza said it will only furnish Mupfumira with a trial date after investigations into all seven counts have been completed.
“The State will not be stampeded into giving a trial date when investigations are still ongoing,” said Mr Reza.
Mr Reza also said the State will not give Mupfumira a trial date even on August 23 when she is expected to return to court for a routine remand.
Harare magistrate Mrs Learnmore Mapiye presided over the matter.
Mupfumira is yet to know her fate after a High Court judge reserved judgment in her bail application.
The State opposed her bail application alleging that she was a flight risk considering that she owns mansions in Dubai, South Africa and United Kingdom.
Mupfumira is alleged to have directed NSSA to deposit money into her CBZ personal account, leaving room that she could also have externalised some of the money.
It also alleged that Mupfumira filed medical reports with the State raising fears that once granted bail, she would abscond trial.
The State called the investigation officer into the matter, who is attached to ZACC, Sergeant Trust Chinembiri, who also revealed that they needed about three months to dig further into the case.
Sergeant Chinembiri also revealed that Mupfumira had planned to flee into South Africa, where she is believed to own a mansion in the leafy suburb of Sandton, on July 24 with the aid of her Chinese friends to avoid arrest.
He also said Mupfumira had two passports with a 10-year United Kingdom visa.
Mupfumira, through her lawyer Advocate Lewis Uriri, who is acting on lawyer Charles Chinyama’s instruction, said one of the passports was for her official duty as a Cabinet minister.
FORMER Mashonaland Central Provincial Affairs Minister Advocate Martin Dinha is being investigated by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) on allegations of criminal abuse of office during his tenure as Bindura executive mayor between 2004 and 2008.
In a letter to Bindura Municipality signed by ZACC investigations manager Mr Lovemore Findi, the commission says it is “investigating various allegations of criminal abuse of duty as a public officer as defined in Section 174 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, Chapter 9:23”.
Some of the allegations levelled against Adv Dinha include selling Kingstone Farm to former Cabinet minister Nicholas Goche.
Goche allegedly sold the same farm to Bindura Municipality.
Reads the letter in part: “The then Executive Mayor, Advocate Martin Dinha, bought a council house in March 2008 after council had passed a resolution cancelling the sale of council houses in low-density suburbs.
“The said house was sold without going to tender nor advertised in terms of the law. The then mayor converted a grinding mill donated to Bindura Town Council by a Mazowe resident in 2004 to his own use. In 2008, Adv Martin Dinha, Japhet Kabanga and the District Administrator, sold Kingstone Farm back to former Minister Goche who had initially sold it to council in 2004. The sale had no council resolution.”
Adv Dinha, who was recently appointed National Railways of Zimbabwe board chairman, confirmed the probe but quickly refuted the allegations.
He said it was the work of his “political enemies” in Mashonaland Central.
In an unsolicited WhatsApp message, Adv Dinha said; “Mukoma, vamwe vangu kuMash Central Province vaneni (my colleagues in Mashonaland Central are baying for my scalp). Pure evil. They want to portray a false narrative that I am working against mukuru (President Mnangagwa) and that I am a national security threat to justify my elimination and arrest and that I be fired from NRZ where I was appointed as board member.
“This is evil and I am behind mukuru (the President) and totally uninterested (sic). Kazembe Kazembe chair (Zanu-PF Mashonaland Central) fears being popular I want to be chair while my successor as Minister of State (Cde Monica Mavhunga) lacks confidence and control and thinks I am a threat to her position and political ambition (sic).”
In a telephone interview on Friday, Mashonaland Central Provincial Affairs Minister Mavhunga, dismissed Adv Dinha’s claims and invited him to join hands with everyone in championing the province’s devolution agenda.
“I am not aware of ZACC’s probe on Cde Dinha. No-one is fighting him in this province. We are seized with the devolution agenda where we want to see the lives of Mashonaland Central people being improved.
“We are development orientated and have no time for factional fights as he is claiming. After resoundingly winning the 2018 harmonised elections, as a province we should be more united and consolidate our gains.
“We want the unity that saw us winning all the seats in the province to continue prevailing so that we remain the best province in the country,” said Minister Mavhunga, who is also a ZANU-PF Politburo member.
Minister Kazembe was not readily available for a comment as he was reported to be out of the country.
State Media|THE Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) has refuted claims on social media and other debates that former Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Priscah Mupfumira — who is in jail for grand corruption — has been getting special treatment in and out of remand prison
Social media yesterday was awash with pictures and videos of Mupfumira coming to court smartly dressed and holding a handbag as well as toiletry bag in her hand.
It is alleged that Mupfumira got a special seat in the prison van and used the back door entrance to enter the court for her bail hearing yesterday.
Chief Correctional Officer and national public relations officer for ZPCS Meya Khanyezi said unconvicted prisoners like Mupfumira have special rights they are entitled to.
‘‘We have Section 78 of Prisons Act Chapter 7:11 which says an unconvicted prisoner may be permitted to maintain himself and to arrange for the purchase or receive from private sources at proper hours items such as food, bedding clothing or other necessities as the commissioner may from time to time determine,” she said.
‘‘Section 80 further states that if an unconvicted prisoner does not provide himself with food, clothing and bedding, he shall receive normal prison food, clothing and bedding,” she added.
Her clarification is in line with the findings of an independent body about the rights of prisoners in Zimbabwe.
A 2018 report by the Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum, titled “RIGHTS BEHIND BARS: A Study of Prison Conditions In Zimbabwe” concluded that Zimbabwe prisons were in compliance with international and domestic standards on conditions of detention to make recommendations.
The central aim of the study was to determine whether the conditions in our prisons are consistent with the international and domestic standards that are provided for in international instruments, the Constitution and the Prisons Act (Chapter 7:11).
“To make this determination, the Forum, in conjunction with the Zimbabwe Association for Crime Prevention and Rehabilitation of the Offender (ZACRO), carried out prison monitoring visits at seven correctional or custodial institutions representing different types of prisons in the country and found out that Zimbabwe was at 80 percent compliance level in terms of providing prisoners with dignity, cell conditions and sanitations, bedding, adequate clothing, the right to sufficient food.
“The study also found out that the prisoners are getting education as well as various forms of vocational trainings and work.
“The study also recommended that the prisoners have a right to clean water and the right to health care services,” said the organisation.
African Report|Corruption, inflexible contracts and administrators failing to take action have condemned Ghana to overpaying for a generation.
Access to energy plays a critical role in economic development But bad government policies have affected energy security in many developing countries.
It is estimated that two out of three households (almost 600 million people) in sub-Sahara Africa have no access to electricity. Ghana has also had its challenges. A shortage of generating capacity led to rationing in 2014 and 2015, with serious consequences for the economy.
Nearly five years later the country faces the exact opposite problem: excess electricity. Ghana’s Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta set out the scale of the problem in his midyear budget review on July 29. He said that the problem posed grave financial risks to Ghana’s economy. This is because the government is carrying legacy debt in the energy sector, which threatens to put a huge strain on its finances.
According to Ofori-Atta, plans have been put in place to deal with the challenges in the energy sector. A recommendation has since been made to Parliament to support the renegotiation of all take-or-pay contracts to take-and-pay.
How did Ghana move from not having enough power five years ago, to being burdened with a massive energy bill as well as too much electricity?
At the heart of Ghana’s problem was how it responded to the power shortages in 2014. These hit the economy hard leading to the mining and manufacturing sectors contracting, and unemployment going up. To address the problem, the government fast-tracked private power plants. The current glut in electricity – as well as the cost overheads – can be attributed directly to the way in which the contracts were drawn up.
Ghana’s experience is a cautionary tale for countries that find themselves in a situation of having too much electricity at any given point. Without careful forward planning, proper data-driven analysis, and transparent, competitive, corruption-free contracting processes, any country could find itself in the same situation as Ghana.
Emergency power producers
Due to challenges with public financing of energy infrastructural projects, many countries – including Ghana – have been turning to the private sector for investment in the energy sector. As a result independent power producers are receiving much more attention on the continent.
At the heart of Ghana’s energy sector challenges were the take-or-pay contracts signed by the government. To address the shortfalls it was facing, it contracted three emergency power producers during the 2014 – 2017 period. The contracting was done without a competitive process. On top of this the government signed 43 power purchase agreements.
But the demand for electricity never went up at the anticipated rate due to tariff increases and slow economic growth. As a result, the plants ended up producing excess capacity. The installed capacity according to the Energy Commission of Ghana is 5,083 MW, almost double the peak demand of 2700MW. Of this, 2,300 MW has been contracted on a take-or-pay basis. This means that Ghana is contractually obliged to spend money for excess capacity that’s not being consumed.
The result is that the government is paying over US$500m (almost Ghana Cedis 2.5 billion) annually for power generation capacity that’s not being used.
There is also an overhang for gas. And because the government contracted gas supply on a take-or-pay basis, it must pay whether the gas is utilised or not. Thus, from 2020, if nothing changes, Ghana will face annual excess gas capacity charges of between US$550 and US$850 million yearly. This is even after the current government terminated two other liquefied natural gas contracts in 2017.
Independent power producers
Ghana’s excess electricity problem – and its solution – boils down to the arrangements made with independent power producers.
The contracting process failed to avoid a number of pitfalls. These included:
A lack of flexibility in contracts. The terms and conditions are often difficult to change once purchase power agreements are signed because of a fear of putting off future investors.
Fixing prices in foreign currency exchange, typically US dollars.
Threatening competition. According to a World Bank report, independent power producers often suffocate competition once in operation. There is huge potential for inefficiencies if the independent power producers meet a large share of the load.
Inflated prices: the World Bank report argues that independent power producers often inflate supply prices for utilities, which raises end-user prices.
Currency risk protection: unlike other foreign investments, investors in independent power producers are often shielded from currency risk. Most negotiate take-or-pay contracts where all the power generated must be bought whether needed or not. Because payments are made in dollars, this becomes more like international debt than equity investment.
Corruption. This often creeps in when the stakes are high in contract negotiations. They are often done secretly and only become visible when there is a change of government. As the Public Service International Research Unit puts it: “Establishing power generation in excess of the country’s requirements is a feature associated with corruption ….if the process provides an income source for those negotiating the contracts”.
Political expediency. According to a Business Insurance report “the fundamental problem with creating independent power producers in developing countries is that initially it is based on political expediency. These things sometimes bear no relation to economic reality.”
Independent power producers have contributed immensely to Ghana’s quest to meet its power generational capacity. But lessons from Ghana’s excess electricity challenges show that unless negotiations are done with utmost transparency and care, agreements that are struck can pose financial risks and breed corruption.
This precautionary principles would save many countries from experiencing the same fate as Ghana.
A Njube woman regrets dumping her husband whom she had been married to for five years as he now beats her whenever he gets the chance to see her.
Tariro Alice Shoniwa is reportedly fed up with Fainos Phiri who reportedly follows her everywhere she goes to bash her as revenge for breaking up with her.
As a result of Phiri’s violent behaviour Shoniwa decided to seek justice from the courts.
“We were encountering problems in our marriage until I broke up with him and decided to move out. The problem I am encountering now is that he is following me wherever I go. He comes to my house and insults me and beats me and always causes a scene where I stay,” said Shoniwa.
As if that is not enough, Phiri destroys Shoniwa’s property whenever he gets the chance to get into her house.
“He forces himself into my house and starts destroying my household property. I am therefore applying to this court to assist me by stopping him from assaulting me, insulting me and to stop coming to my place,” said Shoniwa.B-Metro
An incestuous relationship between two siblings from Ndadulo Village under Chief Mkoka in Gokwe, shocked the community after the illicit relationship resulted in pregnancy.
Twenty four-year-old Nkazimulo Tshuma and his teen sister Everjoy Tshuma (19), were both dragged to Chief Mkoka’s traditional court by their neighbours, for having sexual intercourse within a prohibited degree of relationship. Chief Mkoka ordered them to pay a fine of two goats.
Timothy Ncube, a neighbour to the two siblings, said the two started sleeping together soon after their parents’ death in 2013.
“The two siblings who started staying alone following the death of their parents told Chief Mkoka that they started having sex more than five years ago,” he said.
He said if it wasn’t for the pregnancy, no one was going to know about the illicit affair. “If it wasn’t for this pregnancy, no one was going to suspect that these two were sleeping together. Everyone else just thought their relationship was only a brother-sister relationship.
“We only got to know about the relationship after we confronted the girl when we noticed the pregnancy. At first she was refusing to divulge that his brother was responsible for the pregnancy,” he said.
Chief Mkoka confirmed presiding over the matter. “I presided over a matter of two siblings who had a relationship which resulted in pregnancy. I strongly warned them against that relationship. Such kind of relationships are totally unacceptable in our culture and should be frowned upon,” he said.
Chief Mkoka said if it wasn’t for the fact that the two were orphans, the fine could have been stiffer. “I had to be lenient with them because they are orphans. But if it wasn’t for that, l would have fined them a beast or two,” he said.B-Metro
IT was not a minor achievement for the country to have Warriors midfielder Marvelous Nakamba sign for English Premiership side Aston Villa.
In that regard, in the history of the much celebrated English topflight league, he becomes the fourth player from Zimbabwe to light up the league after Peter Ndlovu, Bruce Grobbelaar and Benjani Mwaruwari.
Consequently, debates by local football enthusiasts on Nakamba’s history and other fun facts, have ensued on social media and B-Metro Sport reveals the Hwange-born footie star, who was bred in Bulawayo’s high density suburb of Njube, made his local Premier Soccer League debut in 2009 while turning out for Bantu Rovers at a tender age of 15.
He undoubtedly went down in history as one of the youngest players to play in the Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League.
Two years ago, in further making history on the local football scene, Nakamba was joined by another ex-Bantu Rovers player Sibusiso Moyo who made his first PSL appearance as a 15-year-old Mpopoma High School boy against Highlanders.
“Nakamba was only 15 years old and he was doing Form Two at Njube High School when he made his local premiership debut in Bantu Rovers colours playing against CAPS United at Barbourfields Stadium,” said Mandla “Lulu” Mpofu.
Mpofu was one of the brave Bantu Rovers coaches that decided to field the then wet behind the ears Nakamba against a Makepekepe side that had the likes of Nyasha Mushekwi in their line-up.
Interestingly, as they say dynamite comes in small packages, in that particular match Nakamba’s 35-metre pile driver handed Bantu Rovers a 2-1 home win over the Green Machine.B-Metro
A 60-year-old woman from Highlands suburb in Zvishavane is seeking a peace order against her two teenage grandchildren whom she is accusing of urinating in her pots.
Joyce Phiri is seeking a peace order against Lesley Phiri (19) and his younger brother aged 16 who are both pupils at a local school.
Phiri told the court that the two teenagers were working with their father (her son) who also hated her. The matter was heard before Zvishavane magistrate Shepherd Munjanja.
She told the court that at times the teens would put dog poop in her mealie-meal in a bid to “fix” her.
“Your worship, these children together with their father Emmanuel Phiri, want me out of my house. “So, they have gone to great lengths like urinating in my pots, and putting dog poop in my mealie-meal. They even insult me because I have refused to move out of the house,” she said.
Phiri pleaded with magistrate Munjanja to grant her a protection order before the worst happens to her. “Your worship, l need a protection order before these children do something bad to me. As l speak now, we are no longer on speaking terms and we are no longer cooking together as a family. They do not care about my welfare, all they want is my house,” she said.
Testifying in court, Emmanuel, who spoke on behalf of his sons said his mother was mentally unstable. “Your worship, what my mother is saying is not true. She is not mentally stable and she hasn’t been taking her medication that’s why she is saying such ridiculous things. Everyone from our area knows her situation,” he said.
Magistrate Munjanja postponed the matter and ordered Phiri to bring her medical reports as proof.B-Metro
Five people are said to have perished in a road accident that occurred near Odzi river.
ZBC reports that 20 passengers sustained injuries as the minibus carrying them veered off the road and plunged into a river in Odzi.
Reports also suggest that the vehicle was heading to Mutare. The accident has been confirmed by National Police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, who said that ZRP officers were already attending the scene.
Accidents have often been attributed to human error and the bad state of roads.State media
FINANCE and Economic Development Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube yesterday said the introduction of the Zimbabwe dollar was timely as the country has registered macro-economic fundamentals that will promote stability of the local currency.
Speaking during a Mid-Term budget review breakfast meeting in Bulawayo, Prof Ncube said as highlighted in the Mid-Term fiscal policy statement, there was a host of positive macro-economic fundamentals supporting the introduction of the local currency.
Such fundamentals, he said, included the reduction in current domestic debt and fiscal deficit and suspension of Treasury Bills issuance.
Underpinned by the above positive macro-economic fundamentals, Prof Ncube said the introduction of a local currency was timely.
“We have closed the twin deficit (current account deficit and fiscal deficit) and that’s very important. I am always asked that Minister was it the right time to introduce the Zimbabwe dollar? The answer is yes, I repeat the answer is yes.
“We cannot introduce a stable domestic currency if you are running a large budget deficit and an alarmingly large current account deficit . . . so, this position is ideal for managing a stable domestic currency,” he said.
Zimbabwe re-introduced the local currency as a sole legal tender towards the end of June this year through the promulgation of Statutory Instrument 142 of 2019 to bring back normalcy in the economy as the monetary authorities noted a cocktail of challenges that were caused by the adoption of a multicurrency regime.
Such challenges included financial distortions in the formal market that were caused by the parallel market.State media
The (Mugabe era) Minister of State for Mashonaland Central Province, Advocate Martin Dinha is being investigated by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) on allegations of criminal abuse of office during his tenure as Bindura’s executive mayor between 2004 and 2008.
In a letter seen stamped August 5, 2019 to Bindura Municipality signed by ZACC investigations manager Mr Lovemore Findi, the commission said they are “investigating various allegations of criminal abuse of duty as a public officer as defined in Section 174 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, Chapter 9:23”.
Some of the allegations levelled against Adv Dinha include selling Kingstone Farm to former Cabinet minister Nicholas Goche.
Goche is alleged to have initially sold the same farm to Bindura Municipality. Reads the letter in part;
“The then Executive Mayor, Advocate Martin Dinha bought a council house in March 2008 after council had passed a resolution cancelling the sale of council houses in low-density suburbs.
“The said house was sold without going to tender nor advertised in terms of the law. The then mayor converted a grinding mill donated to Bindura Town Council by a Mazowe resident in 2004 to his own use. “In 2008, Adv Martin Dinha, Japhet Kabanga and the District Administrator, sold Kingstone Farm back to former Minister Goche who had initially sold it to council in 2004. The sale had no council resolution.”
Adv Dinha, who was recently appointed National Railways of Zimbabwe board chairman, confirmed the probe but quickly refuted the allegations. He said it was the work of his “political enemies” in Mashonaland Central.
Chief Felix Nhlanhlayamangwe Ndiweni together with his 13 subjects, who are facing charges of allegedly destroying a villager’s property in Ntabazinduna, will know their fate on August 15.
Ndiweni (54) and 13 other villagers pleaded not guilty to damaging Mr Fetti Mbele’s property when they appeared before Bulawayo magistrate, Mr Gladmore Mushove.
The matter went on a full trial with a number of witnesses testifying, including Zanu-PF secretary for administration, Cde Obert Mpofu. Ms Mushove remanded the accused persons to August 15 for judgment.
Cde Mpofu’s involvement in the case came following Chief Ndiweni’s testimony in court last year during which he claimed the allegations emanated from Cde Mpofu’s efforts to “fix” him after he had filed criminal charges against the politician.
He alleged that Cde Mpofu stole 200 cattle from his late father, Chief Khayisa Ndiweni.Chief Ndiweni said he had reported the stock- theft case at Mbembesi Police Station, but Cde Mpofu allegedly used his influence as then Home Affairs Minister to make the docket disappear.
Chief Ndiweni further claimed that politics was at play in the matter, accusing Cde Mpofu of influencing Mr Mbele, his wife and members of Zanu-PF to interfere with his traditional court order.
However, Cde Mpofu in his testimony, said Chief Ndiweni was in the habit of making false allegations against the Government and the ruling party due to ignorance since he had spent many years out of the country.
According to court papers, Mr Mbele of Ntabazinduna was banished from the village by the chief after his wife Ms Nonkangelo Mpengesi was allegedly caught having sex with another villager.
In July last year, Chief Ndiweni ruled that Mr Mbele and his “adulterous” wife should be banished from Sifelani village, saying “prostitution” will not be tolerated in his area.
The accused persons’ lawyer, Mr Dumisani Dube of Mathonsi Ncube Law Chambers, early last year asked the court to subpoena Cde Mpofu to testify in court following allegations by the traditional leader implicating him in their arrest.
However, Cde Mpofu, through an affidavit dated July 6, 2018, which was brought to court by his lawyer Mr Byron Sengweni, declined to testify saying he knew nothing about the matter.
Mr Dube then sought a court order compelling Cde Mpofu to attend court after which the latter was served with the summons.Chief Ndiweni and the other accused persons are denying the violence charges levelled against them by Mr Mbele.
The prosecutor, Mr Kudakwashe Jaravaza, said on July 26 last year at around 4PM, Mbele and his wife arrived from Bulawayo to find some villagers standing outside their homestead.
Kimpton Sibanda (72), a village head and two other villagers, claimed they were ordered by Chief Ndiweni to destroy Mbele’s garden fence and kraal.
“Sibanda instructed the villagers to destroy the fence and kraal. At around 5PM, Chief Ndiweni arrived and ordered the villagers to continue destroying Mr Mbele’s fence and kraal,” said Mr Jaravaza.
The order followed Mr Mbele’s alleged defiance of Chief Ndiweni’s verdict to divorce his wife.
Chief Ndiweni had given a ruling that Mr Mbele’s wife should vacate her husband’s home, but she did not comply with the order since they had resolved the matter as a couple, prompting the chief to order the destruction of his fence and kraal.- state media
CHICKEN Inn coach Joey Antipas is itching for maximum points on their away trip to ZPC Kariba to set the tone for a gruelling second half to Castle Lager Premiership season which begins today.
The marathon might take an interesting twist this afternoon if the Gamecocks and Black Rhinos take full advantage of the absence of log leaders FC Platinum, who are away on Champions League business. In-form Black Rhinos have a tricky date giants Highlanders at Barbourfields.
The match kicks off at 1pm because the stadium will later be used for training by visiting Burundian side Rukinzo who play Triangle in a CAF Confederation Cup match at the venue tomorrow.
Antipas and Hebert Maruwa, the Rhinos coach, are aiming to take control of the marathon ahead of the more demanding games in the final stretch.
“The second half of the season is usually fierce competition because of issues to do with the championship and relegation,” said Antipas.
“It is even going to be worse this year because there are no clear favourites for the championship. So we are taking it game by game.
“We are mindful that we have to stay in the mix at the top so that we can stand a good chance to fight for honours,” said Antipas.
The Gamecocks are in second place on the log standings, equal on 30 points with the third-placed Rhinos.State media
Fired Environment, Tourism, and Hospitality Industry Minister Priscah Mupfumira yesterday challenged the State to furnish her with a trial date on three of the seven counts of corruption she is facing.
Mupfumira is facing seven counts of criminal abuse of office involving US$95 million. Speaking through her lawyer Mr Charles Chinyama during her routine remand, Mupfumira demanded that she be given a trial date for the three counts.
Mupfumira said this following reports that police have completed investigations into three cases. “We are ready to proceed with trial in respect of the three counts,” said Mr Chinyama.
The State led by Mr Michael Reza said it will only furnish Mupfumira with a trial date after investigations into all seven counts have been completed.
“The State will not be stampeded into giving a trial date when investigations are still ongoing,” said Mr Reza.
Mr Reza also said the State will not give Mupfumira a trial date even on August 23 when she is expected to return to court for a routine remand. Harare magistrate Mrs Learnmore Mapiye presided over the matter.
Mupfumira is yet to know her fate after a High Court judge reserved judgment in her bail application.
The State opposed her bail application alleging that she was a flight risk considering that she owns mansions in Dubai, South Africa and United Kingdom.
Mupfumira is alleged to have directed NSSA to deposit money into her CBZ personal account, leaving room that she could also have externalised some of the money.
It also alleged that Mupfumira filed medical reports with the State, raising fears that once granted bail, she would abscond trial.
The State called the investigation officer into the matter, who is attached to ZACC, Sergeant Trust Chinembiri, who also revealed that they needed about three months to dig further into the case.
Sergeant Chinembiri also revealed that Mupfumira had planned to flee into South Africa, where she is believed to own a mansion in the leafy suburb of Sandton, on July 24 with the aid of her Chinese friends to avoid arrest.
He also said Mupfumira had two passports with a 10-year United Kingdom visa.
Mupfumira, through her lawyer Advocate Lewis Uriri, who is acting on lawyer Charles Chinyama’s instruction, said one of the passports was for her official duty as a Cabinet minister.-state media
FC PLATINUM coach Norman Mapeza believes his players should be psychologically ready for today’s Champions League battle, despite logistical glitches that affected their travel arrangements.
They take on Callisto Pasuwa’s Nyasa Big Bullets in a preliminary round first leg match at Kamuzu Stadium at 2:30pm.
The Zimbabweans could not fly from Lilongwe to Blantyre as per schedule yesterday morning after the Ethiopian Airways plane they were supposed to board developed a technical fault.
Nyasa Big Bullets officials ran around for an alternative mode of transport before they finally settled for a local coach which left Lilongwe just after midday and took over four hours to get to Blantyre.
The distance between Lilongwe and Blantyre is about 314km. FC Platinum were supposed to get a feel the artificial turf at the Kamuzu Stadium at 2:30pm yesterday, but they ended up holding an hour’s session at the venue after 5pm.
Despite these chaotic travel arrangements, Mapeza is confident his boys will respond well. “It’s (chaotic travel arrangements) something that is beyond our control,” Mapeza said.
“We are here now in Blantyre, we will probably now train for 30 to 40 minutes and we have to talk to the boys.
“This is what happens in Africa, most of the times, but psychologically we should be ready for the game. “Travelling 300km by bus sometimes affects you psychologically, but at the end of the day we are here and have to play the game.’’
FC Platinum are making their third straight appearance in the Champions League and take on Pasuwa’s men. “We all know Callisto (Pasuwa), he has done well in our football back home and it’s going to be a challenge.” Mapeza lost the core of his squad during the July transfer window, but has faith in the players who are here in Blantyre.State media
Government has increased tollgate entry fees and other traffic related fees with immediate effect.
This is contained in Statutory Instrument 171 of 2019 published in the Government Gazette yesterday.
The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development increased the fees in terms of Section 6 of the Toll Roads Act (Chapter 13:13).
Light motor vehicles now pay $10 from $2, mini buses $15 from $3, buses $20 from $4 heavy vehicles $25 from $5 and haulage trucks $50 from $10. SI 171 of 2019 also says: “It is hereby notified that the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development has in terms of Section 52 of the Vehicles Registration and Licensing Act (Chapter 13:14), vehicle registration and vehicle number plate replacement is now at $400.”
Duplicate registration book and change of ownership is now $75, whereas personalised number plates are now $12 500.
The cost of a provisional driver’s licence has also risen to $100 for Classes 3 and 4 vehicles; Classes 1 and 2 are now $125.
Application for foreign drivers licences have also been increased to $500.State media
Farai Dziva|Aston Villa are yet to process Marvelous Nakamba’s jersey number a day before the commencement of 2019/20 EPL season.
The Zimbabwe international moved to the Birmingham-based club early this month from Belgian giants Club Brugge.
He made his unofficial debut for his new club last weekend, featuring in Villa’s second pre-season friendly game against German side RB Leipzig.
According to information on the club’s official website, Nakamba and Douglas Luiz who was signed from City this week are the only players still without squad numbers.
His favourite jersey number 18 which he used at Brugge and with the Warriors is already taken by defender Matt Targett.
This means he will need to pick a new number ahead of his debut EPL campaign.
Farai Dziva|The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission has rejected an application by the MDC for a vote recount in Luna East Constituency.
See ZEC Chief Elections Office Utoile Silaigwana’s response to the application:
REQUEST FOR A RECOUNT FOR ALL LUPANE EAST CONSTITUENCY BY-ELECTION RESULTS: 3 AUGUST 2019.
The Commission has received a request from the MDC-A candidate as well as secretary-general of the party for a recount of all Lupane East results (see letters attached).
Section 67A of the Electoral Act [Chapter 2:13] provides that:
“within forty-eight hours after a constituency elections officer has been declared to be duly elected… Any political party or candidate that contested the election in the constituency concerned may request the Commission to conduct a recount of votes in one or more of the polling stations in the ward or constituency.
A request in terms of subsection (1) shall-
a) Be in writing, signed by an appropriate representative of the political party or candidate making the request; and
b) State specifically the number of votes believed to have been miscounted, and if possible, how the miscount may have occurred; and
C) State how the results of the election have been affected by the alleged miscount”.
The Constituency Elections Officer declared the results of the by-election at 09:27hours on the 4th of August 2019. The Commission received the request for the recount AT 1100hrs on the 6th of August 2019, a period of 49 hours 33 minutes after the declaration by the Constituency Elections Officer. On that score, it is my opinion that the request has been received out of the time of the prescribed 48-hour period.
Farai Dziva|Popular -yet controversial dancer, Beverly Sibanda’s manager reportedly assaulted his wife after being caught with used condoms.
Bev’s manager allegedly bashed his wife for confronting him over his alleged infidelity.
According H-Metro, Bev’ s manager, Hapaguti ‘Harpers’ Mugwara appeared in court facing assault charges.
Mugwara was not asked to plead when he appeared before Magistrate Victoria Mashamba.
The court heard that Mugwara assaulted his wife, Theresa Kabaya after she found used condoms and ladies undergarments, which had been allegedly left by his friends in his car.
Kabaya is reported to have reprimanded Mugwara over the issue and told him that such behaviour would cause problems for their marriage.
The confrontation did not go well, with Harpers who then lashed out at his wife and headbutted her several times on the mouth, causing her to sustain injuries.
Mugwara was released on $70 bail and was ordered to give an alternative address as well as not to interfere with the witness.
Farai Dziva|Zanu PF Youth League leader, Pupurai Togarepi has sensationally claimed there is no place for the MDC in central government.
See Togarepi’s full statement below:
The wise always say do not pick fights you can’t win and the clever ones stick to this time old piece of wisdom, but sadly and rather regrettably, our political opponents in the MDC are naive and fail to understand such basics.
Zanu PF is the ruling party of Zimbabwe, and with a very weak and out of sorts opposition such as the MDC, we will rule this country until donkeys grow horns, they can only dream but then dreams are for free.
We say Zanu PF will rule for ages to come, not because we are undemocratic but purely because we are the people’s preferred party as has been proven since the turn of this year where the party has won by-elections with little effort.
Zanu PF is winning elections because President Emmerson Mnangagwa is leading us to the Promised Land and those with vision and who care to see can already witness the transformative progress that is taking place, slowly people’s lives are being transformed, notwithstanding some problems here and there.
However, the noise and mischief makers in the MDC, as myopic as ever, chose to bury their heads in the sand like ostriches, and like the damn warmongers that they are now issuing needless ultimatums that are meant to ill-conceivably rattle Zanu PF into entering into a government of national unity in flagrant disregard to the will of the people that was expressed loud and clear in last year harmonised elections.
There is no place for the MDC in government and certainly no free lunch, democracy is at times very selfish and the so-called democratic party should eat that.
We have said it before, there is no back door entrance into government and the sooner the bellicose yet ill-information democracy midgets like Job Sikhala realise this, the better, democracy is functional in Zimbabwe and no amount of threats or ultimatums will alter that.
But in case they chose the undemocratic path and threaten to unseat a constitutionally elected government through needless demonstrations, those in the opposition should be guided accordingly, we are the ruling party Zanu PF and stand ready to defend the People’s vote and our President.
We are not afraid of clowns and the place for clowns is in circuses and not politics, neither do we fear the bark of toothless dogs, let them bark themselves hoarse isu tichingotonga, delivering on our electoral promises.
The MDC should also remember that we are a revolutionary party, the party that liberated the country from colonialism against all odds.
We have the capacity to thwart any troublesome elements and forewarned must be forearmed, only that our supposed to be opposition brothers are lost souls, clueless and howling for recognition in the pits of darkness.
Farai Dziva| Controversial Deputy Minister of Information, Publicity & Broadcasting Services, Energy Mutodi, has implored Zimbabweans to ignore the MDC demo scheduled for August 16.
Mutodi has also warned that the firm hand of the government will be used to deal the planned MDC demonstration.
“The planned MDC demo has bn condemned by South African leaders & the whole SADC.
Any sensible Zimbabwean will not risk his or her life taking part in such a futile event.
President Mnangagwa is building the country step by step & any attempt to disturb him will be met with a firm hand…”Mutodi posted on Twitter.
Defence Minister, Oppah Muchinguri Kashiri and her Deputy, Victor Matemadanda, last week threatened to unleash soldiers to thwart opposition led demonstrations.
Farai Dziva|Members of the Movement for Democratic Change in South Africa will join the August 16 demo.
The Communications Secretary for MDC SA Province, Innocent Nsingo, told ZimEye party members in that country were keen to join the demo.
“The leadership and members of the MDC South Africa Province will be in Zimbabwe on the 16th of August,to demonstrate together,in solidarity with the suffering people of Zimbabwe. We will be there,be there,” said Nsingo.
“We are organising transport logistics and everything.We are saying the people of Zimbabwe have suffered for too long and as such we can no longer bear the pain anymore.”
Preparations for the Heroes' and Defence Forces Day are at an advanced stage. Zimbabwe Defence Forces go through their rehearsals at the National Sports Stadium. pic.twitter.com/epozcZD5Ks
— Ministry of Information, Publicity & Broadcasting (@InfoMinZW) August 9, 2019
By A Correspondent| The Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) has denied claims that former Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Priscah Mupfumira — who is in jail for grand corruption — has been getting special treatment in and out of remand prison.
Pictures and videos of Mupfumira coming to court smartly dressed and holding a handbag as well as toiletry bag in her hand did the rounds amid claims that the former minister was being treated differently from other accused persons.
It is alleged that Mupfumira got a special seat in the prison van and used the back door entrance to enter the court for her bail hearing recently.
However, Chief Correctional Officer and national public relations officer for ZPCS Meya Khanyezi said unconvicted prisoners like Mupfumira have special rights they are entitled to.
‘‘We have Section 78 of Prisons Act Chapter 7:11 which says an unconvicted prisoner may be permitted to maintain himself and to arrange for the purchase or receive from private sources at proper hours items such as food, bedding clothing or other necessities as the commissioner may from time to time determine,” she said.
‘‘Section 80 further states that if an unconvicted prisoner does not provide himself with food, clothing and bedding, he shall receive normal prison food, clothing and bedding,” she added.
Her clarification is in line with the findings of an independent body about the rights of prisoners in Zimbabwe.
A 2018 report by the Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum, titled “RIGHTS BEHIND BARS: A Study of Prison Conditions In Zimbabwe” concluded that Zimbabwe prisons were in compliance with international and domestic standards on conditions of detention to make recommendations.
The central aim of the study was to determine whether the conditions in our prisons are consistent with the international and domestic standards that are provided for in international instruments, the Constitution and the Prisons Act (Chapter 7:11).
“To make this determination, the Forum, in conjunction with the Zimbabwe Association for Crime Prevention and Rehabilitation of the Offender (ZACRO), carried out prison monitoring visits at seven correctional or custodial institutions representing different types of prisons in the country and found out that Zimbabwe was at 80 percent compliance level in terms of providing prisoners with dignity, cell conditions and sanitations, bedding, adequate clothing, the right to sufficient food.
“The study also found out that the prisoners are getting education as well as various forms of vocational trainings and work.
“The study also recommended that the prisoners have a right to clean water and the right to health care services,” said the organisation.”-StateMedia
Farai Dziva|MDC MP Settlement Chikwinya has been acquitted of charges of public violence.
This has been announced by the MDC in a brief statement today.
“Hon. Settlement Chikwinya was today of acquitted of trumped up charges of public violence – however he remains on remand on the yet another set of fabricated charges of subversion,” said the party.
By A Correspondent| In an interview with ZTN Friday, army boss Valerie Sibanda said investigations regarding the culprits who murdered innocent civilians on August 1 were still ongoing emphasising that there was a third force responsible for killing unarmed civilians.
The comments by the army boss comes despite footage showing soldiers firing live ammunition at unarmed civilians in Harare on August 1.
He said no soldier will be punished for Aug 1 murders because there was a third force responsible for civilians’ deaths.
“…. because like I said during the commission, there was a third hand at play in the disturbances of the 1st of August last year.
This is why there was a report that some shots were fired from some building, and I think that is ample proof to show that there was a third hand at play.
I cannot punish a soldier for what they did not do.”
Watch the video below.
Valerio:" like I said during the commission there was a 3rd hand at play in the disturbances of the 1st of Aug last year this is why there was a report that some shots were fired from some building, and I think that is ample proof to show that there was a third hand at play." pic.twitter.com/OFj4PTEck9
Valerio:" like I said during the commission there was a 3rd hand at play in the disturbances of the 1st of Aug last year this is why there was a report that some shots were fired from some building, and I think that is ample proof to show that there was a third hand at play." pic.twitter.com/OFj4PTEck9
Farai Dziva|Emmerson Mnangagwa is desperate to coax his former boss Robert Mugabe following the former strongman’ s announcement that he does not want to be buried at the National Heroes Acre.
According to a weekly publication, Mugabe has chosen to be buried at his rural home in Zvimba- next to his late mother Bona.
Family members who spoke to the Independent newspaper said:
“Mugabe has made it clear to his family that he does not wish to be buried at the National Heroes’ Acre anymore. He does not want to be associated with Mnangagwa and all those he now views as his betrayers and tormentors.”
“He has said he doesn’t want them to sing and pontificate over his dead body. He has informed relatives about his decision and this is known in the family; it’s also now known in government circles.”
Mugabe’s declaration is reported to have shocked Mnangagwa.
The Zanu PF leader is reported to have tried to mend bridges by sending a high powered delegation to Singapore to check on the President’s health.
The delegation includes Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Misheck Sibanda, Central Intelligence Organisation Director-General Isaac Moyo and Mugabe’s former personal doctor Professor Jonathan Matenga, according to the paper.
Valerio:" like I said during the commission there was a third hand at play in the disturbances of the 1st of Aug last year this is why there was a report that some shots were fired from some building, and I think that is ample proof to show that there was a third hand at play." pic.twitter.com/5Qtm9YHa4E
Valerio:" like I said during the commission there was a 3rd hand at play in the disturbances of the 1st of Aug last year this is why there was a report that some shots were fired from some building, and I think that is ample proof to show that there was a third hand at play." pic.twitter.com/OFj4PTEck9
By A Correspondent| The Vehicle Inspection Department has effected new prices for all its services revealing that a learner’s licence and certificate of competence is now pegged at $100.
By A Correspondent- A MARANGE man appeared before a Mutare magistrate on allegations of possessing five pieces of diamond without a permit on Monday.
The diamond pieces had 13.11 carats and valued at $1 115.
Augustine Majaya (43), of Tinoengana Village under headman Chiadzwa in Marange, appeared before magistrate Mr Tendai Mahwe facing charges of dealing in or possession of diamonds without a permit or licence.
He denied the allegations, but Mr Mahwe remanded him in custody to August 19 for sentencing.
Prosecutor Mr Brian Goto told the court that on February 19, 2019, at around 8am, Detective Assistant Inspector Dliwe Mpofu (40), received information that the accused person was illegally in possession of diamonds and was on his way to Mutare along the Mutare-Masvingo highway.
Mpofu teamed up with three other detectives — Sergeant Elliot Muchariona, Sergeant Ushe Magune and Constable Collen Chidhakwa and intercepted the car that Majaya was driving at Mutare Teacher’s College.
The court heard that the police officers searched the accused person who was still seated on the driver’s seat and recovered five pieces of diamonds from his right hand.
Majaya failed to produce the permit allowing him to be in possession of the diamonds, leading to his arrest.
Majaya, however, denied the allegations saying he was not in possession of any diamonds.
“I was driving a Toyota Run and on board there was another passenger. We were both searched and nothing was recovered.
“I was not in possession of any diamonds. The said diamonds were recovered from the motor vehicle, not on me,” he said.-ManicaPost
By Tererai Rushwaya| For the progressives in the UK, regime change in Zimbabwe should be the message for the 16th of August demonstration
On the 16th of August, the people are going to demonstrate. Admittedly those in Zimbabwe will have their hands tied in terms of the tone and political message they will be conveying.
I mean, any sign of defiance and any political message calling for a change of government will be met with a draconian response from the military junta (pronounced ‘hu-nta’).
The junta, as it always does, will use the Constitution to protect itself from democracy and the people. I mean, I’ve written extensively about how that Constitution, which many including progressives boom about, that it is actually a document that legitimises oppression by the junta.
Seriously, just look at the way it is used. The document legalised the 2017 coup, if your remember.
Anyway, in light of this, those of us in the diaspora who are outside the thralls of the scarf wearer and his henchmen should go the whole hog when we demonstrate on the 16th of August.
Our message should be one of regime change! Yes, we should clearly put the message out to the world that we want regime change in Zimbabwe. We want the end to military rule.
We want the scarf wearer and his halitosis having red mouthed knuckle draggers to go, preferably to prison.
By A Correspondent- Civil servants in Beitbridge, who are facing accommodation challenges, have raised concern over favouritism in the allocation of 176 government houses in the border town.
Some potential beneficiaries claim allocations are fraught with favouritism leaving most civil servants frustrated and having to pay high rentals in private accommodation.
This, according to other civil servants, has left them seeking relocation or in debt since their salaries fall far too short of market demands.
Most affected are the Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs ministry, Department of Social Welfare, police and Health ministry employees.
Customs and Excise and Immigration Departments are also affected, but these are waiting for the completion of their individually built houses, unlike others who share the 176 pool houses.
Four court officials, including three magistrates, have to vacate a house they are sharing to make way for a newly assigned District Development Coordinator.
Much of the accommodation shortages have, however, been blamed on the National Housing department officials accused of lacking transparency and failing to properly allocate available houses.
The head of Public Construction at Beitbridge Edmore Tlou told Southern Eye that he was unable to comment due to other pressing assignments.
“I am leading contractors on a tour of Beitbridge Hospital now and am not in a position to help,” he said.
Beitbridge district coordinator Sikhangezile Mafu said: “There is a house for the district co-ordinator (DA) in every district, so it’s the one I am meant to occupy. I have, however, asked to be given just a couple of rooms while other families living there are given enough notice. I will share with them until their notice period while alternative accommodation is arranged for them.”
She said she could not occupy the house her predecessor Kilibone Ndou used because it was reserved for administrative assistants, a rank she had passed. Civil service staff complement in Beitbridge has long outstripped the number of houses.
“Beitbridge government workers have increased, but accommodation has not. A proper strategy to accommodate all of us in the few available houses is needed,” said one government worker.
“This crisis has been brewing because National Housing officials took their eyes off the ball and several people who have been transferred from Beitbridge still hold on to accommodation they were given when they were posted here.
“Some have retired and have continued to stay in government accommodation although they must make way for others,” said the official.
District spokesperson Talent Munda confirmed the disgruntlement among his colleagues in relation to housing.
“There are lower grade employees occupying houses meant for their seniors. I am a head of a Ministry here, but I have no house yet some clerks, do which is not normal,’ he said.
“There has been growth that has seen the arrival of many heads of departments who branched off what used to be the District Administrator’s Office, but that ministry has held on to houses some of them now occupied by junior staff,” he said.
Munda also lamented the slow processes on the legal action to evict retired and transferred workers holding on to government accommodation.
“That process is taking long and has caused frustrations on other civil servants meant to take over those houses,” Munda said.
Most government departments are fully represented at Beitbridge, home to the State’s cash cow at the Beitbridge border post employing more than a thousand workers.
Among the new arrivals at Beitbridge is the Regional Magistrate, on a permanent status.
Exacerbating the civil servants housing woes is the slow completion of 261 housing units and flats for government workers which is part of a Beitbridge Redevelopment Plan launched in 2006.
That plan, among other things, should see the establishment of new schools, a hospital and recreational facilities, as incentives for the government workers.
“At the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services they have started building log cabins for officers who cannot afford rentals charged in foreign currency,” said Munda.
Customs and Excise recently said it was failing to collect maximum revenue at Beitbridge due to accommodation shortages.-Newsday
By A Correspondent- A RUSAPE man, who did the unthinkable when he allegedly axed his uncle, harvested his private parts and showed them off to his auntie before dumping them at his grandfather’s grave, has been arrested and arraigned before the courts.
Chikomborero Mupoperi (25), of Mupoperi village under Chief Tandi, on the outskirts of Rusape allegedly murdered his uncle Aleck Mupoperi (65) in cold blood before slicing off his private parts, on Monday.
The incident has shocked the usually tranquil Mupoperi village amid revelations that prior to the grisly murder, Chikomborero had stolen the deceased’s chicken, drank its blood and ate the meat raw.
Manicaland police spokesperson Inspector Tavhiringwa Kakohwa confirmed the incident that occurred on August 5, 2019 at around 1am, when the accused person went to Innocent Mupoperi’s homestead where Lovemore Chipfuya (21) is employed as a domestic worker.
He knocked at the cottage and woke up Chipfuya whom he asked to charge his cell phones. The suspect remained in the house charging his cell phones until Chipfuya fell asleep. After charging his cell phones, he went back to his homestead.
At around 5am Chipfuya woke up and started praying. The accused person who stays close came back and requested to join him in prayer. After prayers, the suspect asked Chipfuya to pray for him and he complied.
“Lovemore Chipfuya (21) is alleged to be a prophet in the area. He prayed for the suspect, following which he confessed to stealing Aleck’s chicken. He told the prophet that he had slaughtered the chicken, drank its blood, consumed the meat raw and gave the leftovers to a dog,” he said.
The suspect said he was now feeling guilty and wanted to go and apologise to the now deceased.
He then left Chipfuya’s cottage and went back to his homestead. Chipfuya, who panicked after the weird confession went to the homestead of the deceased’s sister, Agnes Mupoperi, and informed her of it.
When the accused arrived home he knocked at the main door and it was opened.
While inside, he tripped his uncle, took an axe from the spare bedroom and struck him twice on the neck, killing him instantly.
He then took a knife from the kitchen unit in the spare bedroom and used it to cut off the now deceased’s private parts, put them in his trousers pockets and vanished.
“He then rushed to Agnes’ house, showed off the parts to her and told her that he was going with them to the graveyard which was a kilometre away,” he said.
Insp Kakohwa said Chikomborero dumped the private parts on his late grandfather Samuel Mupoperi’s grave and returned home.
“This made Agnes to advise Nelson Mupoperi (42) and Gift Mupoperi (42) to check up on Aleck. Upon arrival they saw Aleck’s body lying in a pool of blood. The two then rushed and reported the incident to the village head Mr Roland Mupoperi.”
The village head reported the incident to Rusape Central Police Station, leading to the arrest of Chikomborero.
The accused confessed to the murder and led to the recovery of the blood stained murder weapon from the spare bedroom where it was hidden behind the kitchen unit.
He also led to recovery of now deceased’s private parts at his grandfather’s grave at the village graveyard. Aleck’s body was taken to Rusape General Hospital for a post mortem.
Chikomborero was hauled before Rusape magistrate Mr Gift Manyika on Wednesday facing murder charges.
Appearing before Mr Manyika, the accused left the court in awe when he said his name was ‘Jesus’ and did not know why the police had arrested him.
Mr Roy Weja appeared for the State.
Chikomborero told the court that he was busy preaching the gospel when the police arrested him.
The magistrate ordered that Chikomborero be examined by two doctors establish his mental state and report back to the court.
The accused was remanded in custody to August 21, 2019.-ManicaPost
Picture: President Emmerson Mnangagwa's pre recorded address to the nation to be aired after the main news on ZTV. What will he say? pic.twitter.com/P9semDtfV2
Picture: President Emmerson Mnangagwa's pre recorded address to the nation to be aired after the main news on ZTV. What will he say? pic.twitter.com/P9semDtfV2
By A Correspondent- The government has said that the production and printing of passports will soon increase following the availability of machinery and printing paper.
The assurance was made by the Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Ambassador Cain Mathema, during a tour of the passport production department today.
The Ministry of Information today posted a video which revealed over 92 000 passports booklets at the Registrar General’s office that are still waiting to be printed.
In July, Mathema revealed that the passport backlog dates back to 2018. He also projected thatin “two to three weeks”, the situation would have improved.
Meanwhile, reports suggest that the total number of passports produced nationwide is 250 against a demand of 3000 daily. Harare Registrar General offices are reportedly producing an average of 12 per day.
Some passport seekers were being told to check for their travelling documents in 2022.
This has resulted in some officers at the Registrar General’s office asking for huge kickbacks from desperate passport seekers.-StateMedia
By A Correspondent- Workers have told Finance Minister, Professor Mthuli Ncube, to prioritise reviewing their salaries instead of bonuses which are expected at a later date.
They said that the effects of the erosion of their salaries are being felt now hence the need to take action now.
Their remarks come after Ncube had pledged that he would, without fail, pay public workers their bonuses in November this year. This is unlike previous years when bonuses were paid the following year.
Responding to Ncube’s announcement, Progressive Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe president, Takavafira Zhou, said:
Mthuli Ncube never ceases to surprise us and is fast revealing that he is a human epidemic. Teachers are currently hungry, angry and incapacitated. The priority is to ensure that teachers are capacitated as of now and that a lasting solution is found to the erosion of the purchasing value of their salaries or starvation wages.
The soaring inflation in the country has eroded the salaries of workers with the majority of them declaring incapacity to continue executing their contractual duties and responsibilities.
By A Correspondent- Former Arda board chairman and businessman, Basil Nyabadza, has been arrested on allegations of stealing electricity at one of his premises after he connected illegal wires that bypassed Zesa metres.
Nyabadza is jointly charged with two of his employees, John Makuna and Rueben Mawarira, who are employed as the manager and block man at Halfway House in Headlands.
They appeared before Rusape magistrate, Mr Gift Manyika, who did not ask them to plead. The matter was moved to September 17 for trial.
Public prosecutor Mr Marlon Makamba told the court that the suspects violated Section 60A (b)(C2) of the Electricity Act Chapter 13:19 which criminalises the bypassing of the Zesa meter.
“The complainant is ZETDC represented by its loss control officer Lux Bungu. Sometime on a date unknown to the prosecutor up to 24 March 2018, Basil Nyabadza sent an electrician from Harare to go and connect electricity at Halfway House.
“The electrician came and was given permission by Makuna and Mawarira to connect electricity cables illegally thereby bypassing the Zesa meter. The accused persons had no lawful right to act in a manner they did,” said Mr Makamba.-ManicaPost
By A Correspondent- OFFICER commanding Manicaland Police, Commissioner Dr Wiklef Makamache, has ordered fellow commanders to climb down from their high horses and avail themselves to the public in order to fight crime.
While launching the Mutare District client service charter at the Meikles Park recently, the police boss said commanders have a duty to ensure that they accord themselves and their offices at any given time.
He went on to publicise active cell phone numbers of Chief Superintendents who preside over seven districts in the province saying they must be contactable all times.
“The police client service charter is a bond we have established between us, as the Zimbabwe Republic Police, and you the general public, to chart the roadmap in our quest to put an end to crime,” he said.
“Crime is a social scourge that requires you and me to stand in line and complement each other in our bid to wipe it off across all social strata. Our drive in the 2019 re-launch of the police client service charter is stimulated by our desire to re-engage and re-connect with the public so as to be able to create an environment conducive to socio-economic development for our people.
“We appreciate that we are coming from a policing environment that previously created divisive lines between the police and the general public.
“It is important at this moment to highlight that the ZRP has taken a serious stance in engaging the public so that you become a contributor in the manner you are policed. The need to deliver a service premised on home-grown solutions for home-bred crime problems gives us the necessary stimulus to continuously appeal for your support and cooperation in the fight against crime,” he said.
Dr Makamache said crime growth rate will be reduced by 2 percent of the previous year.
“Crime is the core business of the ZRP. I once reiterated that our thrust is prevention which ensures there is perpetual peace and economic development. We further recognise that the occurrence of crime is a reality whose prevalence amongst us cannot be ignored.
“Of crimes committed in each month of the year, we endeavour to detect 75 percent of these. We have also set a target of 75 percent as standard for the investigation finalisation of all classes of dockets within their various set time frames. This should certainly ensure that a sizeable number of cases that are investigated are brought to their logical conclusion as quickly as possible.”-ManicaPost
By A Correspondent- IN an emotionally charged response, a devastated 33-year-old woman shocked a court when she allegedly cast doubt on whether her 62-year-old father who had asked for consent to evict her from his house for being disrespectful was her biological father.
Nonhlanhla Mazibuko pulled the shocker at the Bulawayo Civil Court where her father Sipho Mazibuko was seeking a protection order against her claiming she was disrespecting him as her father.
He complained that his daughter who is also a single mother was “very” irresponsible and had on two separate occasions “manhandled” him adding that she was always creating a scene whenever they had an argument.
“I am a 62-year-old pensioner and residing with my eldest daughter Nonhlanhla aged 33 years. She is unemployed and largely depends on my pension proceeds. She is highly irresponsible in life and very insolent.
“She does not respect me as her father and benefactor and this is demonstrated by her impudent verbal exchanges with me. She has even dared to manhandle me on two occasions, which actions nearly triggered violent reaction from me.
“It is my honest submission that our father-daughter relationship has irretrievably broken down as all mediation efforts to mend it have yielded negative outcomes. I therefore request that she leaves my house with immediate effect and seek her own lodgings,” charged Sipho from Magwegwe West.
He further said after being granted the eviction order his daughter should never set foot at his house or talk to him again.
Instead of apologising, Nonhlanhla, who has an 11-year-old child hit out at her father much to the shock of the court.
“We have differences and I do not think he is my real father with the way he challenges or treats me. I am willing to move out,” a seemingly unrepentant Nonhlanhla said.
By her consent the presiding magistrate Rachael Mukanga who presided over the matter on Friday ordered Nonhlanhla to move out of the house before Wednesday (7 August).
The magistrate said a police officer had to effect the court order.-BMetro
By A Correspondent- Former Minister of State for Mashonaland Central Province, Advocate Martin Dinha is being investigated by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) on allegations of criminal abuse of office during his tenure as Bindura’s executive mayor between 2004 and 2008.
In a letter dated August 5, 2019 to Bindura Municipality signed by ZACC investigations manager Mr Lovemore Findi, the commission said they are “investigating various allegations of criminal abuse of duty as a public officer as defined in Section 174 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, Chapter 9:23”.
Some of the allegations levelled against Dinha include selling Kingstone Farm to former Cabinet minister Nicholas Goche.
Goche is alleged to have initially sold the same farm to Bindura Municipality. Reads the letter in part;
“The then Executive Mayor, Martin Dinha bought a council house in March 2008 after council had passed a resolution cancelling the sale of council houses in low-density suburbs.
“The said house was sold without going to tender nor advertised in terms of the law. The then mayor converted a grinding mill donated to Bindura Town Council by a Mazowe resident in 2004 to his own use.
In 2008, Martin Dinha, Japhet Kabanga and the District Administrator, sold Kingstone Farm back to former Minister Goche who had initially sold it to council in 2004. The sale had no council resolution.”
Dinha, who was recently appointed National Railways of Zimbabwe board chairman, confirmed the probe but quickly refuted the allegations. He said it was the work of his “political enemies” in Mashonaland Central.
IT is normally serene on Zimbabwe’s diplomatic scene, but there was high drama last week when government summoned United States Ambassador to Zimbabwe Brian Nichols after Washington imposed sanctions on Ambassador-designate to Tanzania Anselem Sanyatwe, for his role in the August 1, 2018 shootings, which left six dead on the streets of Harare.
Sanyatwe, a former commander of the Zimbabwe National Army’s Presidential Guard — an elite but politically oriented force which protects the head of state and is specially trained to fight in built-up areas — commanded the November 2017 military operation which toppled former president Robert Mugabe. He also commanded soldiers deployed to quash the post-election violence on August 1, which resulted in unarmed civilians being shot.
The killings led to global condemnation, forcing President Emmerson Mnangagwa to set up a commission of inquiry led by former South African president Kgalema Motlanthe. The commission recommended that victims be compensated and that the killer soldiers face justice.
But with government turning a blind eye to the recommendations, Washington imposed sanctions on Sanyatwe and his wife on the anniversary of the shootings, angering government in the process. To add salt to injury, the Donald Trump administration suggested Zimbabweans lived under better conditions during Mugabe’s tenure than they are under the Mnangagwa government.
Nichols was then summoned by government, which expressed its displeasure at Washington’s move through Secretary for Foreign Affairs and International Trade Ambassador James Manzou.
But let us separate facts from politics.
The fact is that unarmed civilians were killed on the streets of Harare. The majority were shot in the back, while fleeing from trigger-happy soldiers. It is also a fact that an investigation was done and recommendations were made, but have been ignored to date. A year after the killings, no one has been prosecuted “despite the fact that the alleged perpetrators have been identified through the media and social media videos and pictures” as noted by Amnesty International, suggesting impunity.
No one has been compensated either, indicating insensitivity on government’s part.
This is hardly surprising, though, because such impunity has been part of the Zimbabwean system since Independence.
From the Gukurahundi massacres in the 1980s, which resulted in more than 20 000 civilians being butchered by the military right up the military-led January 2019 killings, perpetrators have not been brought to book. Since Independence many people have been killed, tortured, raped or maimed, while others disappeared without trace, but the perpetrators have not been brought to book, even in cases where the perpetrators are known and evidence abounds.
Even in the so-called new dispensation, the impunity continues unabated as seen by the failure to bring to book those responsible for the August 1 shootings and the January killings.
Minister Cain Mathema informed journalists today that passport production is set to improve within the next three weeks.This follows the release of funds by Treasury, which were used to reduce the debt owed to suppliers of consummables needed. Passport prices remain unchanged. pic.twitter.com/nCzPfQqld2
— Ministry of Information, Publicity & Broadcasting (@InfoMinZW) August 9, 2019
Passport production is done locally, however,consummables such as gold foil & security thread are imported & require foreign currency. At present, the national production centre has over 92 000 booklets in store awaiting personalisation upon acquisition of necessary consummables pic.twitter.com/kgnLEaRl5M
— Ministry of Information, Publicity & Broadcasting (@InfoMinZW) August 9, 2019
Former President Robert Mugabe fired embattled ex-Minister of Tourism Prisca Mupfumira for gross abuse of office it has emerged.
Writing of Twitter Professor Jonathan Moyo said, “In October 2017, four weeks BEFORE the coup, Mupfumira WAS FIRED by President Mugabe for exactly the same NSSA allegations over missing tens of MILLIONS of US dollars under COMMAND AGRICULTURE. Mnangagwa and Chinamasa defended her and Mnangagwa got her back to Cabinet AFTER the coup!”
Reports that surfaced this week indicate that in 2017 during a politiburo meeting Mupfumira stood up to protest her firing beginning by protesting that she was being purged because her enemies were labelling her a Lacoste faction member, she went on to say maybe because she was close with the then Minister of Psychomotor Hungwe.
Mugabe is said to have interjected by slamming the table and saying,”shut up with all this nonsense, the reason for been fired is because you are a thief and have been abusing your position for corruption purposes at NSSA.”
The following week Mupfumira who was the then Politburo Secretary for Tourism skipped the country.
After the November 2017 bloody coup Mupfumira bounced back as the Minister of Tourism under the President Emmerson Mnangagwa led Government.
In October 2017, four weeks BEFORE the coup, Mupfumira WAS FIRED by President Mugabe for exactly the same NSSA allegations over missing tens of MILLIONS of US dollars under COMMAND AGRICULTURE. Mnangagwa & Chinamasa defended her & Mnangagwa got her back to Cabinet AFTER the coup!
The North America Province of the Movement for Democratic Change stands in solidarity with the masses during the planned demonstration as called by the Movement for Democratic Change.
The right to demonstrate is a constitutional provision as enshrined in Section 59 of the Supreme Law of our country Zimbabwe. Upon fulfilling the legal route of notifying the Zimbabwe Republic Police of the intention to demonstrate the Province therefore do not anticipate any rogue behavior from the security forces as witnessed in the previous demonstrations. The MDC has carried out peaceful demonstrations before and has maintained a tranquil environment even under circumstances where it was the victim.
The Province takes exceptions of utterances by Zanu PF officials especially it’s legislatures Killer Zivhu and Pupurai Togarepi who are giving out threats of violence and bloodshed unto those who will take part. We instead urge the public, our supporters and sympathisers to refrain from violent behaviour and to restrain themselves from retaliation even under provocation.
As a Province we have and still we are in the process of engaging the international community to follow closely the events as the unfold before, on and after the event.
We urge the security forces of the country to uphold human rights and observe the sanctity of life.
We are guaranteed that the 16 August 2019 demonstration is going to attract and be attended by a multitude which is facing economic hardships, social breakdown and political instability, we therefore stand with everyone in solidarity.
Unity and courage for a better Zimbabwe. The Change that Delivers!
INTENSE jostling for the vice-presidency has erupted among Zanu PF heavyweights at a time Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga is battling for his life at a top Chinese hospital.
This comes as it emerged that Chiwenga spent a week in the intensive care unit (ICU) of the Beijing hospital before he was put on specialist treatment for an undisclosed illness under heavy security.
Although the official government position is that he is stable and on the recovery path, sources said his condition is still critical although he has shown signs of improvement.
Sources said he can now watch television and read.
Chiwenga was flown to the Chinese capital last month in a very serious condition, government officials revealed.
Zanu PF insiders told the Zimbabwe Independent this week that Chiwenga’s health woes have ignited frenzied jostling for his seat, with Zanu PF national chairperson Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri emerging as the front-runner.
Muchinguri-Kashiri appears to be the overwhelming favourite for the position as she reportedly enjoys support from President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Mnangagwa wanted to appoint Muchinguri-Kashiri as one of his deputies soon after the November 2017 military coup which ended former president Robert Mugabe’s 37-year rule, but the military demanded that the position be given to Chiwenga, who also at the time insisted on being in charge of the influential Defence and War Veterans portfolios.
“She is trusted by ED because of her unwavering loyalty. She has been in cabinet for a long time. She also has impeccable liberation war credentials which make her the ultimate favourite. Her other advantage seems to be that women in the party have been clamouring for a position in the top three and, being in the presidium already, she is very much set for it,” a Zanu PF official said.
However, Muchinguri-Kashiri is facing fierce competition from Information minister Monica Mutsvangwa, who is also thought to be interested in the top job and is being propped up by her belligerent husband, Chris.
Mutsvangwa also boasts of the same liberation war credentials as Muchinguri-Kashiri and fits perfectly into the emerging gender narrative.
Zimbabwe Defence Forces commander Lieutenant-General Valerio Sibanda’s name has also been mentioned, although he is considered a rank outsider.
His biggest challenge is that he has Zapu/Zipra roots along with the other Vice-President Kembo Mohadi.
Sibanda’s other challenge, according to senior Zanu PF officials, is that he comes from Midlands province like Mnangagwa and his appointment would thus upset the delicate ethnic balancing imperative, which is a big factor in Zanu PF politics.
Public service minister Prisca Mupfumira was also in the picture before her arrest, detention and subsequent dismissal over corruption charges yesterday.
According to a senior government official, Chiwenga is receiving treatment at a top hospital in a security zone. “He was flown to China in a very bad state at the request of the Government of Zimbabwe. He was directly transferred to hospital soon after landing. He is at one of the best and top medical institutions where extensive tests have been done,” the government official said.
“He went there with some of his aides and members of his security team. At the moment the Chinese government is regularly updating the Government of Zimbabwe through direct communication between President Xi Jinping and President Mnangagwa as well as through the Chinese Embassy.
“The Chinese government has told President Mnangagwa that Beijing will do its best, although there are no assurances. He was in ICU for some time and had lost weight, but he has improved. He can now read, watch television, as well as do light exercises.”
The official also said Mnangagwa briefed cabinet about Chiwenga’s health on Tuesday last week.
“President Mnangagwa updated us at the start of the cabinet meeting on Tuesday last week on the status of Vice-President Chiwenga. This followed his telephone conversation with President Xi. The President informed cabinet that Chiwenga was admitted in the ICU for a week before he was discharged on Monday (June 29, 2019),” the official said.
“He also told us that the Vice-President’s condition remains critical at the moment but it was hoped that there could be an improvement once they start the treatment regime.
“He (Mnangagwa) told us that there is tight security at the hospital where Chiwenga is receiving treatment. It is heavily fortified.”
In a statement on Tuesday, Mnangagwa said the Chinese medical experts had completed extensive tests on Chiwenga and are now beginning treatment, describing the condition of the former military strongman who led the coup which toppled former president Robert Mugabe and gave rise to Mnangagwa 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.”
Econet recently announced they would be revising the prices of their data bundles and true to their tune, they have done so. The new data bundles are more expensive than before but that what was widely expected from the moment we got word of a price change.
How bad is it?
The new daily bundles look like this:
Duration
Data
Price
1 Day
40MB
$2
1 Day
250MB
$5.63
1 Day
750MB
$11.5
1 Day
2GB
$18
Weekly bundles:
Duration
Data
Price
7 Days
25MB
$1.35
7 Days
60MB
$3
7 Days
160MB
$7.5
7 Days
350MB
$15
7 Days
700MB
$30
Monthly bundles
Duration
Data
Price
30 Days
270MB
$15
30 Days
700MB
$37.5
30 Days
1150MB
$60
30 Days
2100MB
$105
30 Days
3100MB
$150
Considering that POTRAZ approved a tariff increase it was only a matter of time before the mobile networks struck. Netone already introduced new tariffs for their bundles and it seems Telecel is the only player who hasn’t done the same, though they have increased tariffs for voice calls and data might be in the pipeline.
The Deputy Minister of Information and top Mnangagwa protege, Energy Mutodi has threatened protesters (authorised by the police) with death.
Writing on Thursday, Mutodi said the “MDC planned demo has been condemned by South African leaders and the whole SADC. Any sensible Zimbabwean will not risk their life taking part in such a futile event.
“President Mnangagwa is building the country step by step & any attempt to disturb him will be met with a firm hand”
Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Match-day 18 fixtures will be played this weekend
The games involving FC Platinum and Triangle United have been scheduled for Wednesday as the two teams will be featuring in the CAF interclub competitions.
Fixtures:
Saturday, August 10 Highlanders vs Black Rhinos (Barbourfields Stadium) ZPC Kariba vs Chicken Inn (Nyamhunga Stadium) Bulawayo Chiefs vs Chapungu (Luveve Stadium) Yadah vs Hwange (Rufaro Stadium) Telone vs Herentals (Ascot Stadium)
Sunday, August 11 Manica Diamonds vs Caps United (Vengere Stadium) Dynamos vs Mushowani Stars (Rufaro Stadium)
Wednesday, August 14 Ngezi Platinum vs Triangle (Baobab Stadium)
FC Platinum striker Rodwell Chinyengetere has admitted his stay in South Africa in the last six months wasn’t a rossy one.
The 31-year-old moved to Baroka FC in January but failed to pin a first team berth and returned on loan to the Platinum Boys during the midseason transfer window.
He has been included in the CAF squad for Champions League.
And in an interview with The Herald, Chinyengetere is hoping he will rediscover his form during the campaign.
“I am back in Zimbabwe and it’s a challenge for me from the previous experience I have had in the Champions League.
“Of course, it’s an opportunity, given that my stay in South Africa was not rosy so, in my heart, I feel this the time where I need everyone to see I can still play,” said Chinyengetere.
The Zimbabwe champions will face Nyasa Big Bullets tomorrow in the preliminary round of the 2019/20 Champions League season.
By A Correspondent- Former Minister of State for Mashonaland Central Province, Advocate Martin Dinha is being investigated by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) on allegations of criminal abuse of office during his tenure as Bindura’s executive mayor between 2004 and 2008.
In a letter seen by the State Media date stamped August 5, 2019 to Bindura Municipality signed by ZACC investigations manager Mr Lovemore Findi, the commission said they are “investigating various allegations of criminal abuse of duty as a public officer as defined in Section 174 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, Chapter 9:23”.
Some of the allegations levelled against Adv Dinha include selling Kingstone Farm to former Cabinet minister Nicholas Goche, who in turn had initially sold the same farm to Bindura Municipality.
Reads the letter in part;
“The then Executive Mayor, Advocate Martin Dinha bought a council house in March 2008 after council had passed a resolution cancelling the sale of council houses in low-density suburbs.
“The said house was sold without going to tender nor advertised in terms of the law. The then mayor converted a grinding mill donated to Bindura Town Council by a Mazowe resident in 2004 to his own use.
“In 2008, Adv Martin Dinha, Japhet Kabanga and the District Administrator, sold Kingstone Farm back to former Minister Goche who had initially sold it to council in 2004. The sale had no council resolution.”
Adv Dinha, who was recently appointed National Railways of Zimbabwe board chairman, confirmed the probe but quickly refuted the allegations.
He said it was the work of his “political enemies” in Mashonaland Central.
Aston Villa are yet to assign Marvelous Nakamba with a squad number with only a day left before the start of their 2019/20 EPL season.
The Zimbabwe international moved to the Birmingham-based club early this month from Belgian giants Club Brugge.
He made his unofficial debut for his new club last weekend, featuring in Villa’s second pre-season friendly game against German side RB Leipzig.
According to information on the club’s official website, Nakamba and Douglas Luiz who was signed from City this week are the only players still without squad numbers.
His favourite jersey number 18 which he used at Brugge and with the Warriors is already taken by defender Matt Targett.
This means he will need to pick a new number ahead of his debut EPL campaign.
CAMEROONIAN midfielder Vincent Mbega left Zimbabwe an unhappy man after he reportedly had an open altercation with his manager which led him to ditch Dynamos.
Mbega was roped in by Dynamos during the pre-season along with compatriot Claude Junior Ngahan but he has since returned home barely six months into the contract.
Reports from the DeMbare camp say the player and his manager were at some point at each other’s throats over unfulfilled contractual obligations.
“This guy was no longer settled. He has been giving excuses every time to the coach that he is injured and it had become a routine every Tuesday he won’t train.
“He looked unhappy, he wasn’t the same guy who had so much zeal when he joined the club,” said a source.
However, Dynamos spokesperson Tinashe Farawo said he could not comment on the private matters between a player and his manager. He said the Glamour Boys had met all their contractual obligations and only agreed to terminate the contract at the player’s request.
“We don’t speak about what happens outside of Dynamos. What we know is we agreed to a mutual consensus to terminate the contract with the said player.
“For the sake of our brand, we are very mindful of the past experiences we had with players such as (Christian) Epoupa.
“It was a regrettable experience and like I said the new leadership is very professional and will not want to be found wanting again as a club.
“I am glad we have a very competent leadership and I tell you that you will never hear of such things again. We respect contracts and we are doing things by the book.
“What we want is to build a strong institution that can compete for honours at home and abroad. “As you know, we just act on the recommendations brought to us by the technical team when it comes to players,” said Farawo.
Mbega is a former Cameroon Under-20 World Cup player who once turned out for Spanish side Mallorca II in the Segunda B, between 2010 and 2013.
By A Correspondent- A RUSAPE man, who did the unthinkable when he allegedly axed his uncle, harvested his private parts and showed them off to his auntie before dumping them at his grandfather’s grave, has been arrested and arraigned before the courts.
Chikomborero Mupoperi (25), of Mupoperi village under Chief Tandi, on the outskirts of Rusape allegedly murdered his uncle Aleck Mupoperi (65) in cold blood before slicing off his private parts, on Monday.
The incident has shocked the usually tranquil Mupoperi village amid revelations that prior to the grisly murder, Chikomborero had stolen the deceased’s chicken, drank its blood and ate the meat raw.
Manicaland police spokesperson Inspector Tavhiringwa Kakohwa confirmed the incident that occurred on August 5, 2019 at around 1am, when the accused person went to Innocent Mupoperi’s homestead where Lovemore Chipfuya (21) is employed as a domestic worker.
He knocked at the cottage and woke up Chipfuya whom he asked to charge his cell phones. The suspect remained in the house charging his cell phones until Chipfuya fell asleep. After charging his cell phones, he went back to his homestead.
At around 5am Chipfuya woke up and started praying. The accused person who stays close came back and requested to join him in prayer. After prayers, the suspect asked Chipfuya to pray for him and he complied.
“Lovemore Chipfuya (21) is alleged to be a prophet in the area. He prayed for the suspect, following which he confessed to stealing Aleck’s chicken. He told the prophet that he had slaughtered the chicken, drank its blood, consumed the meat raw and gave the leftovers to a dog,” he said.
The suspect said he was now feeling guilty and wanted to go and apologise to the now deceased.
He then left Chipfuya’s cottage and went back to his homestead. Chipfuya, who panicked after the weird confession went to the homestead of the deceased’s sister, Agnes Mupoperi, and informed her of it.
When the accused arrived home he knocked at the main door and it was opened.
While inside, he tripped his uncle, took an axe from the spare bedroom and struck him twice on the neck, killing him instantly.
He then took a knife from the kitchen unit in the spare bedroom and used it to cut off the now deceased’s private parts, put them in his trousers pockets and vanished.
“He then rushed to Agnes’ house, showed off the parts to her and told her that he was going with them to the graveyard which was a kilometre away,” he said.
Insp Kakohwa said Chikomborero dumped the private parts on his late grandfather Samuel Mupoperi’s grave and returned home.
“This made Agnes to advise Nelson Mupoperi (42) and Gift Mupoperi (42) to check up on Aleck. Upon arrival they saw Aleck’s body lying in a pool of blood. The two then rushed and reported the incident to the village head Mr Roland Mupoperi.”
The village head reported the incident to Rusape Central Police Station, leading to the arrest of Chikomborero.
The accused confessed to the murder and led to the recovery of the blood stained murder weapon from the spare bedroom where it was hidden behind the kitchen unit.
He also led to recovery of now deceased’s private parts at his grandfather’s grave at the village graveyard. Aleck’s body was taken to Rusape General Hospital for a post mortem.
Chikomborero was hauled before Rusape magistrate Mr Gift Manyika on Wednesday facing murder charges.
Appearing before Mr Manyika, the accused left the court in awe when he said his name was ‘Jesus’ and did not know why the police had arrested him.
Mr Roy Weja appeared for the State.
Chikomborero told the court that he was busy preaching the gospel when the police arrested him.
The magistrate ordered that Chikomborero be examined by two doctors establish his mental state and report back to the court.
The accused was remanded in custody to August 21, 2019.-ManicaPost
