FORMER Environment, tourism and Hospitality Industry minister Priscah Mupfumira, who is detained at the Chikurubi Female Prison on charges of criminal abuse of office after she allegedly swindled the National Social Security Authority (Nssa) of over US$95 million, has approached the Supreme Court for bail after her attempt at the High Court hit a snag last week.

High Court judge Justice Erica Ndewere dismissed Mupfumira’s bail bid on the basis that there are compelling reasons justifying her continued incarceration, including that as a former Cabinet minister she was a flight risk and could interfere with witnesses.

Mupfumira, who is also Senator for Mashonaland West Province, was remanded in custody in July after acting Chief Magistrate, Munamato Mutevedzi, upheld Prosecutor-General, Kumbirai Hodzi’s certificate which ensured she was further detained for 21 days without applying for bail.

But in her submissions before the Supreme Court through her lawyers Chinyama and Partners, Mupfumira maintained that the State’s evidence against her was weak, adding the High Court, had erred in many respects when it denied her a chance to be tried out of custody.

“The court a quo (High Court) wrongly accepted and relied on bald allegations made by the investigating officer which were not backed by any cogent evidence, contrary to the principle long established in applications of this nature,” the lawyers said, adding that Justice Ndewere also erred and committed a gross irregularity when she sanctioned investigative detention that has since been outlawed in bail regime currently in force.

“The court a quo further erred and misdirected itself when it departed from the mandatory provisions enshrined in section 70 (1) (a) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No 20) 2013, which guarantees the right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty. The court a quo further erred in holding that they were compelling reasons to justify the applicant’s continued stay in custody which could not be cured by conditions,” they said.

The matter is yet to be set down for hearing.

-Newsday

By A Correspondent- Reverend Jaredi Mwale’s wife Debra is alleged to have ordered Tambudzai Banda who was part of the church’s finance committee not to come to church as punishment for failing to contribute R200 and US$10 towards a Women’s Conference which was recently held in Malawi.

The Reverend with Church of Central African Presbyterian (CCAP) in Sizinda, Bulawayo and his wife are under the spotlight when one of the worshippers stopped going to church amid allegations that she was “expelled” for not financially contributing towards church activities.

Banda was also accused of not tithing and paying offerings regularly. As a result she stopped coming to church.

The pastor and his wife are also accused of using abusive remarks against congregants who are not regularly reaching into their pockets to “feed” them. 

A close source confirmed the congregants were unhappy with the pastor and his wife.

“For (Tambudzai) Banda it was like the last insult in the world, the day she was stopped from coming to church that she loved and worshipped at all of her life, even as a little girl. 

“This was after the reverend’s wife read her the riot act that all those who didn’t contribute R200 and US$10 towards a women’s conference which was recently hosted in Malawi should stop coming to church.

“The reverend is also using abusive remarks against congregants especially those who are not regularly tithing and paying offerings. If one goes for about three to four months without paying tithes he or she is no longer considered a member,” the source said.

The pastor’s wife reportedly hustles money from congregants after every service.

“After every service the wife demands that congregants pay US$2 as a token of appreciation that they had received a word. She is also harassing female congregants on their WhatsApp group demanding expensive grocery items and that on the occasion of the initiation, women who want to be assisted to put on their uniforms for the first time should pay US$10. Her husband always brags that there was nothing that people could do to them,” added the source.

Meanwhile, congregants are reportedly planning to organise protests in order to put pressure on Rev Mwale to change his mind or leave the branch before his term expires in 2022. Rev Mwale, however, dismissed all the allegations levelled against him.-BMetro

An acceleration in economic growth in South Africa could trigger power cuts, with State utility Eskom Holdings’ fragile generation system unable to respond to increased demand for electricity.

The energy availability of Eskom’s generation fleet is supposed to be as high as 80%, but is currently as low as 69%, and even a 0,1% rise in gross domestic product could result in outages, Nelisiwe Magubane, an Eskom board member, said at an event organised by Afriforesight in Johannesburg yesterday.

The State-owned utility, which supplies about 95% of South Africa’s power, has a mountain of debt and was reliant on government bailouts to remain solvent. It
is also contending with operational issues — most of its power stations are nearing retirement age and haven’t been properly maintained, while the construction
of two new plants are running years behind schedule and way over budget.

The country has experienced intermittent power outages — known locally as load shedding — since late 2005, a measure Eskom said was needed to prevent the
national grid from collapsing.

Outages have eased over recent months largely due to the poor performance of the economy — gross domestic product slumped an annualised 3,2% in the first quarter, the biggest contraction in a decade.

“We haven’t seen load shedding because demand is going south,” an independent energy adviser, Mike Rossouw, said. “If demand picks up tomorrow, you will be seeing load shedding everyday.”

–Bloomberg

Government is concerned over allegations of Samantha “Gonyeti” Kureya’s kidnapping and assault by unknown masked men which occurred on Wednesday night.

Gonyeti is an artist-cum-comedienne at Bus Stop TV.

Police national spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Nyathi confirmed receiving the report and said investigations into the matter are being conducted.

“We can confirm receiving a report of kidnapping and assault of Samantha Kureya which occurred on Wednesday night in Mufakose. We are already conducting investigations into that,” he said.

The Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services said Government confirmed the report made at Marimba Police Station and investigations were underway.

Gonyeti was reportedly kidnapped from her house and assaulted by unknown people on Wednesday night before being dumped in Crowborough.

Yesterday morning, social media was awash with messages on what could have happened to Gonyeti on the night in question.

In a video clip yesterday, Gonyeti said she was forced out of her house head down and was dumped somewhere after being severely assaulted.

In the video, Gonyeti said she heard a knock on her door with the people knocking identifying themselves as police officers.

She said the people, one of them armed, forcibly entered in the house, wearing masks and assaulted her sister.

Gonyeti said she was half dressed, and asked them if she could dress up but the alleged masked men refused, and started assaulting her instead.

She said they dragged her out to a waiting car, a white Isuzu — and they drove off.

Gonyeti said after driving for some minutes, they came to a stop at an unknown place and they ordered her out of the car and continued to assault her.

She alleged that the masked men forced her to roll on the muddy ground, made her to drink sewage water before ordering her to remove the only clothes she was wearing.

She was allegedly dumped later and found her way back home naked.

Meanwhile, deputy Informationa Minister Energy Mutoti has rubbished Gonyeti’s abduction claims. He said she was acting.

“Gonyeti Gonyeti did a comedy on police accommodation & it’s apparent she has done another one on abductions. We will not be fooled,” said Mutodi.

-Online

AN 18-YEAR-OLD man from Nkulumane suburb in Bulawayo has appeared in court for stealing a Honda Fit vehicle valued at US$3 000.

Charles Machaya stole the car which was parked at Crescent Court, Corner 12th Avenue and Herbert Chitepo Street belonging to Mr Kasirai Kasirai.

Machaya pleaded guilty to a theft of motor vehicle charge before Bulawayo magistrate, Mr Mafios Moyo.

The magistrate remanded him in custody to today for sentencing.

Prosecuting, Mr Simbarashe Manyiwa said on July 24 at around 2PM, Mr Kasirai parked his motor vehicle at Crescent Court for safe keeping. The motor vehicle had developed a suspension problem and he had removed the battery. His car keys got stuck in the ignition port and he left them there with the passenger door unlocked.

“On August 16 at around 9PM, the complainant checked his car and found it where he had parked it,” Mr Manyiwa said. 

He said on August 17, Machaya, who works at Battery clinic located at Willsgrove Farm, Corner Fife Street and 5th Avenue as a second hand car battery dealer, saw Mr Kasirai’s car.

“He noticed the car keys were in the ignition port and the rear passenger door was open and he hatched a plan to steal it,” Mr Manyiwa said.

Machaya noticed that the car had no battery and went to his work place where he took a battery belonging to one of his clients. He fitted it on the motor vehicle and drove away.

Mr Manyiwa said Machaya was seen by Mr Velani Madi (52) driving at a very high speed along Luveve road.

“Mr Madi was driving at Mazai River Bridge when he noticed that the vehicle had a burst tyre and the accused person was looking suspicious.

He told police officers who came to the scene and found Machaya standing near the motor vehicle,” he said.

The officers searched Machaya and found him in possession of the car keys. They called Mr Kasirai whose contact details were written on the body of the stolen vehicle and he confirmed that the car was his.

Machaya was arrested and the car was recovered together with the car battery that he had taken from his work place.

-State media

A TOUT from Bulawayo who allegedly beat his cousin to death following a dispute over the sharing of US$60 which had been sent by the deceased’s mother from the United States of America, has appeared in court.

Makhosi Ncube (33) allegedly fatally struck Keith Ramjis (40) whom he lived with at a family house in Thorngrove suburb. 

He then made a false police report that he had found him dead.

Ncube appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Mr Franklin Mkhwananzi facing a murder charge and was remanded in custody to September 3.

Prosecuting, Mr Nkathazo Dlodlo said on August 19 at about 1AM, Ncube had a misunderstanding with the deceased over the sharing of US$60 which had been sent by Ramjis’ mother who is based in the US.

“The dispute degenerated into a fight resulting in the accused person assaulting the deceased using a metal broom stick and cooking stick all over the body until he lost consciousness,” said Mr Dlodlo.

He said at about 9AM, Ncube left Ramjis in the house and went to an unknown place and when he returned nine hours later he discovered that his cousin had died.

He reported the matter to relatives giving inconsistent statements, claiming he stumbled on Ramjis’ bloodied body in the house and they advised him to report to the police.

Police investigations linked him to the brutal killing and he was arrested on the same night.

Investigating officers observed that the deceased had a deep cut on his forehead. His head was swollen and he had another cut on his back. The officers also discovered a wooden piece of cooking stick and an iron bar which were hidden under the deceased’s bed.

Ramjis’s blood-stained blankets had been placed on a washing line together with Ncube’s bloodied jeans.

-State Media

By A Correspondent- A Chikanga woman recently appeared in court on assault charges after she allegedly attacked her husband’s lover leaving her nursing serious injuries.

Moreblessing Ngoshi (30) of Number 3499 Chikanga was ordered to perform community services after pleading guilty.

The State charged that on May 23, the accused unexpectedly returned from work and found the two pants down. Out of anger she beat the complainant on the arm several times using a water glass and a knife.

The matter was reported to the police leading to Ngoshi’s arrest.In passing sentence, the court stated that those found at the wrong side of the law were supposed to be given appropriate punishment, adding that first-time offenders should however stay out of prison where possible.-TellZim

A Bulawayo woman regrets offering one man accommodation at her house as he now shouts at her and locks her out whenever she visits the house for inspection.

Yvonne Nomalanga Chipunza said she was fed up of Munyaradzi Chamboko and now wanted him out of her house.

“I am having problems with my tenant Chamboko who resides at a house which I own in Burnside. He is so abusive whenever I visit my house for inspection. He shouts at me using abusive language and even goes to the extent of locking his door in front of me so that I don’t discuss anything pertaining to the house.

“I fear one of these days he will physically abuse me as I am only a woman. I am very uncomfortable with his continued stay at my premises because now I can’t visit my property to check on it. I am therefore applying for a protection order ordering him to stop shutting me out from accessing my house and leave my place. I’m no longer interested in him staying at my house,” said Chipunza.

Responding to Chipunza’s accusations Chamboko said she was just insensitive.

“I have been staying at her house for the past three months and in these months her rent charges have been continuously increasing. It is not true that I locked her outside. Actually when she came to the house I told her I don’t have the money for rent and that I will phone her when I get it,” said Chamboko.

He added: “I have no problem with moving out of her house but I need a three months notice.”

Presiding magistrate Urgent Vundla ordered Chamboko to stop verbally abusing Chipunza and to stay away from her premises.

-State Media

By A Correspondent- The Dumiso Dabengwa Foundation, an organisation founded in honour of the late national hero and former Zipra intelligence supremo, has started making consultations with various stakeholders to lobby government to accord national hero and heroine statuses to the late liberation war luminaries, Thenjiwe Lesabe and Tafi Moyo.

Lesabe, then national chairperson of Zapu’s Council of Elders, died at the United Bulawayo Hospitals in February 2011. She was a distinguished liberation fighter and was one of the pillars of Zapu during the war of liberation, Gukurahundi era, right through to the signing of the Unity Accord between PF Zapu and Zanu, where she later became a Cabinet minister in the then President Robert Mugabe’s government. She, however, later quit Zanu PF and helped in the revival of Zapu following a fallout with Mugabe.

When she died in 2011, Mugabe denied her national heroine status, accusing her of jumping ship and joining Dabengwa’s revived Zapu party. She was eventually buried at her family farm in Fort Rixon, Insiza district, Matabeleland South province.

Moyo, also a renowned liberation war stalwart, was denied the national hero status when he died on December 8, 2014, with government only conferring a State-assisted funeral and burial at Lady Stanley in Bulawayo.

Moyo was among Zapu veterans who spent several years detained at various restriction camps, alongside the late Vice-President Joshua Nkomo, Joseph Msika, Josiah Chinamano, Daniel Madzimbamuto, Willie Musarurwa, Ruth Chinamano, Stanslaus Marembo and a host of other liberation icons.

DD Foundation director Mthulisi Hanana said Lesabe and Moyo deserved recognition for the work they did to liberate the country.

“We are finalising consultations with the Tafi Moyo and Lesabe families so that we apply for their national hero statuses. Remember, at some point the President (Emmerson Mnangagwa) met the group of organisations based in
Matabeleland under the banner of Matabeleland Collective. I was there at the meeting and raised the issue of the partisan and biased according of national hero statuses. The President gave a criteria on how the status is given,” Hanana said.

“When I asked that, I had the issue of Lesabe in mind. Now, what happened is that Lesabe had not been given the heroine status by Mugabe’s administration because she had moved to revive Zapu. But now, this government has declared Dabengwa, the president of Zapu, a national hero. It is on that line that we feel Lesabe was robbed of the heroine status.”

He said what they were going to engage government so that it reconsiders Lesabe’s heroine status since she had served government in various portfolios.

“So, we are now consulting her family, the reason being we want to have consensus with the family so that when we ask for the national hero status for their relative, they will accept,” he said.

He said Moyo, when he passed on, Mugabe was not in the country and there was not time for the leadership to deliberate on his hero status, and when the President returned, he could only extend to him a State assisted funeral and burial.

“But we believe he is more, because he joined the struggle, even if he was not fighting in the front. He was moving arms. He was supporting the struggle financially and even when he was celebrating his 100th birthday, the President gave remarks that showed how much contribution he made,” Hanana said.

“So, we are also consulting his family to say we are pushing for the hero status of their relative. The idea behind this is to make sure that when the story of our struggle is told; and when the story of the heros of this country is told, these illustrious son and daughters of the soil should also be part of the story because they deserve it,… even if they are not interred at the National Heroes Acre.”

Other Zapu wartime luminaries such as Lookout Masuku were laid to rest at Lady Stanley Cemetery.-Newsday

A UNITED Kingdom-based Zimbabwean woman was found lying in a pool of blood with multiple stab wounds, inflicted allegedly by her husband. 

Essex police reported that a murder probe has since been launched after the woman, identified as Linda Nomagugu Vilika (41) from Bulawayo’s Mpopoma suburb, was brutally butchered on Wednesday.

The incident allegedly happened in broad day light. 

Vilika is alleged to have been declared dead at the scene at Great Saling, Essex, around 2.45PM on Wednesday. 

The police indicated that a 42-year-old man had been arrested on murder charges related to Vilika’s death.

However, the accused fell ill and was admitted in hospital. 

Vilika’s residence has since been cordoned off, UK media reported. 

An Essex Police spokesman is reported to have said: 

“We are investigating the circumstances surrounding the woman’s death and we are keen to speak to anyone who was in the area at the time and heard or saw anything suspicious. Anyone with information is asked to call the North Major Crime Team on 101 or email [email protected]. Alternatively, contact the Crime stoppers charity 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111 or use the anonymous online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org.”

Vilika’s siblings took to Facebook to express their shock and heartbreak at the passing of their sister. 

Ms Sithulisile Vilika, a sister to the deceased described her as a cheerful person who touched many lives and shared pleasant laughter moments. 

Mntaka tata can you find peace where you are. Be a good guardian Angel to the family, Whisper to us what really went on- on the day of your death so we can find healing. 

“As a family we will never come to understand the way you died it will be scarred forever. Many people will miss you friends and colleagues that you have touched their lives in so many different ways. You lived your life the best way you knew how and to the fullest.”

“One will miss that beautiful smile and to hear your pleasant laughter. One thing I know is that even on your last breath you fought so hard to stay alive but God had other plans. Where you are now always hold a candle for us and wait patiently for our reunion. May your soul rest in peace my beloved sister Linda Nomagugu Vilika,” wrote Ms Sithulisile Vilika on Facebook. 

By A Correspondent- Shoko Festival director and satirist, Samm “Comrade Fatso” Farai Monro, said the attack on Gonyeti was unacceptable.

Samantha “Gonyeti” Kureya of the Bustop TV fame is currently in hospital after she was abducted by AK rifle wielding and masked men from her home in Mufakose, Harare and assaulted her before being dumped in Crowborough North Phase 4.

The men warned her against mocking the government through her comedy skits.

Said Monro:

“I think it is unacceptable what they have done to Gonyeti. Comedy is not a crime. Satire is a right and Gonyeti is no criminal. We have a right to laugh at those in power and the government needs to accept that.”

By A Correspondent- Permanent secretary in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Ndavaningi Nick Mangwana said that the recent kidnappings and assaults of citizens by gunmen bear all the marks of “black ops”.

Writing on microblogging site Twitter on Friday, Mangwana argued that the is a need for level-headed analysis of the recent activities.

He said:

“Recent activities in Zim have all the hallmarks of “black ops” hence need to be analysed dispassionately. Who stands to gain from damage to ED’s local and international prestige? Why would masked people abduct then order victim not to criticise govt? Nicely setting things up?”

According to Wikipedia, “Black Op” is short for “Black Operation” which it defines as:

2… a covert or clandestine operation by a government agency, a military unit or a paramilitary organization; it can include activities by private companies or groups.

Key features of a black operation are that it is secret and it is not attributable to the organization carrying it out.”

By A Correspondent- Gweru City Council has suspended its plans to introduce prepaid water meters this year as the local authority grapples with financial challenges.

This was revealed by Town clerk Elizabeth Gwatipedza who said that the council has a more pressing issue, that is, acquiring water pumps for an alternative water reservoir to Gwenhoro Dam. She said:

Prepaid meters are expensive, and it’s better that we concentrate on buying pumps for Amapongokwe Dam.

We had planned to roll out the prepaid meters this year, but have now decided to indefinitely postpone the project. We will introduce them (prepaid meters) at the right time.

In 2017, the local authority also shelved plans to roll out prepaid water meters. The City said then, that it wanted to ascertain the performance of the water meters from other local authorities who had already introduced the gadgets.-Newsday

By A Correspondent- The European Union policy advisor on Africa and former ambassador to Zimbabwe, Philippe Van Damme, said that it is wrong to claim that human rights are less important than economic development.

He contends that people who hold that view are those who are on the side of the oppressors rather than the oppressed.

Writes Van Damme:

Those who claim #HumanRights are of a lower priority then economic development are generally speaking on the side of the oppressors rather than the oppressed; oppressed may have a different opinion.

Beyond ethical considerations, from an economic point of view, neglect of #HumanRights and marginalization/discrimination of social groups (women, minorities…) leads to suboptimal use of their economic potential.

Still on #HumanRights and economics, non-respect of #RuleOfLaw, corruption,… lead to judiciary unpredictability and deteriorating investment climate. Please see the most recent @Mo_IbrahimFdn reports on the strong correlation among all those variables.

On “Western-style” democracy: very paternalising and contemptuous of all those citizens registering, mobilising, patiently queuing and voting to claim they are not ripe for it.

Beyond the ethics, democracy also least inefficient way to hold leadership to account, on policy choices, on governance (incl corruption…) and to organise orderly successions/transitions. No “regime change” rhetoric but just “alternate”.

Coming now to economics. Each country has its specificities, linked to geography, history, the pattern of demographic transition and urbanisation, administrative tradition and culture…. but phases of accelerating economic growth always correlated to improving governance.

Improving economic governance through increased competition and economic liberalisation, corporate transparency and accountability, clarification of property rights, improvements in #Rule Of Law… i. e. improvements in “ease of doing business” and investment climate.

IF – a big IF – well-organised and competent State-administration, those reforms can be accompanied by public investment in well-managed supportive infrastructure, utilities…

But even when all these conditions are met, economic growth will run out of steam if economic liberalisation is not accompanied by political liberalisation. Back to square one.

Sustainable growth and development in a complex, modern society, requires freedom of choice, creativity, critical thinking, right of initiative.. i. e. respect for basic #HumanRights, #Rule Of Law and #democracy
Most countries in S-E Asia have reached that turning point.”

A couple of comments then.

1.Those who claim #HumanRights are of lower priority then economic dev are generally speaking on the side of the oppressors rather than the oppressed; oppressed may have a different opinion

2.Beyond ethical considerations, from an economic point of view, neglect of #HumanRights & marginalization / discrimination of social groups (women, minorities…) leads to suboptimal use of their economic potentiel

3.Still on #HumanRights & economics, non-respect of #RuleOfLaw, corruption,… lead to judiciary unpredictability & deteriorating investment climate. Please see most recent @Mo_IbrahimFdn reports on strong correlation among all those variables

4.On “Western style” democracy: very paternalising & contemptuous of all those citizens registering, mobilising, patiently queuing & voting to claim they are not ripe for it.

5.Beyond the ethics, democracy also least inefficient way to hold leadership to account, on policy choices, on governance (incl corruption…) and to organise orderly successions / transitions. No “regime change” rethoric but just “alternance”

6.Coming now to the economics. Each country has its specificities , linked to geography, history, pattern of demographic transition & urbanisation, administrative tradition & culture…. but phases of accelerating economic growth always correlated to improving governance

7.Improving economic governance through increased competition & economic liberalisation, corporate transparency & accountability, clarification of property rights, improvements in #RuleOfLaw… i. e. improvements in “ease of doing business” & investment climate

VIDEO LOADING BELOW

Yesterday we went live at a property in the Eastern town of Marondera where we exposed a secret house president Emmerson Mnangagwa is keeping the fake police officers who assaulted civilians in Harare on the 16th August. Insider sources say that this is the same group which went about assaulting people in January. The property is a newly built house located at the corner of Grace Rd and Flint Rd, Marondera. It was built in the space of under 3 months. VIDEO BELOW

Going LIVE-we visit where govt's housing fake cops who assaulted civilians last Frid:
same gunmen who opened fire on Custon Matewu's house early Thur. @PoliceZimbabwe why are you not arresting the residents at cnr Flint Rd/Grace Rd, Marondera(the hse built in 90 days)? @euinzim pic.twitter.com/J8MXODnq8w

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) August 22, 2019

THE HOUSE WHERE GUNMEN AND FAKE COPS ARE LIVING @ZLHRLawyers pic.twitter.com/6cuzH4XI9T

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) August 22, 2019

Possible explanations of these abductions and torture;

1.Competing states actors seeking to soil each other

2.State instilling fear and silencing of dissent

3.Non-state actors seeking to discredit the gvt

4.State lost capacity to protect citizens

All possibilities scurry!!!!!

Possible explanations of these abductions and torture
1. Competing states actors seeking to soil each other
2. State instilling fear and silencing of dissent
3. Non-state actors seeking to discredit the gvt
4. State lost capacity to protect citizens

All possibilities scurry!!!!!

— Rev Dr Kenneth Mtata (@kennethmtata) August 22, 2019

Information ministry permanent secretary Nick Mangwana has attempted to exonerate President Emmerson Mnangagwa from the abduction of popular comedienne Samantha Kureya also known as Gonyeti equating the recent events in events in the country to a “black ops”.

Posting on Twitter this morning, Mangwana said the events need to be analysed to understand on who benefits from damaging Mnangagwa’s local and international prestige.

Recent activities in Zim have all the hallmarks of "black ops" hence need to be analysed dispassionately. Who stands to gain from a damage to ED's local & international prestige? Why would masked people abduct then order victim not to criticise govt? Nicely setting things up? ?‍♂️ pic.twitter.com/2jUzjf7xsG

— Nick Mangwana (@nickmangwana) August 23, 2019

THE International Cricket Council described yesterday as a sad day for the game around the world after former Zimbabwe Cricket chairman, Peter Chingoka, died in Harare.

He was 65 and is survived by wife Shirley, two children Farai and Dambudzo, and one grandchild.
Mourners are gathered at 36 Sandringham Drive Alexandria Park..

“The International Cricket Council (ICC) was today saddened to learn of the death of Peter Chingoka,” the ICC said in a statement.

“Chingoka had a long career as a cricket administrator, including as the president of the Zimbabwe Cricket Union (as Zimbabwe Cricket was called then) from 1992 to 2014, where he assumed the title of chairman in 2001 and significantly contributed to the game’s development across Africa.
“He also was a member of the ICC Board during that time.”

ICC Chief executive, Manu Sawhney, said the global cricket family was mourning.

“The death of Mr Chingoka is sad news for the cricket world. He was widely acknowledged as an important leader in cricket in Zimbabwe and was a respected member of the ICC Board.

“It was with great sadness that we learnt of his death. On behalf of the ICC, I would like to offer our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.”

Chingoka died yesterday morning at the Avenues Clinic.
According to family spokesperson, Patrick Chingoka, his younger brother, the late administrator was in and out of hospital and suffered from a combination of hypertension and kidney problems.

ZC chairman, Tavengwa Mukuhlani, described him as a humble and dedicated person.State media

Civil servants must be performance and results-oriented in the execution of their duties, President Mnangagwa has said.

The President said this at the launch of the Public Service Commission Strategic Plan on Wednesday at the Harare Institute of Technology (HIT).
“All members of the civil service must be performance and results-oriented.

“Our staff at embassies should be vigilant ambassadors of our great nation and engage in various economic diplomacy, to attract foreign investments and partnerships for our economic growth,” he said.

He said the Registrar-General’s Department had been capacitated to enable it to produce national identity documents and passports.

The department has been facing challenges in the procurement of consumables for the production of identity documents and passports, but Government has intervened to address the situation.

“I urge the unit to drastically improve its service delivery to better serve our people,” President Mnangagwa said.
“Equally, I encourage Zimra and the Immigration Department to facilitate the flow of persons and goods across all our borders. The new thrust of the Strategic Plan and work ethos of the Second Republic must inspire a new work ethic across the entire civil service.

“Those in agriculture such as extension officers, must work with renewed impetus to facilitate the improvement in agriculture productivity and land utilisation.

“Teachers on the other hand must develop learners who take pride in being Zimbabwean. Learners must also be adequately equipped to build and develop a modern and industrialised Zimbabwe of the future. Health workers must serve the people efficiently, wholeheartedly, with compassion, love and kindness.”State media

A 35-YEAR-OLD woman from Tsholotsho, who is a stroke victim, died on the spot after being stung by a swarm of bees that attacked her and her mother.

Matabeleland North police spokesperson Chief Inspector Siphiwe Makonese said the swarm attacked Sibonisiwe Ncube at her mother’s homestead in Manyanda Village under Chief Gampu.

She said Ncube could not flee because of her condition while her mother, Ms Anna Ngwenya, was rushed to Tsholotsho District Hospital where she is still admitted with a swollen body.

“We received a report of a woman suffering from stroke who died after being stung by a swarm of bees. On the 20th of August, Sibonisiwe Ncube was seated outside her bedroom hut when a swarm of bees suddenly attacked her.

“She cried for help from her mother Ms Anna Ngwenya who was inside her bedroom hut,” said Chief Insp Makonese.

She said Ms Ngwenya rushed out to investigate and was also attacked by the bees before she could get to her helpless daughter.

At that moment, Chief Insp Makonese said, Ncube was lying on the ground screaming for help.

A neighbour, Mr Mpilo Ndlovu, reported the incident to the police.
Police found Ncube lying dead outside the hut with her whole body swollen.

She said Tsholotsho resident magistrate Mr Victor Mpofu waived a postmortem because no foul play was suspected.State media

Farai Dziva| Chivi South MP, Killer Zivhu has been suspended following his call for dialogue between Emmerson Mnangagwa and MDC president Nelson Chamisa.

Zivhu recently called for the two leaders’ spouses, First lady Auxillia Mnangagwa and Sithokozile Chamisa, to help resolve the country’s worsening political and economic crisis.

Below is a letter written by the party to Zivhu:

The Zanu PF Masvingo disciplinary committee met on August 8, 2019, and resolved to issue you with a prohibition order, in terms of article 10, section 79, subsection 1 of the Zanu PF constitution, generally and more specifically those contained under article 10, section 75 of the same constitution.

Charge 1: Disloyalty and treachery by purporting that in your social media chats and your Twitter account that you are organising a meeting between the President … Mnangagwa whom you referred to as ED and …Chamisa the opposition leader, whom you affectionately call CCC (an acronym for Chamisa Chete Chete), which is the opposition slogan.

You are therefore denigrating the president and the party Zanu PF.
Charge 2: Gross misconduct by disregarding party principles of communication, which must be done through party structures and the long-standing principles of collective decision making.
The prohibition order suspends you from acting in any capacity on behalf of the party until the provincial disciplinary committee has made its determination. You are, therefore, directed to remain on prohibition until your case has been finalised.

Farai Dziva|Controversial Deputy Information Minister Energy Mutodi, has sensationally claimed that the abduction of Bustop TV comedian, Samantha Kureya, was stage-managed.

Mutodi’s claims come against the backdrop of evidence indicating Gonyeti was indeed abducted last night by unknown armed men.

“Gonyeti did a comedy on police accommodation & it’s apparent she has done another one on abductions. We will not be fooled,”claimed the former Rhumba musician.

Farai Dziva|MDC MP for Marondera Central Caston Matewu has given a narrative of how his house was attacked by suspected state security agents.

Read full statement:

Around 2:30am we heard loud gunshots and shortly afterwards we heard massive water pouring from our water tank.

The gunshots continued for about 20 seconds with the magnitude suggesting that it was an automatic assault weapon used.

We then heard a car speeding off from the scene. We later went out and realised that at least 30 shots had been fired with about 10 hitting the water tank. Shots were fired at my car which was parked inside. other shots hit the house walls and some hit our gate.

We think that by first attacking the water tank they wanted us to come outside the house so they could shoot us directly, our saving grace was that the gates were locked and there was no way they could beseech them.

I know this is the work of evil people who target politicians who are just doing thier job which is to bring prosperity to Zimbabwe.

I am not shaken by such cowardice, I rather feel sorry for those who are sent to do this. I will remain on the side of peace loving Zimbabweans and I will not stop to hold this government to account.

I am determined to continue doing my job and representing the people I serve with due diligence.

Hon Caston Matewu MP
Marondera Central

The MDC National Organiser Hon. Amos Chibaya has been arrested and has been charged with failing to take steps to stop demonstrations.

Hon. Chibaya was the convener of the MDC’s proposed peaceful demonstrations in four cities that were later foiled by the police after they issued four prohibition orders to stop citizens in the respective cities from exercising their democratic rights as enshrined in the supreme law of the land.

Upon hearing that the police were looking for him, the Mkoba MP handed himself over to Harare Central police at around 4pm today in the company of his lawyer, Obey Shava.

Hon. Chibaya, who is still with his lawyer, is still being quizzed by the police.

Hon. Chibaya is currently on bail on yet another trumped up charge of subversion emanating from the January 2019 disturbances and for which he has been slapped with reporting conditions.

His arrest is testimony of the closure of democratic space in Zimbabwe. In fact, the country is under a de facto state of emergency, judging by the abductions, torture and arrests of innocent Zimbabweans in the past few days.

Luke Tamborinyoka

Deputy National spokesperson
Movement for Democratic Change

The MDC National Organizer Hon. Amos Chibaya has been arrested and has been charged with failing to take steps to stop demonstrations.

Hon. Chibaya was the convener of the MDC’s proposed peaceful demonstrations in four cities that were later foiled by the police after they issued four prohibition orders to stop citizens in the respective cities from exercising their democratic rights as enshrined in the supreme law of the land.

Upon hearing that the police were looking for him, the Mkoba MP handed himself over to Harare Central police at around 4pm today in the company of his lawyer, Obey Shava.

Hon. Chibaya, who is still with his lawyer, is still being quizzed by the police.

Hon. Chibaya is currently on bail on yet another trumped up charge of subversion emanating from the January 2019 disturbances and for which he has been slapped with reporting conditions.

His arrest is testimony of the closure of democratic space in Zmbabwe. In fact, the country is under a de facto state of emergency, judging by the abductions, torture and arrests of innocent Zimbabweans in the past few days.

Luke Tamborinyoka

Deputy National spokesperson
Movement for Democratic Change

Ballistic experts cornfim that bullet shells found at my house are military grade. at least 30 bullets were fired hitting my car, house, water tank and gate. I never never stop to represent the people of Marondera Central. #ENDviolence pic.twitter.com/5FWnmdhZ1A

— Caston Matewu (@cmatewu) August 22, 2019

In Bulawayo,@MDCAllianceZW
Mpopoma District Treasurer,Bernard Verenga was abducted around 11pm on 21 August 2019.Verenga sustained serious injuries @rashidmahiya1 @zhrc365 @usembassyharare @citezw @kubatana @OpenParlyZw @_IJR_ @NewZimbabweCom @MatHumanRights @ZLHRLawyers

— Heal Zimbabwe Trust (@HealZim) August 22, 2019

Farai Dziva|Controversial Deputy Information Minister Energy Mutodi, has sensationally claimed that the abduction of Bustop TV comedian, Samantha Kureya, was stage-managed.

Mutodi’s claims come against the backdrop of evidence indicating Gonyeti was indeed abducted last night by unknown armed men.

“Gonyeti did a comedy on police accommodation & it’s apparent she has done another one on abductions. We will not be fooled,”claimed the former Rhumba musician.

Farai Dziva|MDC MP for Marondera Central Caston Matewu has given a narrative of how his house was attacked by suspected state security agents.

Read full statement:

Around 2:30am we heard loud gunshots and shortly afterwards we heard massive water pouring from our water tank.

The gunshots continued for about 20 seconds with the magnitude suggesting that it was an automatic assault weapon used.

We then heard a car speeding off from the scene. We later went out and realised that at least 30 shots had been fired with about 10 hitting the water tank. Shots were fired at my car which was parked inside. other shots hit the house walls and some hit our gate.

We think that by first attacking the water tank they wanted us to come outside the house so they could shoot us directly, our saving grace was that the gates were locked and there was no way they could beseech them.

I know this is the work of evil people who target politicians who are just doing thier job which is to bring prosperity to Zimbabwe.

I am not shaken by such cowardice, I rather feel sorry for those who are sent to do this. I will remain on the side of peace loving Zimbabweans and I will not stop to hold this government to account.

I am determined to continue doing my job and representing the people I serve with due diligence.

Hon Caston Matewu MP
Marondera Central

''The people pronounced themselves and gave the mandate to ZANU PF. Notwithstanding that ZANU PF is saying all Zimbabwean has a right to participate in the discourse of this country. But we will not be dragged to a bilateral backdoor power sharing negotiation with the MDC… ." pic.twitter.com/9qySc7H1TO

— Nick Mangwana (@nickmangwana) August 21, 2019

By Jane Mlambo| Scandal ridden Zimbabwe Nation Road Administration (Zinara) is once again in the spotlight after its body chairperson Engineer Michael Madanha has been fingered in unilateral appointments of staff and meddling in the day to day running of the parastatal.

Madanha stand accused of seconding a director from the parent ministry who has no knowledge of roads administration as the Acting CEO of Zinara.

“According to the law, Madanha was supposed to appoint one senior director from the organisation as Acting CEO but he took his crony from the ministry who is not qualified. The staff is very disappointed in him and morale is at an all-time low,” said one of the workers at the entity.

Acting in connivance with human resources manager Juliana Maposa, Madanha allegedly appointed five senior staff contradicting the Public Entities Corporate Governance Act which state that the human resource manager cannot oversee the filling in of posts above his/her position.

The Grant Thornton report on ZINARA revealed that the state entity currently does not have approved Human Resources Policies and Procedures manual and this has been happening since 2002 when ZINARA came into existence.

Madanha and Maposa stand accused of nepotism as they recruited their relatives and friends.

“Madanha intends to capture the organisation to fund factionalism and campaigns against Tino Machakaire who unseated him in Wedza South. Madanha to date has withdrawn more than 12,000 litres of diesel to fund his factional operations,” said the source.

Efforts to get a comment from Madanha and Maposa were fruitless as their phones went unanswered.

In April this year, Madanha came under fire from the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) for firing the parastatal’s director of administration Precious Murove, a key witness to investigations by Parliament over alleged looting of US$71 million at the organisation.

The PAC suspected the action by Madanha, a former deputy minister during the period under review, was aimed at suppressing evidence because Murove was one of the names that featured prominently in the corruption saga.

Jane Mlambo| The ruling Zanu PF has suspended Chivi South Member of Parliament Killer Zivhu for allegedly demanding dialogue between President Emmerson Mnangagwa and MDC leader Nelson Chamisa.

Zivhu is also alleged to have been force to close his Twitter account.

More to follow…

VIDEO LOADING BELOW

Going LIVE-we visit where govt's housing fake cops who assaulted civilians last Frid:
same gunmen who opened fire on Custon Matewu's house early Thur. @PoliceZimbabwe why are you not arresting the residents at cnr Flint Rd/Grace Rd, Marondera(the hse built in 90 days)? @euinzim pic.twitter.com/J8MXODnq8w

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) August 22, 2019

THE HOUSE WHERE GUNMEN AND FAKE COPS ARE LIVING @ZLHRLawyers pic.twitter.com/6cuzH4XI9T

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) August 22, 2019

Farai Dziva|MDC Councillor for ward 24 in Bulawayo, Arnold Batirai Dube has revealed how his wife was abducted and tortured by suspected state security agents on Tuesday night.

In an interview with ZimEye.com Batirai said:
” Seven armed men travelling in a white commuter omnibus, a Toyota Twin Cab and a Honda CRV- respectively – abducted my wife.They also abducted my neighbour – Trust Chaputika and his wife.

They assaulted them and took their phones.

They later dumped them in a sewer trench,” said Batirai Dube.

Farai Dziva| Chivi South MP, Killer Zivhu has been suspended following his call for dialogue between Emmerson Mnangagwa and MDC president Nelson Chamisa.

Zivhu recently called for the two leaders’ spouses, First lady Auxillia Mnangagwa and Sithokozile Chamisa, to help resolve the country’s worsening political and economic crisis.

Below is a letter written by the party to Zivhu:

The Zanu PF Masvingo disciplinary committee met on August 8, 2019, and resolved to issue you with a prohibition order, in terms of article 10, section 79, subsection 1 of the Zanu PF constitution, generally and more specifically those contained under article 10, section 75 of the same constitution.

Charge 1: Disloyalty and treachery by purporting that in your social media chats and your Twitter account that you are organising a meeting between the President … Mnangagwa whom you referred to as ED and …Chamisa the opposition leader, whom you affectionately call CCC (an acronym for Chamisa Chete Chete), which is the opposition slogan.

You are therefore denigrating the president and the party Zanu PF.
Charge 2: Gross misconduct by disregarding party principles of communication, which must be done through party structures and the long-standing principles of collective decision making.
The prohibition order suspends you from acting in any capacity on behalf of the party until the provincial disciplinary committee has made its determination. You are, therefore, directed to remain on prohibition until your case has been finalised.

Jane Mlambo| Zimbabwean cleric Pastor Shingi Munyeza has castigated President Emmerson Mnangagwa administration over its continued hunting down and abduction of citizens saying the state must come up with a position on stopping this.

“I’m totally disgusted & alarmed by an unprecedented trend of abductions in our country 2. It’s worrying that the State has not come up with a position on stopping this 3.The State must protect its citizens & culprits brought to book,” said Munyeza.

VIDEO LOADING BELOW…

An unidentified Bulawayo man, suspected to be a vagrant, was on Thursday found hanging on a tree at Centenary Park next to a stream that flows between Eveline High School and the Bulawayo Theatre.

Police took down his body and transported it to the United Bulawayo Hospitals mortuary in a metal coffin at around 9AM.

More details to follow…

Jane Mlambo| The international police agency, Interpol has rejected Zimbabwe’s request to arrest former Zanu PF Commissar Savior Kasukuwere saying they do not interfere in matters that they deem political, military or racial.

In a letter to Zimbabwe police, Interpol said the status of Kasukuwere and the nature of the offence would compromise their neutrality according to article 3 of the Interpol’s constitution.

Below are snippets from the Interpol letter;

“it is strictly forbidden for the organisation to undertake any intervention or activities of a political, military or racial character.”

 “the status of the person, the nature of the offence, the general context of the case and the implications for the neutrality of the organisation.”

“In view of the above and taking into account the neutrality of the organisation, it is considered that the request may engage the organisation in matters, which would bring into question its neutrality according to article 3 of Interpol’s constitution.

“As a result, the General Secretariat is not in a position to publish the red notice against Mr Kasukuwere and the information concerning the individual will be deleted from Interpol’s databases.”

“It does not prevent your country from using other means or channels to disseminate international alerts or requests for cooperation concerning this case. Rather, the sole consequence of our decision is that your request for international police cooperation concerning this individual may not be transmitted via Interpol’s channels,”

VIEW PICTURE…

The current bank exchange rates for the ZWL$ today are as follows

USD = ZWL$10.2447
ZWL$ = RAND1.4881
Data according to the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe

Black Market Rates:

USD = ZWL$11.25 zimrates
USD = ZWL$11.20 zwl365
USD = ZWL$11.20 bluemari
USD = BOND80.00 zimrates

-Marketwatch

Protocol

Your Excellency, President Emmerson Mnangagwa, President of the Republic of Zimbabwe

Chief Justice and Chairperson of the Judicial Service Commission, Luke Malaba,

Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Honourable Ziyambi Ziyambi,

Prosecutor General, Mr Kumbirai Hodzi,

Chairperson of the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission, Justice Loice Matanda-Moyo

Deputy Commissioner General, Zimbabwe Republic Police,…….

Deputy Commissioner General, Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services Commissioner…..,

Representatives of the various Constitutional Commissions,

Representatives of the Parliament of Zimbabwe,

Representatives of the Diplomatic Corps and development agencies,

Representative of the International Commission of Jurists,

Representatives of the Law Society of Zimbabwe,

Representatives of government departments Representatives from Civil Society,

Members of the Media,

Distinguished guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The word “corruption” is commonly spoken in Zimbabwe. His Excellency the President himself addressed the scourge of corruption at his inauguration and many times thereafter. The Chief Justice spoke about it at the opening of the 2019 Legal Year.

The new ZACC Chairperson has publicly declared her commitment to combatting corruption. I have frequently heard the word from ordinary Zimbabweans too: most often they are lamenting about the chronic suffering it is causing in their lives.

Some politically, economically and socially powerful may speak about corruption in celebration of its unjust fruits in their lives.

This vice- so widely talked about in Zimbabwe- has brought us together today. It is a man-made crisis and a crisis that Zimbabwe simply cannot afford.

The EU is supporting the anti-corruption drive because we believe that it is a crisis that needs to be urgently and seriously addressed. Corruption is also mentioned in Zimbabwe’s constitution, section 9 and I quote: “measures must be taken to expose, combat and eradicate all forms of corruption and abuse of power by those holding political and public offices”.

Adherence to the constitution is, together with the Cotonou agreement where corruption is also mentioned, the basis of EU’s cooperation in Zimbabwe.

Unfortunately, we are witnessing these days several developments that put constitutionalism and the respect for the rule of law in question. People’s civic rights, such as the right of assembly, and the right to peacefully demonstrate and petition and also the right 4 to due legal processes when suspected of crimes must be respected.

Zimbabwe should show that it genuinely has made a break from the past. There are various anti-corruption strategies in government plans, for example, the Transitional Stabilisation Programme and many others. Several steps have been implemented, including the appointment of new ZACC Commissioners, the publishing of the Auditor General’s reports and its debates in Parliament and the creation of specialised anti-corruption courts.

ZACC has been in the limelight over the past months for its work in investigating corruption and arresting and referring accused persons for prosecutions. All this is commendable but in order to make this a broad based anti-corruption fight, where members of the public can fully participate, we gather here today to launch a public anticorruption campaign led by actors constitutionally mandated to combat corruption- the National Prosecution Authority and the Zimbabwe Anti-corruption Commission, supported by other justice sector actors.

The EU has been supporting state justice institutions through the 11th EDF, “Support to rule of law and access to justice for all Programme”, where we have committed a budget of EUR 14 million. This project, being implemented by the Judicial Service Commission in partnership with the International Commission of Jurists has an EU contribution of EUR 1.8 million and one of its objectives is to contribute to the fight against corruption through improving transparency and integrity of the justice institutions.

Through this project, the EU has supported 5 the establishment of the specialised anti-corruption courts, the procurement of equipment for the courts and training of judicial officers serving these courts.

The EU is also supporting the National Prosecuting Authority through provision of technical assistance which will see the improvement of their case management system, professional development of prosecutors and improving their public engagement strategy to enhance public confidence in the NPA.

The EU has not been directly supporting ZACC, but the Commission has benefitted through this project as one of the institutions with a key role to play in dispensing justice for corruption cases.

Your Excellency, ladies and gentlemen, I have earlier mentioned that corruption is widely spoken about, it is also widely practised, or perceived to be rampant to the extent that some Zimbabweans who interact with public institutions, like the courts, passport office, immigration, police admit that it is difficult not to be corrupt when interacting with them. Apparently, corruption is a key factor in accessing public services, this is sad.

This maybe anecdotal but it is, to an extent, corroborated by several researches, for example, the Transparency International Corruption perception Index ranks Zimbabwe Number 160 out of 180 countries and Zimbabwe also scores very low at 22 out of 100 for a scale where 0 is highly corrupt and 100 is very clean.

Corruption, sometimes described as misuse of public office for private gain, thrives in darkness and detests transparency. The reports by the Auditor General 6 have also unearthed several corrupt practices and of late the famous NSSA audit report. ZACC has confirmed that they have over 200 cases of corruption that are work in progress.

Corruption erodes the trust between the people and their government thus affecting the main ingredient that is public confidence which is critical for development. The EU therefore calls on government at every level to step up efforts towards uprooting corruption and to keep the public informed of progress.

The EU appeals to the Zimbabwean people to desist from corruption, fighting corruption begins with you. Corruption in public institutions is sustained by corrupt citizens. Do not under-estimate your power as the people to fight and end corruption, just one act of refusing to engage in corruption or reporting corruption is a step towards a corruption-free Zimbabwe.

Civil society and citizens have a key role to play in fighting corruption through monitoring government actions, whistle-blowing, demonstrating, petitioning, amongst other actions. They should be afforded the democratic space to fully participate lawfully and peacefully without unnecessary restrictions, without being beaten, killed, unlawfully arrested and detained.

The EU has firmly been calling for transparent and accountable governance in Zimbabwe, not only have we called for it, we have been financially supporting it through various projects.

Since 2015, through the 11th EDF, the EU has been supporting various state institutions, in particular justice institutions most of whom are present here even when the political will in government was almost 7 non-existent. It is positive to note that the current government led by the President has demonstrated the willingness to fight corruption through publicly acknowledging that it exists and it is affecting the economy and publicly denouncing corruption.

The EU calls on the government to improve efforts towards bringing perpetrators to book following due process in accordance with the law. There have been several high profile arrests since 2017, several trials are ongoing and there are some convictions. With the level of corruption in Zimbabwe, perhaps the rate of convictions may still be on the low side.

I have come across a term as I meet with Zimbabweans online and offline, called ‘catch and release’ meaning that no one is held to account, it is just an insincere anticorruption fight. Whether it’s true or not, these are public perceptions and for Zimbabwe to stem out corruption there is need to gain public confidence in the institutions fighting corruption.

Corruption is a discreet crime and for as long as there is no confidence in the government’s sincerity in fighting corruption which can only be demonstrated by applying the law fairly, impartially and diligently without fear or favour, without political bias, without consideration of economic or social status, the battle against corruption will be lost. The anti-corruption courts were launched since late last year; we applaud and support this step.

These courts, however, ought to lead by example, they have to be as transparent as glass.

Corruption thrives in secrecy and opaqueness; there 8 must be pro-active disclosure of information related to progress on the prosecution and completion of cases on corruption. This will also act as a deterrent measure on those engaging in or intending to engage in corruption. It will also show the public that fighting corruption is a priority issue for government that is being effectively addressed for Zimbabwe to achieve medium economy by 2030.

The launch of this strategy comes at an opportune time when the government is intensifying its re-engagement regionally and internationally to attract investment in the country and rebuild the economy. Let me underscore the importance of an independent and efficient justice system to rebuilding the economy and the image of Zimbabwe.

A corrupt justice system is a serious impediment of any fight against corruption. The EU calls on the justice institutions gathered here today to weed out corruption internally and to do it publicly so that victims and witnesses of corruption feel confident to report corruption. Zero tolerance to corruption should not just be spoken about, there has to be concrete action.

Let me just say there is again public sentiments, your Excellency, that you have demonstrated your willingness to fight corruption through words but they do not see yet this being supported by action. The EU therefore calls on all the state institutions present here to support the President’s public declarations by actions.

Perpetrators should not go scot-free, due process 9 of the law should be followed, ZACC’s independence should be respected and it should be adequately resourced, the courts system should be transparent on statistics and outcomes of corruption cases.

Your words since your election, your Excellency have been of hope, of rebuilding and unity, this has raised great expectations amongst Zimbabweans and these require great fearless actions in pursuit of justice in order to meet the people’s expectations.

If the President’s words are to be matched, Zimbabwe needs a radical, merciless and blind justice system fighting corruption. The EU stands ready to support this and as mentioned above is supporting better justice delivery.

I came to Zimbabwe in 2018 and before coming to this event, I looked back at what the EU and our member states have been supporting in relation to corruption and justice institutions. Denmark, one of our member states, in 2015 supported and launched the Against Corruption Together commonly known as ACT Campaign.

I am delighted, your Excellency, that you officially launched the ACT campaign as the then Vice President and Minister of Justice and you are again officiating today as we take this campaign forward. I am also pleased to note that after this launch, a number of activities targeting the public are lined up in order to generate public debate and action against corruption.

It is our hope that all the activities will receive the same publicity and media coverage as this launch. This is an appeal to the media to not only cover the events but also monitor the impact of the campaign, for example, will we see in a couple of 10 months more people reporting? Will we see more prosecutions and convictions?

The media has a key role to play in keeping the public informed of the progress being made by government. In a few months, the EU will be signing a contract to support the legislative and oversight role of the 9th Parliament of Zimbabwe in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme. Parliament’s oversight role discharged efficiently, effectively and impartially will greatly contribute to the fight against corruption.

Let me reiterate here that the cooperation between the EU and the Government of Zimbabwe is premised on the full implementation of the Constitution.

The EU is pleased that since 2018, government has been steadily progressing on the alignment of laws to the Constitution; there are several Bills at different stages of the law making process. We hope this willingness continues and improves such that even the laws related to corruption are reformed in order to complement the fight against corruption.

There have been positive steps that the government has taken in implementing political and economic reforms, however, the journey is still long and tough. There is still need for legislative, policy, attitudinal and behaviour change in order to root out corruption.

I urge you to continue the hard work with renewed 11 vigour and determination, today’s event is just a launch and a public declaration from the highest office, most of the work lies ahead. Let me take this opportunity to thank you, your Excellency and all the partners here, for your effort and commitment to fighting corruption for the good of all Zimbabweans.

The EU is proud of this step, where the institutions here present have committed themselves to be the anti-corruption armour bearers as is your constitutional duty, The EU stands ready to assist in the impartial and fair justice delivery which knows no political, economic or social status and the EU remains hopeful for a future where Zimbabwe is free from corruption. I thank you.

Jane Mlambo| The international police agency, Interpol has rejected Zimbabwe’s request to arrest former Zanu PF Commissar Savior Kasukuwere saying they do not interfere in matters that they deem political, military or racial.

In a letter to Zimbabwe police, Interpol said the status of Kasukuwere and the nature of the offence would compromise their neutrality according to article 3 of the Interpol’s constitution.

Below are snippets from the Interpol letter;

“it is strictly forbidden for the organisation to undertake any intervention or activities of a political, military or racial character.”

 “the status of the person, the nature of the offence, the general context of the case and the implications for the neutrality of the organisation.”

“In view of the above and taking into account the neutrality of the organisation, it is considered that the request may engage the organisation in matters, which would bring into question its neutrality according to article 3 of Interpol’s constitution.

“As a result, the General Secretariat is not in a position to publish the red notice against Mr Kasukuwere and the information concerning the individual will be deleted from Interpol’s databases.”

“It does not prevent your country from using other means or channels to disseminate international alerts or requests for cooperation concerning this case. Rather, the sole consequence of our decision is that your request for international police cooperation concerning this individual may not be transmitted via Interpol’s channels,”

Jane Mlambo| Latest reports indicate that police who inspected the house of Marondera central Legislator, Caston Matewu where gunshots were fired by suspected state agents have confirmed that automatic guns were used.

More to follow…

WATCH VIDEO BELOW…

Jane Mlambo| Popular comedienne Samantha Kureya known as Gonyeti has revealed that she was forced to drink sewer water while her abductors threatened to kill her mother if she reports about her abduction.

Posting on Twitter, Bustop TV added that Gonyeti’s sisters were also beaten by the suspected state agents.

“Samantha/Gonyeti says they forced her to drink sewer water and threatened to kill her mother if she reports about her abduction.

“Her sister was beaten and they had guns pointed at her family including her sister’s kids.

“They forced hr to remove all her clothes & beat her up w weapons. She later walked around the Crowborough neighborhood seeking for clothes after she was abandoned. She only got assistance on the 6th house whose residents had to throw a dress through the window.Everyone was scared,” said Bustop TV.

“Samantha says they came with a number of cars up to 6 vehicles,” added Bustop TV.

Jane Mlambo| The opposition MDC has voiced concern over the abduction and torture of comedienne Gonyeti of Bustop TV saying artists must be free to imagine, create and distribute creative expressions without political interference.

Posting on Twitter, the MDC Welfare department deplored the abduction and torture of Gonyeti telling government to stay away from artists’ creative works.

Artists must be free to imagine, create and distribute diverse creative expressions free of governmental censorship and political interference. The abduction and torture of Gonyeti of @BusStopTV is deplorable. @nelsoncamisa @zhrc @mdczimbabwe pic.twitter.com/otH0WO6gYx

— MDC Welfare Dept (@mdcwelfare) August 22, 2019