Mnangagwa And Hitler, Shocking Similarities

Between 1939 and 1945, during WW 11, an estimated number of 7 million Jews perished at the hands of Hitler and the German Nazis. The International Military Tribunal was set up in Nurenberg in 1945 to investigate and conduct trials on crimes committed.

Specifically, it was to look into the following: crimes against peace, interference with the law, crimes against humanity including murder, extermination, enslavement and persecution. From 1945 to 1946 the IMT prosecuted over 22 Nazi officers. Needless to say, Nazi surviving collaborators are still rounded up and deported to Germany by the then Allies.

No two historical scenarios are the same. However, what works in one situation has been known to work as well or better in another if conditions permit. President Mnangagwa will be wisely advised to cobble together an international panel comprising representatives of SADC countries to carry out investigations and trials associated with the genocide that occurred in Zimbabwe in the 1980s otherwise known cynically as GUKURAHUNDI.

Logic had it that Germany and the Nazis were the wrong entity to investigate and try themselves. Surely, that logic is equally applicable to Zimbabwe’s Emmerson Mnangagwa and ZANU/PF. The GUKURAHUNDI atrocities that claimed more that 20,000 mostly Ndebele innocent civilians were as reprehensible as those of the Holocaust. ED, do the right thing!

Japhet M. Zwana (USA)

POSA Reincarnation Bill Set To Sail Through Parliament

The highly criticised Maintenance of Peace and Order Bill (MOPA) is set to sail through Parliament after the Parliamentary Legal Committee withdrew an adverse report that it had issued against the Bill.

The withdrawal of the adverse report comes after Government brought some few amendments to accommodate concerns raised on the initial bill.

MOPA is currently before Parliament and is set to replace the Public Order and Security Act (POSA), though critics have highlighted that the two instruments are still basically the same describing MOPA as just a renamed POSA.

The PLC chaired by Mudzi South MP, Jonathan Samukange had issued an adverse report a fortnight ago on the Bill citing some clauses which it felt were not consistent with the Constitution.

Following the issuance of the Adverse Report in Parliament, Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi tabled amendments before the PLC.

PLC’s decision to withdraw its adverse report was announced by one of its members, Makoni South MP Misheck Mataranyika in the National Assembly last week.

“I would like to move a motion to withdraw the adverse report passed on the Maintenance of Peace and Order Bill. The committee met on the 1st of August and considered the notice of amendments signed by the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs and resolved to withdraw the adverse report previously issued as the notice of amendments addresses the committee’s concerns. I so move Mr Speaker Sir,” said Mataranyika.

Arising from the motion, Parliament subsequently agreed to withdraw the adverse report.

Some of the concerns raised by PLC about the Bill included Clause 4 (2) which empowered a regulatory authority, which is the police, powers to issue a temporary prohibition through the media of possession of certain weapons within particular areas.

In its view, the committee felt that the clause was restrictive in terms of dissemination and was in violation of Section 62 (1) and (2) of the Constitution which stipulated that every person had a right to access information held by the State.

The committee also felt that Clause 10 which prohibits public gatherings in the vicinity of Parliament, courts or places declared to be protected places as unconstitutional.

“Parliament is a public institution that is open to members of the public, for the reason that it is the place where elected representatives meet to consider and legislate on matters of public interest. It is the committee’s view that Clause 10 unreasonably limits the right to petition Parliament, as enshrined in section 149 of the Constitution,” the report reads.

Clause 14 requiring a person above the age of 18 to carry an identity documents was also felt to be unconstitutional as “the practice is a remnant from the oppressive colonial laws and must be done away with”.

It was also the view of the committee that Clause 7 (5) of the Bill criminalising failure to give notice of a public gathering as unnecessary and unreasonable in a democratic society.

The offence attracts imprisonment of a period not exceeding one year and Level 12 fine or both.

“This is excessive for citizens exercising their fundamental rights accorded by the Constitution. The intention of Clause 7(5) is clearly to curtail the citizen’s right to freedom of expression and conscience,” reads the committee’s report.

The committee felt that Clause 3 of the Bill empowering the police as regulating authority to limit freedom of assembly and association as unconstitutional.

Fresh Charges On Mupfumira

State Media- Environment, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Prisca Mupfumira will face two fresh charges after the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) reportedly established that she was involved in money laundering and fraudulently ordered companies dealing with the National Social Security Authority (NSSA) to transfer money into her personal bank account.

The court also heard that Mupfumira, who is facing seven counts of criminal abuse of office involving US$95 million, has properties in South Africa, Dubai and the United Kingdom.

Mupfumira will also be charged with fraud and money laundering with the State saying it had completed investigations into the fresh charges and will be ready to commence trial on the fresh charges once all due processes have been completed.

Mr Michael Reza, who is representing the State along with Mrs Sharon Fero, alleges that Mupfumira directed NSSA to deposit money into her CBZ personal account, leaving room that she could also have externalised some of the money.

“She is on remand on seven counts of criminal abuse of office and from that time investigations on three counts have been completed where trial can commence.

“The three charges are complete and the applicant will be made aware and information on the investigations papers have compelling reasons to deny her bail.

“She has a personal account 04422647590013 at CBZ that money was deposited into. This money came from companies applicant had directed NSSA to deal with.

“There is no reason why that US$9 182 was paid to her,” said Mr Reza while opposing bail for Mupfumira at the High Court.

The State further opposed to granting of Mupfumira bail alleging that she also ordered another US$13 600 to be transferred into her CBZ Chinhoyi account from Metbank.

It also alleged that Mupfumira filed medical reports with the State raising fears that once granted bail, she would abscond trial.

“I once handled another case where an accused said he was at stage four with cancer and wanted to go for medicals.

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“That accused even asked the court to pray for him and he was granted bail and up to this day he was never seen.

“The applicant has mansions in South Africa, Dubai and the United Kingdom. I am sure they will tender title deeds for a house in Harare. That will be a donation as she will not feel anything,” said Mr Reza.

The State called the investigation officer into the matter, who is attached to ZACC, Sergeant Trust Chinembiri, who also revealed that they needed three more 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.

He said his client had no intentions to avoid trial as she availed herself to the police despite being aware of the allegations she was facing.

Adv Uriri also argued that Mupfumira will not interfere with investigations and witnesses as the State’s fears will be cured by a compelling court order.

High Court judge justice Erica Ndewere reserved judgment in the matter.-state media

MP Loses $ 13 000 To Robbers

Zanu PF Member of Parliament for Silobela Mthokozisi Manoki Mpofu was left counting his losses after thieves broke into his shop at Cross Roads Business Centre and made off with groceries and $13 000 cash.


The robbers, who are still on the run, also broke into other shops at the business centre and got away with grocery items.


Mpofu, who runs a chain of grocery and liquor shops at the business centre, confirmed the incident.
“I can confirm that the thieves broke into my shop which houses our offices and stole money and some groceries. I was away in Bulawayo on parliament business when the incident occurred,” he said.


Mpofu said the theft incident was only discovered the following day by his wife when she intended to take the money to buy new stock.


“My wife is the one who first discovered that there was a break in and theft at the shop when she entered the shop intending to collect money to do some orders,” he said.
He said the thieves also broke into four other shops that same night.


“I am told they also broke into another shops here at Cross Roads where they stole some grocery items.
“We reported the matter to the police and they are doing their investigations,” he said.


Cde Mpofu said the thieves were taking advantage of long hours of darkness due to power load shedding to break into shops.


“They are taking advantage of darkness due to load shedding and I understand they also broke into some shops near Nkayi business centre recently,” he said.State media

Mighty Warriors Date Banyana Banyana In COSAFA Semi-Final Clash

STAR midfielder Emmaculate Msipa scored four times as the Mighty Warriors blew Eswatini away to set up an explosive COSAFA Women’s Championship semi-final clash against South Africa.


Winger Mavis Chirandu weighed in with a brace while Rudo Neshamba got the other goal to ensure the Mighty Warriors stayed in the hunt for their first COSAFA title since 2011.
They beat Banyana Banyana 1-0 in that final.


The win also meant Sithethelelwe “Kwinji 15’’ Sibanda’s charges progressed to the knock-out stages of the tournament as Group C leaders with nine points from three matches. Msipa now sits at the top of the goal-scorers charts with six goals, one ahead of teammate Rudo Neshamba and South Africa’s Refiloe Jane, who are both tied on five goals.


“She has been splendid, she has got a great work rate. It’s game number three and I hope she carries that to the last game,” Sibanda said.
“It was a great game. We didn’t expect to score so many goals. We watched them and assessed their play and we had individuals, unfortunately, who didn’t come to the party.


“The most important thing was maintaining our structure.’’
And, what about taking on Banyana Banyana?


“One is that they are hosts and secondly they are the defending champions. It’s going to be a tough match but I’m thinking, at the end of the day, we have to devise a game plan,” she said.


“We need to measure our strength and maintain that and work on our weaknesses.
“We have an idea of how South Africa play.’’State media

Mighty Warriors

Econet Apologises For Kwese TV Closure


DIVERSIFIED telecommunications giant, Econet Wireless Zimbabwe, has discontinued its media offering Kwese TV service and apologised to customers.
Despite being embraced by thousands of Zimbabweans since its launch in 2017, Econet group chief executive officer, Mr Douglas Mboweni, said it was regrettable that the business unit could not be sustained.

He blamed the difficult economic conditions, particularly the challenges with foreign currency payments to third party content providers.
“We regret to announce the discontinuation of the Kwese TV Satellite service with effect from August 5, 2019 (today), Mr Mboweni said in a statement yesterday.


“The third party content providers, on whose content we rely, require payment in foreign currency. With the prevailing economic conditions in Zimbabwe, and the current business operating environment — characterised by an acute shortage of foreign currency, sustaining the Kwese Satellite service was no longer viable.”


Zimbabweans who had embraced the Kwese service as an alternative source of news, sport and entertainment, have said they were dismayed by the low shelf life of the local Satellite TV, channel.


However, Mr Mboweni said those who had subscribed to the service in advance can redeem their credits from the company.


“Once again we apologise for ending this service and take this opportunity to thank our customers for their valued support,” said Mr Mboweni.State media

Kwese TV

Joe Antipas To Replace Chidzambwa?

THE Zifa technical and development committee has reportedly settled for Chicken Inn coach Joe Antipas as Sunday Chidzambwa’s replacement in the Warriors’ dugout.


He is set to be assisted by Rahman Gumbo and Tonderai Ndiraya.
Former Warriors’ hitman Agent Sawu replaces Wellington Mpandare as the senior national team manager, while Highlanders goalkeepers’ coach Tembo Chuma takes over from Brenna Msiska.


Chidzambwa resigned a few days before the Warriors flew out for the first round first-leg African Nations Championship qualifier against Mauritius last week.


The association then announced that its technical and development committee would meet on August 3 to select the veteran gaffer’s replacement and appointed Gumbo interim coach for the Chan first round match.


“The guys met on Saturday in Bulawayo and considered a number of names, local and foreign, but in the end they settled for Antipas. Some wanted a foreign coach but financial issues came into focus,” said a source privy to the development.


Committee chairperson and Zifa board member Bryton Malandule was non-committal on the identity of their new man but confirmed that they had met and decided on who will be the coach.


“Look it’s only proper that we follow due process before rushing to the media. I will be forwarding the recommended name to the board which will then make an announcement next week after having also formally consulted the person. It’s a local name though so be patient and allow us to complete all the formalities,” he said.


Antipas, when contacted yesterday, said he was in the dark about what he said was an honour to ‘work for my country’.State media

Joe Antipas

Mthuli Ncube Defends Decision To Suspend Publication Of Year-on-year Inflation Rate

Finance and Economic Development Minister Mthuli Ncube has defended his decision to blackout publication of year-on-year inflation statistics for the next six months, saying continuing to do so does not make sense theoretically and statistically, but retaining month on month figures.


Last week, in his 2019 Mid-Term Budget Review Statement, Minister Ncube said deferring publication of inflation figures “will ensure that we compare like with like in terms of currency regimes.”


“Given this transition, Zimstat will defer publication of year-on-year inflation while building up data of prices in mono-currency for a period of 12 months to February 2020. Year-on-year inflation publication will therefore resume after February 2020, alongside with month-on-month inflation publication,” said Minister Ncube.


Speaking at a Mid-Term 2019 Budget Review breakfast meeting, Minister Ncube argued that prices had not gone up in US dollar terms.
He gave an example of Mazoe, which he said was still within the US$3 range from last year using the current exchange rate.


He said the CPI indexes must be able to compare like for like.
“That’s why I recommended that because of this confusion, let’s do what we did in 2009 when we moved into the multi-currency system from the Zim dollar system. Let’s suspend the calculation of year-on-year inflation.


“It’s not making sense theoretically and statistically. Let’s focus on month-on-month inflation because month-on-month inflation is correct. Keep going with that until February 2020. Then we will do things properly,” he said.State media

Government Says Civil Servants Will Get Bonuses In November

NATIONAL, BUSINESS, BREAKING

Government says civil servants will get their bonuses for the year in November, amid expectations that the amounts could be increased to improve the workers’ welfare.


This was said by Finance and Economic Development Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube yesterday during a post Mid-Year Budget Review and Supplementary Budget breakfast meeting in Harare.


“I insist that the civil servants will get their bonuses again this year, on time at the end of November. All of them will get paid, (because) we want to make sure that we keep that track record in paying civil servants.


“You know there was a few moments in the past when they didn’t know when they would get paid, now they know exactly when they will get paid.
“Who knows what I would do if we end up with a small surplus at the end of the year? We may even try to over-perform on bonus payment to the civil servants.”


Last year, the Government paid civil servants bonuses on pensionable salaries only, moving away from the previous practice where it used to pay the 13th cheque on gross earnings (including allowances).State media

NATIONAL, BUSINESS, BREAKING

Zanu PF Youth League Celebrates “Resounding”Victory

THE Zanu-PF Youth League yesterday said the party’s resounding victory in the Lupane East by-election held on Saturday was confirmation of the revolutionary party’s goal of empowering youths in mainstream politics.


The Youth League’s Deputy Secretary for Education Mbongeni Dube polled 6 371 votes beating close rival Mr Dalumuzi Khumalo who got 4 500 votes to win the seat left vacant following the death of Sithembile Gumbo in April this year.


The Youth League Deputy National Secretary for Administration, Mabutho Moyo, said the New Dispensation under President Mnangagwa was committed to empowering youths, with 16 now in Parliament on the party’s ticket.


“The fact that our Deputy Secretary for Education polled more than 6 000 votes means a lot as that’s a very high figure for a by-election because usually we get a third of registered people voting, but Cde Dube beat that.


“We are very happy as the Youth League that Cde Dube has opened a lot of doors for youths in the province by the fact that he managed to stand. This gives hope to a lot of youths that they can be MPs,” he said.State

Minister Slams “False” Preachers

A CABINET Minister has slammed some church pastors for milking their congregants to poverty through cash demands.


Women Affairs, Community and Small and Medium Enterprises Development Minister Dr Sithembiso Nyoni yesterday said most prosperity preachers are known for living lavishly yet their congregants lead miserable lives.


The Minister said this while officially opening Wolanani Supermarket and Wolanani Manufacturing in Mbembesi, Matabeleland North.


The supermarket and the manufacturing centre is run by community members after getting sponsorship from the Apostolic Faith and Action Church whose aim is to capacitate local women and youths in self-help
projects which include manufacturing products such as soap, juices and candles among others in what they call rural industrialisation.
The community members are also involved in poultry projects and Dr Nyoni donated 1 000 chicks towards their endeavours.


She said churches should emulate the apostolic church which does not only preach about the gospel but is also directly involved in practical works to end poverty in areas where it is operating from.


“There are those churches which come to communities to wipe off money. Many churches are created to make wealth for themselves and not for God and the people.


“That is a fact. Some of the church leaders are filthy rich and have even contracted body guards; even their wives have body guards. If you are a believer your body guard should be Jesus and angels. But some of these churches, their leaders are there to enrich themselves,” said Dr Nyoni.State media

Analyst Blames MDC For Lack Of Winning Strategy

Farai Dziva|A Zimbabwean political and social activist, Freeman Chari has accused the country’s main opposition party MDC of making noise without a proper plan.

Chari is based in the United States of America.

“The biggest problem in MDC is making noise without a plan.

Last year there was so much noise about Voter’s Roll and then ZEC released it and MDC members went silent- they didn’t have anyone to analyse it.

We had to scramble and eventually Team Pachedu was born. Zvondigwadza ini ,” tweeted Chari.

He was commenting on the results of the weekend by-elections.

Zanu PF Is A Party That Considers People’s Interests -Obert Mpofu

Farai Dziva|Zanu PF secretary for administration, Obert Mpofu has claimed that the results of the weekend by-elections prove that the ruling party is “a party that considers people’s interests.”

ZANU-PF won the Lupane East, Bubi by-elections in controversial circumstances.

Mpofu claimed the party’s victory shamed the country’s detractors.

“The results dispel all beliefs and perceptions that are being floated around the globe and within the country that the people of Zimbabwe are in a worse situation than they were before,” Mpofu told a state run daily paper.

“We have been saying that whatever is happening, there is no Government in this world which can come up with policies which are meant to demoralise the people, so everything that Government is doing is meant to better the people’s lives.”

The Lady Who Accused Shuvai Mahofa Of Stealing Bona Mugabe Wedding Gifts Is No More

Farai Dziva|A former member of the G-40 faction, Veronica Makonese has died.

Makonese was also one of former First Lady Grace Mugabe’s advisors.

The former Zanu PF Masvingo Provincial Women’s League Chairlady collapsed and died at her farm in Hippo Valley.

At the height of political tension in Zanu PF Makonese accused former Minister of State for Masvingo Shuvai Mahofa of stealing donations meant for Bona Mugabe’s wedding.

“Magaya Employed” School- Headmaster Cuts Female Kids’ Hair To Take to Church For Rituals At PHD”

By A Correspondent| Concerned parents here have alleged that Filchrist Hill High School Principal Jebes Muchapondwa is sexually, physically and emotionally abusing learners at the institution.

Situated in Shamva, Filchrist Hill Institute of Agriculture and Academics is a private institution run by Jebes Muchapondwa which offers boarding facilities to both male and female learners.

According to the concerned parents, Muchapondwa, who hung his phone up when contacted by ZimEye on Monday evening, abuses the learners by sexually molesting them and beating them on their buttocks, makes them work long hours and also verbally and emotionally abuses them. Parents also said Muchapondwa who is on controversial preacher Walter Magaya’s payroll, is in the business of cutting the hair of female school kids which he then takes away to the church for suspected ritual purposes. Parents told ZimEye they are concerned their children are being groomed by Magaya.

Said one parent:

“Female pupils are called to the headmaster’s office at 10pm where “discussions” are held between the headmaster and pupils behind closed doors. There is no matron at the school and the headmaster walks in on the female learners at their hostels anytime and even when they are bathing.

My daughter was verbally abused and told that she had jelly buttocks and when i confronted him about it, he blocked me.”

Efforts to obtain a comment from Walter Magaya were fruitless at the time of writing, and the preacher broke his promise to avail an interview session last week Wednesday.

Watch the video below for this and more..

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Soccer Community Mourns Manyengavana

Farai Dziva|Veteran football administrator Willard Manyengavana has died.

The football family has been plunged into mourning following the of the ZIFA Northern Region chairman.

Manyengavana collapsed while working out at a gym in the morning and had to be carried to hospital for assistance.

“It is so sad, Willard had to go this way. He was unhappy with the way football was captured.”

“The situation never changed, even when he became a member of the finance committee. Death has robbed us of a very important figure in our game. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” said a ZIFA official.

Funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.

Vaya Offers Free Transport To Nurses And Doctors Nationally Starting Mid August

By A Correspondent| Vaya Lift has offered to transport nurses and doctors throughout the country free of charge.

The service is said to be available for 30 days effective from the 15th of August when the Vaya Carpool and a minibus service called Vaya Shuttle will be launched.

News Day reports that the Vaya Carpool will be open to all members of the public and allows people to share a car and cut costs whilst Vaya Shuttle is an On-Demand Service that uses minibuses instead of cars.

The Vaya business unit within Cassava Smartech Group, the listed entity that spun out of Econet, Dorothy Zimuto, said:

As long as you have at least 10 employees going to an area, you will be able to schedule their pick up using the Vaya Corporate Shuttle.

Zimuto added that the decision to provide transport to medical experts free of charge was necessitated by the deteriorating economic conditions in the country.

She added that Cassava will pay the drivers for the collections during the 30 days.-Newsday

“Jecha Haridiwi Nemavoters”

Farai Dziva|A declared Zanu PF apologist, Jones Musara has claimed that Zanu PF’ s popularity emanates from its ability to serve the electorate.

“Voters want tangibles not parables…Zanu PF delivers tangibles..zvinowoneka, zvinobatika uye zvinodyika.. Ava veMDC deliver jecha of which jecha haridiwi nemavoters that’s why MDC cannot win Elections in Zimbabwe.”

“…And their leader is proving to be a bubblegum. Not even his presence in Lupane East could lure the voters there,” tweeted Musara.

MDC “Rejects” By-election Results

Jacob Mafume

Farai Dziva|MDC secretary for elections, Jacob Mafume, has said the weekend by-elections were characterized by intimidation and vote buying.

“On behalf of the party I would like to thank those who voted against all odds.

National and provincial leaders showed biblical resilience in the face of Pharaoh.Dedication is unparalleled.lessons are invaluable.Let’s free our pple street by village by village,” Mafume wrote Twitter.

“Intimidation is ever present.Reminders are awash of the abuse that will follow an opposition victory.It’s a wild process.

State institutions are an actor in the elections- favouring ZANU PF .The CIO, Police all Parastatals are headed by losing Zanu PF candidates and sympathisers.

They donate and provide resources to ZANU PF.

They need to desist from this behaviour.

Food distribution happens during voting processes .This clearly an abuse of state resources .All reports about it are ignored,” added Mafume.

Male Tenant In Soup Over “Seductive” Whatsapp Texts To Married Woman

By A Correspondent- A seemingly sex-starved married man landed himself in trouble after he tried to seduce and solicit for sex from a fellow married tenant by sending her nude pictures and at least four pornographic videos through WhatsApp.

Precious Dlamini (40)’s desperate bid to seduce Samukeliso Khumalo (37) backfired when the latter reported him to the police.

For that disrespect, Dlamini was charged with four counts of sending by phone offensive or grossly obscene messages when he appeared before Western Commonage magistrate Gladmore Mushove.

Representing the State prosecutor Kenneth Shava told the court that on 20 June, Dlamini using his mobile phone, intentionally sent pornographic and grossly offensive and obscene messages to Khumalo.

The offensive images were also supported by audios in which Mr Dlamini was proposing love to Khumalo. In the five to 27 seconds audios, Dlamini was coaxing Khumalo into a deal whereby they would have an affair behind her husband’s back, and kept on asking what the woman had to say about his proposal to which Khumalo fumed that she felt disrespected as a married woman since she referred to Dlamini as her “uncle”. As the audios continued, she threatened to tell the man’s “wives” and even her husband.

After offensive material kept on coming, an offended Khumalo went and reported the matter to the police, leading to Dlamini’s arrest.

A remorseful Dlamini didn’t waste the court’s time when he pleaded guilty and apologised to the court for his undignified actions.

Dlamini, however, heaved a huge sigh of relief when he was fined $150 or 30 days in prison.-BMetro

Mystery Poo Discovered Twice Inside A Shop In Emakhandeni

By A Correspondent- STAFFERS and customers at a shop in Emakhandeni suburb were left wondering if human waste, faeces and urine, could be “remotely” deposited in a supermarket when they were suddenly confronted with a foul smell of human excreta “dumped” in the middle of a grocery shop. 

The bizarre incident first happened last Sunday when customers buying food to prepare evening meals alerted shop attendants that the place was suddenly reeking with the stench of human excreta. 

The following morning, in a bottle store next to the shop but housed in the same building, a barman was again met with a foul smell of human waste after opening the premises in the morning. 

Nothing was missing in the bottle store as all the alcohol, cigarettes and soft drinks were accounted for. 

“The first time it happened, the shop was full of customers in the evening when suddenly there was a foul smell and one of the customers pointed to human excreta and urine in the middle of the shop. 

“There is no way anyone could have relieved themselves in the shop without being noticed because even if there was no electricity on that particular day, the grocery shop was powered by a generator and the whole place was brightly lit,” said Mandla Khumalo, a barman. 

It was the first time the mysterious incident has happened at the supermarket, and as bizarre as it was, the human excreta was thrown out and the spot cleaned, according to Khumalo. 

Little did they know that it would not be the last time for the place to be turned into a “toilet”. 

“After the first incident we locked the shop and bottle store at closing time as usual but the next morning when I opened the bottle store, again there was a stool. 

“At first I assumed someone had broken in at night but after checking our stock nothing was missing and all the burglar bars and locks were still intact,” said Khumalo. 

After notifying his bosses of the second deposit of human excreta, in the bottle store, the barman was ordered not to throw away the waste but cover it up with a box until further instructions.

He, however, would not say what transpired when his bosses arrived.

“People are coming up with different theories ranging from witchcraft to goblins but who knows?”

“What I know is that this is the first most of us that work here have ever seen anything like this,” he said. 

Earlier this year, the same shop is one of the few in Bulawayo that was left intact when demonstrators went on the rampage breaking into shops and looting anything of value.BMetro 

Man Seeks Protection Order Against Violent Ex- Wife

A Bulawayo man, Innocent Tawiringana Chitura, has approached the courts seeking a protection order from his ex wife who is a nurse accusing her of physically, emotionally and verbally harrasing him.

The man claimed he had suffered verbal, emotional and physical abuse from his estranged wife Sibusisiwe Khumalo who constantly comes to his workplace and house to harass him.

A self-employed Chitura who apparently could no longer stand the abuse said Khumalo who is employed as a nurse at a private clinic in Barham Green, at one time came to his workplace and caused a scene when she jumped over a counter which is about 1,3 metres high before she physically assaulted him.

He said so dramatic is Khumalo that she also throws stones and breaks into his vehicle adding that their problems started after he annulled their customary marriage some time in September 2018.

“I have suffered physical, emotional, and verbal abuse from my ex-spouse. The incidents took place on 14 April and 4 June this year at my workplace and residence respectively.

“I am now seeking a restraining order that stops her from coming to my workplace, house and that also stops her from insulting me,” begged Chitura who is now married to another woman.

He further said his estranged wife was also inciting their children to go against him. Khumalo, who didn’t come to court, but was being represented by her lawyer was not opposed to the granting of the order.

“The respondent is not totally opposed to the granting of the protection order sought by the applicant as it will not affect her. This is because they are going through the process of divorce. Applicant should, however, clarify the owner of the house since the property was acquired during the subsistence of their union and as such both parties are entitled to it as their residence,” reads in part submissions by Khumalo’s lawyer.

Her lawyer maintained that though the two parties were now living separately their customary union was still subsisting.

He added: “The parties had initially agreed that they will move into the property after its completion. So our bone of contention is that he (Chitura) has since moved in with another woman and he is now trying, through his application for a protection order, to bar the respondent from moving into that house also.”

He also pleaded with the court to grant a reciprocal order saying Chitura should also not be allowed anywhere near his client’s workplace and lodgings.

His plea was, however, dismissed by the presiding magistrate Sheunesu Matova who said there was no basis that warranted the court to make a reciprocal order since there was no evidence that his client was being provoked by the applicant.

The magistrate went on to order Khumalo not to physically assault or threaten her estranged husband with any form of violence. She was also ordered to stay away from his workplace.-BMetro

E- applications For Aspiring Nurses Commences, Closes On August 31

By A Correspondent- The Ministry of Health and Child Care has started to receive online applications from aspiring nurses countrywide.

The recruitment follows an advertisement flighted in the media over the weekend.

Applications are being submitted using the Health Ministry’s electronic platform hh://mohcc.go.zw with August 31, 2019 being the cut-off date.

“The cost of accessing the electronic application form is RTGS$10 payable to MoHCC’s merchant code 334085 (no additional payments are required as this the only fee to be paid),” read the advert.

“The invitations for interviews which will be held at specified venues will be through the MoHCC e-recruitment electronic platform. Only candidates that meet the recruitment criteria will be shortlisted for interviews.”

Government has since revised the nurse recruitment policy, adding Mathematics to the two key subjects of the 5 “O” Levels required which used to be English Language and a Science subject.

A cut-off age of 17 and a half years to 30 years has also been added to the eligibility criteria, which has received overwhelming support from the health fraternity.

Meanwhile, Health and Child Care Minister Dr Obadiah Moyo has strongly warned would-be offenders who prey on unsuspecting applicants by pretending they can organise training vacancies for them that they would be dealt with severely.

“We are aware that a lot of our people are going to fall victim to both cyber criminals and some hospital workers into believing that they will be assisted to get training vacancies, but I want to warn that we will deal decisively with such rogue elements in our hospitals.

“No monies must be paid to anyone and this new recruiting method was made to avert corruption. Prospective candidates must utilise our platform and make sure it is the official platform. Individuals who are caught duping people will face the music. We are saying ‘zero tolerance to corruption in student nurse recruitment’.

Student nurse recruitment has been marred by corruption over the years with unsuspecting applicants being made to pay as much as US$2 000 to appear for an interview alone without any guarantee whatsoever of securing a place. This prompted Zacc to get involved in the recruitment processes last year.

“ZUPCO” Bus Leaves Scores Of Commuters Injured Following Brakes Failure

Tombs bus accident

By A Correspondent- Scores of commuters were injured when a Tombs Bus contracted by Zupco to ply the Kwekwe-Redcliff route veered off the road and plunged into a ditch near Ziscosteel plant in Redcliff today.

When The Herald news crew arrived at the scene, some panic stricken commuters were still jumping out of the bus through the windows while others had already found their way out.

Kwekwe’s Ward One Councillor, Munyaradzi Mnikwa who was at the scene said although there were no critical cases, several people were rushed to Kwekwe District hospital for medical examination.

“We got rapid response from Kwekwe and Redcliff Municipalities whose ambulances ferried people to the hospital,” he said.

The driver of the bus, which was on its way to Torwood, only identified as Mr Mhaka said the accident was as a result of brakes failure.

“Mnangagwa’s Moves Are Intelligent, Complicated And Effective” – What A Laugh, Name One, Just One, Such Move!


By Patrick Guramatunhu| “Highly placed sources from Harare have indicated that President Emmerson Mnangagwa is vetting MDC MPs who are under consideration to form a quasi-government of national unity,” reported a local publication.

“Insiders from the dreaded Central Intelligence Organisation’s National security department known as Branch 5 who spoke to this reporter have indicated that there is an internal process which is underway and is being kept a closely guarded secret to do background checks and ensure that the MDC candidates handpicked to be part of the cabinet will accept the appointments.”

When Mnangagwa and his cronies booted Mugabe out of office in the November 2017 military coup the putsch were cocksure they would revive the country’s comatose economy.

“Zimbabwe is open for business!” crowed Mnangagwa at every opportunity. Now two years since the coup the penny has finally dropped that the expected flood of investors and new money to kick-start the economy was not coming.

As much as Mnangagwa and his Zanu PF regime would hate to admit it, it is nonetheless crystal clear the regime has no clue what to do to fix the economy.

Meanwhile the economic meltdown is getting worse and worse as the soaring inflation, chronic shortages, etc. show. Anyone with half a brain can see the economic situation in Zimbabwe is socially, politically and morally unsustainable.

No one is therefore surprised to hear that Mnangagwa is now actively pursuing the option of sharing power with Chamisa and his MDC party. “I have the key to unlock the economy!” Chamisa claimed.

Every analyst worthy of the name has dismissed the claim as political posturing but the very fact that Mnangagwa is taking this up goes to show just how desperate he must be. Desperate people do desperate things!

As for the report of CIO carefully sifting through MDC leaders to make sure those selected to be cabinet ministers “will accept the appointments”.

This is just a waste of time because not even one MDC leaders will refuse. They all participated in last year’s elections knowing fully well the whole election process was flawed and illegal.

They also knew that Zanu PF would be giving away a few gravy-train parliamentary or senatorial seats and it was these seats they were after. A cabinet post is a significant upgrade none of them would refuse.

“Number 1 is a man who comes from an intelligence background and all his political moves and steps are from a position of intelligence,” the source told a local publication.

“You need to understand who Emmerson Mnangagwa is by training in order to decipher his moves. His moves come from a counter-intelligence strength and his political plays are very complicated yet effective.”

NAME ONE, JUST ONE, EFFECTIVE MOVE, COMPLICATED OR OTHERWISE, MNANGAGWA HAS EVER MADE IN HIS WHOLE LIFE! I found myself shouting at the screen.

Mnangagwa “intelligent” whose “moves are complicated and yet effective”! What a big laugh! Mnangagwa, just like Mugabe before, is a corrupt, incompetent, vote rigging and ruthless and murderous thug; yes. Intelligent, certainly not!

Zimbabwe is one of the few countries in human history that has suffered some of the most rapid economic decline because of the sheer incompetence of the country’s leaders.

There was no war, no natural disaster, nothing but the blundering incompetence of the country’s leaders.

Some of Zanu PF’s voodoo economic policies defied logic and common sense. How some of those Zanu PF ever got their University degrees, PhDs, professorships, etc., etc. is a mystery.

If Mnangagwa was smart then he would have realised a long time ago that the Zanu PF dictatorship was doomed to implode because the system was rotten to the core.

He would have realised that Mugabe had completely destroyed the country’s economy and platitudes like “Zimbabwe is open for business!” were not enough to revive the economy.

He should have realised too that he would not get away with yet another rigged elections.

If Mnangagwa was intelligent, he would know that the best and only course of action was for him to acknowledge he rigged last year’s elections and agree to step down without any further ado!

If Mnangagwa goes into this political marriage of convenience with MDC, it is Mnangagwa who will end with a lot of egg on his face.

Chamisa and company will secure gravy train seats and Mnangagwa will gain nothing because the economic meltdown will not end.

As long as Zimbabwe remains a pariah state ruled by corrupt, incompetent, vote rigging and murderous thugs the country’s economy will never recover. No one investor likes to do business with thugs. Adding Chamisa and a few other MDC leaders to the Zanu PF regime will not fool anyone much less the savvy investors!

Mnangagwa intelligent – what a laugh! What else did you want him to do to finally convince you he is just a village idiot who got luck and was promoted way beyond his level of competence!

Full Text: Mnangagwa Sends Delegation To Check On Ailing Mugabe In Singapore


PRESS RELEASE BY HIS EXCELLENCY THE PRESIDENT CDE E.D. MNANGAGWA, ON THE STATE OF HEALTH OF THE FORMER PRESIDENT, R.G. MUGABE

Former President and Founding Father of our Nation, Cde R.G. Mugabe, remains detained at a Hospital in Singapore where he is receiving medical attention.

Unlike in the past when the former President would require just about a month for this, his physicians this time around determined that he be kept under observation for much longer, from early April this year when he left for his latest routine check-up.

Last week, on 30th July, I sent on my own behalf a high-powered Team of officials led by the Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr M.J.M Sibanda, to Singapore to check on the former President, and to get an update on his progress from the medical team attending to him, including any additional requirements towards his full care and speedy recovery.

The Team included the former President’s personal physician, Professor Jonathan Matenga, and the Director General in my Office, Ambassador Isaac Moyo.

From the Report the Team gave me at the weekend, I am greatly pleased to inform the Nation that the former President continues to make steady progress towards eventual recovery, and that his condition is remarkably stable for his age.

He is responding very well to all treatment. The team further advised that because of the good progress he is making, Mugabe could be released fairly soon.

Once that happens, Govenment stands ready with appropriate and adequate arrangements for both his return and continued care and treatment here at home respectively, until he recovers fully.

The former President who was in high spirits, and his family, greatly appreciated Government’s concern and continued support towards his medical care and recovery, which we all hope will be more rapid going forward.

In the meantime, I urge all our Church leaders to continue to lead our Nation in praying for his full recovery and good health.

May God continue to bless him and our Nation.


“Mupfumira Wanted To Escape To S.A After Realising That The Net Was Closing In”: Court Hears

By A Correspondent- An investigating officer handling the corruption case of jailed Tourism minister, Priscah Mupfumira, has claimed that the minister wanted to escape to neighbouring South Africa and only turned herself in when she realised that her plans would not be successful.

Trust Chinembiri told the court that Mupfumira wanted to run away to South Africa after she realised that the net was closing in on her.

He said this while testifying against Mupfumira’s bail request and said:

“She only handed herself over to the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc) when she realised that there was nowhere to run to. She then sent her lawyers to Zacc saying she would avail herself the following day.

She wanted to leave on July 25. She was not prepared to face arrest as she even planned to travel to South Africa with some Chinese (nationals).

Mupfumira who is currently in custody was denied bail by a Harare Magistrate following her arrest over seven counts of corruption allegations at NSSA on July 26 by ZACC.

During her tenure as Public service minister, Mupfumira allegedly swindled the parastatals of over US$95 million.

“Filchrist Hill School Headmaster Under Fire For Sexually Assaulting Pupils?”

By A Correspondent| Concerned parents here have alleged that Filchrist Hill High School Principal Jebes Muchapondwa is sexually, physically and emotionally abusing learners at the institution.

Situated in Shamva, Filchrist Hill Institute of Agriculture and Academics is a private institution run by Jebes Muchapondwa which offers boarding facilities to both male and female learners.

According to the concerned parent, Muchapondwa abuses the learners by sexually molesting them and beating them on their buttocks, makes them work long hours and also verbally and emotionally abuses them.

Said one parent:

“Female pupils are called to the headmaster’s office at 10pm where “discussions” are held between the headmaster and pupils behind closed doors. There is no matron at the school and the headmaster walks in on the female learners at their hostels anytime and even when they are bathing.

My daughter was verbally abused and told that she had jelly buttocks and when i confronted him about it, he blocked me.”

Watch the video below for this and more..

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Load Shedding Set To Ease: Report

zesa

By Own Correspondent- Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development, Mr George Guvamatanga, has confirmed reports suggesting that the power crisis will start getting better from Tuesday (tomorrow).

This development is attributed to the payment plan the government secured with regional power suppliers.

It is expected that the deal will see the country adding 400 megawatts to the national grid.

Guvamatanga was speaking during a post-budget seminar held in the capital on Monday (today) where he said:

Government is to start gradually phasing out load-shedding from tomorrow (Tuesday) after the successful agreements with regional power suppliers. 400MW will be imported from a regional power supplier after a weekly power payment arrangement was secured with Treasury.

His remarks come when the country is facing a huge power deficit that has seen most parts of the country going without power from 0400 and 2200 hours daily.

Local power utility, ZESA, has attributed the deficit mainly to dwindling water levels at Kariba Dam and to ageing equipment at Hwange thermal power station.-StateMedia

Just In- Veteran Playwriter, Stephen Chifunyise Dies

By A Correspondent- Veteran play writer, Stephen Chifunyise has died.

He was 70.

Chifunyise was born on September 21, 1948, in Nhema, Shurugwi, in the Midlands province of the then Southern Rhodesia.

He attended St Linus Matoranjera School in Chitomborwizi, Chinhoyi, for his Sub A up to Standard I.

He then moved to Shamweti Primary School, Mumbwa, Zambia in 1960 for his Standard II, transferring to Chisengalumbwe from 1961 to 1964 to pursue Standard III up to VI.

Between 1965 and 1969 he moved from Libala Secondary School to St Mark’s Secondary School to complete his high school education. The following year in 1970 he enrolled for his BA with education at the University of Zambia.

He went abroad to the USA where he successfully completed his MA in Theatre Arts in 1977 returning to Zambia the same year to take up a post as drama lecturer at UNZA until 1979.

Pastor Shumbambiri Transformed Many Lives | FULL TEXT

By Gregory Shumbambiri | My father, Rev Dr Matafeni Shumbambiri, a Hero of Faith, whose life and Ministry consistently touched and transformed the lives of many people for more than four decades. Will always be grateful to God for having given me a Father whose life has made me to become who I am today.

Through out his Ministry and By THE GRACE OF GOD, many people received Christ, others were called into Ministry, others received the Gifts of the Spirit, marriages were transformed, the sick were healed, the oppressed were delivered, many received word of prophecies over their lives and the list is endless.

Without much education but with the Annointing of God, he became a Father to several Bishops, Prophets, Apostles, Teachers & Pastors, the Rich & the Poor, the Educated and the Uneducated….

He fought a good fight of Faith and I am certain that I will meet him if I remain in the teachings, advice and guidance he gave me as his Son.

Above all, I cherish the moments he would lay his hands on me and speak the anointing and blessings over my life. Iam glad that I shared most of the testimonies with him of things he prayed for and were answered in my life before he was promoted to Glory.

Even in tears and in unexplainable pain, may the Name of Jehovah, my God, be glorified. He is worthy to receive unconditional praise and worship in all times for there is non like him.

I will continue to lift up his name for he is worthy of all my praise. There is nothing that will separate me from the love of God in my life, for in my weakness, I am strong. I will continue to serve and lift his name on high all the days of my life.

South African Rand In Massive Fall

South African Rand coins are seen in this photo illustration taken, file. REUTERS/Mike Hutchings/File Photo

JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) – South Africa’s rand slipped to seven-week lows against the dollar in early trade on Monday, as prospects of a sharp escalation in the U.S.-China trade war turned investors risk-averse.

At 0605 GMT, the rand was 0.71% lower at 14.8950 per dollar, trading at its weakest levels since June 13.

“After cutting through the R14.80/$ support level, there seems so be no end in sight for the ZAR’s woes as it continues to weaken with ease,” Bianca Botes, a treasury partner at Peregrine Treasury Solutions said in a note.

“The trade war remains the focus point for the time being.”

Beijing said on Friday it would retaliate against U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to slap 10% tariffs on the remaining $300 billion of Chinese imports, a move that ended a month-long trade truce.

In fixed income, the yield on the benchmark government bond due in 2026 added 7.5 basis points to 8.445% in early trade.

Nurse Jailed For Feeding Boyfriend Dog Poo

Elizabeth “Mimmie” Williams, 38, was arrested on Friday and appeared in the Goodwood Magistrate’s Court. Picture: Supplied

Cape Town – An Elsies River nurse who forced her boyfriend’s mistress to eat dog poo is in jail after cops arrested her on assault charges.

Elizabeth “Mimmie” Williams, 38, was arrested on Friday and appeared in the Goodwood Magistrate’s Court on the same day after a video of her assault on Ivodene “Dienkie” van Niekerk, 28, went viral on social media.

Dienkie told Daily Voice the attack happened on 26 July when she was lured to Mimmie’s house under false pretences.

She explains she met Mimmie’s boyfriend, Jubie, through her previous boyfriend Durran Hendricks.

“Durran went to jail and Jubie would just klop aan (flirt). Two months ago I gave in and had sex with him once but she never caught us,” she said.

“On Friday, two girls came to my house and said there were people who need their nails and hair done but I must come to them.”

Dienkie says she was beaten with a knobkierie and a dog chain by the nurse who works at Tygerberg Hospital, before being forced to eat a bag of dog poo.

She says the nurse also drew her blood to conduct tests and forced her to drink abortion tablets.

Dienkie reported the matter to police and an assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm case was opened.

Police spokesperson, Sergeant Noloyiso Rwexana, confirms: “A 38-year-old woman was arrested on Friday morning and appeared in court on the same day and was remanded in custody.”

The case has been postponed to 8 August for a bail information hearing.

Dienkie was not available for comment on Sunday but a relative, who asked not to be named, says detectives came to their Clarke Estate home on Friday to tell them Mimmie had been sent to jail.

“Dienkie is OK now. They sent her to Karl Bremer Hospital for blood tests because we don’t know if the needles used on her were clean.

“The detectives said Mimmie has gone to Pollsmoor and they will let us know when Dienkie must come to court.”

Tygerberg spokesperson, Laticia Pienaar, says Mimmie has not been suspended but that an internal investigation is under way.

ED Updates Nation On Mugabe’s Health

Jane Mlambo| President Emmerson Mnangagwa has announced that former President Robert Mugabe is still in Singapore since April following his doctor’s request that he be kept under observation for much longer.

In a press release today, Mnangagwa said he send a delegation led by Chief Secretary Misheck Sibanda to visit Mugabe in Singapore who gave him feedback that he is continuing to make steady progress towards eventual recovery.

“Last week on 30th of July I send on my own behalf a high powered team of officials led by the Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Dr MJM Sibanda to Singapore to check on the former President and to get an update on his progress from the medical team attending to him including any additional requirements towards his full care and speedy recovery.

“From the report the team gave me at the weekend,I am greatly pleased to inform the nation that the former president continues to make steady progress towards eventual recovery and that his condition is remarkably stable for his age. He is responding well to treatment. The team further advised that because of the good progress be is making, Cde Mugabe could be released soon,” said Mnangagwa.

Tollgates Price Hike Unconstitutional – MDC

THE steep hike in tollgate fees by Finance minister Mthuli Ncube is unconstitutional and legislators must unanimously block the move, a top MDC official has said.

Mbizo MP Settlement Chikwinya and also the MDC secretary for transport and logistics, said that it is ultra vires the Constitution for government to make free movement unaffordable.

In his recently tabled supplementary budget, Ncube hiked fees for tollgates. Light motor vehicles would now be required to pay $10 up from $2, mini-buses $15 up from $4 and conventional buses will now pay $20 up from $5. Heavy vehicles and haulage trucks will now pay $25 and $50, respectively.

However, Chikwinya, said Ncube had erred.

“Access to transport and affordability of the same is a basic right enshrined under the freedom of movement in our Constitution. So to levy road access by the proposed increment goes against the letter and spirit of Freedom of movement,” Chikwinya said.

He highlighted that the increases have piled more misery on the people, particularly civil servants.

“As things stand in the proposed budget, a married teacher cannot travel using public transport to see his or her spouse in Bulawayo or Harare using their salary. Basically, if approved, it means public transport in Harare or Bulawayo will now cost more than $150 per trip for a single person. A light motor vehicle will incur $50 on toll fees alone. That is ridiculous,” Chikwinya said.

“An MDC government will ensure safe roads that are accessible at reasonable fees commensurate with the income of the majority of our citizens who are civil servants.”

Route authority application fees have been increased from $25 to $125, operator’s licence application fee have been reviewed to $250 from $50. Original motor vehicle plates now cost $400 from $80, while changing number plates will attract a similar fee.

Mnangagwa Hurriedly Dispatches High Powered Delegation To Check On Mugabe In Singapore

Former President Robert Mugabe

President Emmerson Mnangagwa recently hurriedly dispatched a high powered government and ZANU PF delegation to Singapore to check on ailing former President Robert Mugabe in hospital.

According to a statement issued by Mnangagwa on Monday afternoon, Mugabe has been in Singapore since April where he is getting medical attention.

According to Mnangagwa, the delegation reported that Mugabe is recovering well.

Mnangagwa Preparations For Unity Government With Chamisa Gather Momentum

Highly placed sources from Harare have indicated that President Emmerson Mnangagwa is vetting MDC MPs who are under consideration to form a quasi-government of national unity.

Insiders from the dreaded Central Intelligence Organisation’s National security department known as Branch 5 who spoke to this reporter have indicated that there is an internal process which is underway and is being kept a closely guarded secret to do background checks and ensure that the MDC candidates handpicked to be part of the cabinet will accept the appointments.

The source said, “Number 1 is a man who comes from an intelligence background and all his political moves and steps are from a position of intelligence. You need to understand who Emmerson Mnangagwa is by training in order to decipher his moves. His moves come from a counter Intelligence strength and his political plays are very complicated yet effective.”

The source revealed that Emmerson Mnangagwa had taken heed of his intelligence analysts who had told him to start preparing a form of government of national unity as well as implement political reforms in order to get much needed multilateral support for Zimbabwe’s economy.

The reports allege that the appointment of James Maridadi to the position of Ambassador was a sign of goodwill which sought to open up channels of communication between Chamisa and Mnangagwa.

Those reported to be undergoing the process of vetting (whether knowingly or not) are said to include Joanna Mamombe, Fortune Daniel Molokele Mguni, and two other unnamed MDC MPs.

The MDC MPs will be incorporated into a quasi-government of national unity will be expected to table and support a motion in parliament which seeks to relieve General Constantine Chiwenga of his duties due to ill health in accordance with the constitutional provision section 97.

The source added that President Mnangagwa was already moving to remind hardliners where power lies in government and where their loyalties should be, and this was happening with the help of the Zimbabwe Anti Corruption Commission.

Source Byo24

Judge Slams Fadzai Mahere’s “Humpty – Dumpty Defence” Presented For Metbank Against NSSA

Fadzayi Mahere

Metbank has been ordered to pay back $20 million worth of Treasury Bills to the National Social Security Authority (NSSA), after a judge said the bank’s court bid to keep the TBs had come “tumbling down in humpty-dumpty fashion”.

The case around the TBs forms part of the separate case in which Prisca Mupfumira, the former Labour Minister, is being charged for abuse of office.

In a judgement reached in June but only recently made available, High Court judge Nicholas Mathonsi ordered Metbank to return to the three TBs it had been holding as security.

Metbank had, in 2017, controversially secured the TBs from NSSA as security for some third party borrowings, but the bank failed to return the bills by June 2018 as agreed. After negotiations over the bills failed, NSSA then went to court, seeking the return of the three TBs or a payment of $20 million, plus a 5% per annum penalty fee on the $20 million, collection commission and costs of suit on the adverse scale.

NSSA, represented by advocate Tawanda Zhuwarara, told the court that Metbank had ignored a notice on 7 August, 2018, to remedy the breach of contract.

Through its legal representative, advocate Fadzayi Mahere, Metbank insisted it did nothing wrong, saying “there is no agreement between the parties” and that NSSA had not delivered any “formal agreement” to Metbank. Mahere argued that NSSA was in fact demanding the TBs back before they were due.

While Zhuwarara argued that the 2017 document the parties signed was a binding and enforceable security lending agreement under which Metbank was required to return the TBs, Mahere had insisted that what NSSA and her client had agreed to were negotiations that would be part of a formal agreement.

After pre-trial conferences, only two issues were left for the court to decide on; firstly, whether there was indeed a binding agreement on the TBs, and whether Metbank had any lawful basis to keep the TBs. However, Metbank then raised a preliminary issue.

“She (Mahere) submitted that a litigant who seeks the return of its property must proceed by way of vindication proceedings. It is incompetent for such litigant to plead its claim in contract,” Mathonsi noted. “In Ms Mahere’s view, when a claim is pleaded in contract and a breach is alleged, the competent relief is to seek specific performance or damages.”

However, Zhuwarara, for NSSA, described Mahere’s point in limine “as being the fruit of an idle mind fixated on buying time in the most callous manner”.  He argued that NSSA’s claim was based entirely on a contract and that the claim before the court said so. – NewZwire

ZANU PF Used Soldiers To Win Lupane East

Jonathan Moyo

Professor Jonathan Moyo has alleged that ZANU PF won the recently held by-election in Lupane through deploying thousands of soldiers who are acting as Heritage Officers.

Posting on Twitter Moyo said, ” Zanu PF won the Lupane East by-election? Let’s get the bearings right Cdes. ZanuPF sweated to RETAIN Lupane East via intimidation & blackmail from embedded soldiers  and Obadiah Moyo bribery!”

When questioned the authenticity of his claim Moyo said, “Ignore it for all you want. But 2,000 soldiers were embedded in rural areas before the coup and the numbers ballooned to 5,000 after the coup, in the runup to the 2018 general election. The embedded soldiers are now known as Heritage Officers. Again, you can ignore it as you want!”

Kwese TV Shuts Down

Zimbabwe’s Econet Wireless will shut its African pay-television unit due to the country’s economic condition and shortage of foreign currency, group CEO Douglas Mboweni said.

“We regret to announce the discontinuation of Kwese TV Satellite Service with effect from 5 August,” Mboweni said in a statement on Sunday. The service was offered by Econet Media, an affiliated company.

“The third-party content providers on whose content we rely require payment in foreign currency,” he added. “With the prevailing economic conditions in Zimbabwe, and the current business operating environment — characterised by an acute shortage of foreign currency — sustaining Kwese and Kwese Satellite Service was no longer viable.”

Econonet Media operates in more than a dozen countries under the Kwese brand and is owned by Zimbabwe’s richest man, Strive Masiyiwa. Last month, the company went into voluntary administration and appointed accountants Ernst & Young to manage the process as it pays its creditors.

Zimbabwe stopped recognising the US dollar, South African rand and other foreign currencies as legal tender in June as it tries to curb black-market trading that’s contributed to surging inflation. The country’s finance minister last week responded to the worsening economic crisis by blacking out inflation statistics for the next six months.  

SNAKE LIKE ED SCARF: Picture of London Lobbyst Who Says MDC Has Failed to Account for £20,000 Chamisa Funds

Loadshedding To Ease In Two Weeks – ZESA

The candle’s image is isolated against a black background and fades into a shadow.

Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) has revealed that the intense load-shedding currently crippling the country is set to improve in the coming two weeks owing to a breakthrough in negotiations with South Africa’s Eskom.

Addressing the media at a Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) workshop today, (ZETDC) Commercial Services Manager Corporate Engineer, Richard Marowa said the load-shedding period was largely reliant on the performance of the biggest power station in Hwange.

However he reiterated that the situation is likely to improve in a few weeks.

“The load-shedding we are having now depends on the actual performance of Hwange being the best load power station. When it has a shortfall that goes below 520 megawatts that means we have to load-shed more. In essence that means longer load-shedding hours.

“It is the main reason we were not meeting the eight hours and stretching the load shedding into excess that is fifteen hours.The situation is likely to improve, we are getting this sense from the minister who has been negotiating on our behalf with his counterparts in South Africa. We are hopeful that towards the end of the month things should start to look upward.

“There is now legality in us accessing United States Dollars which is the critical currency that is required in order for us to pay for imports. Our imports are denominated in the US dollars and with that we will be able to import power for the nation.” explained Mariwa.

Mariwa revealed that their target is 1000 to 1050 megawatts at any particular time.

Government Releases Fares For ZUPCO Buses

Dear editor -The government has released 5 brand new ZUPCO buses per-route-

Harare- Bulawayo $30, Harare-Masvingo $25, Harare- Beitbridge $45, Harare- Mtare $25, Harare- Binga $45, Harare – Mt Darwin $15.

Some buses were already charging $105- for the Harare to Bulawayo, zvavharwa- yours sincerely senior government official

ZUPCO

Botswana Intelligence Reveals Plot To Assassinate Masisi

The director-general of the department Peter Mogosi said they were investigating an assassination plot.

Botswana's new President Mokgweetsi Masisi speaks after taking the oath as the 5th President at the National Assembly in Gaborone on 1 April 2018. Picture: AFP.

GABORONE – The intelligence department in Botswana confirmed on Monday that there was a plot to assassinate the country’s President Mokgweetsi Eric Masisi.

This came ahead of this year’s elections which would be highly contested.

Former President Ian Khama endorsed the newly formed party Botswana Patriotic Front after he and some members of the ruling Botswana Democratic Party broke away.

With just two months ahead of the elections in neighbouring Botswana, tensions were seemingly rising high.

The country’s intelligence unit said Masisi’s life was under threat.

The director-general of the department Peter Mogosi said they were investigating an assassination plot.

“It is a fact that… it is unfortunate that I cannot divulge but it is a fact. We won’t take is simple, we will take it seriously.”

The new head of the intelligence division said they intensified the fight against corruption, leading to several arrests of high-profile figures, most of whom were believed to be allies of the former president.

“Fake Jesus” Dies Of Pneumonia?

Michael Job,a US preacher and actor (Fake Jesus) was on Thursday reportedly dead moments after attending an interdenominational Christian event as a guest speaker.

Medics at Heyn Hospital have confirmed that Michael Job succumbed to pneumonia while receiving treatment.

Photos and videos showing him dressed as Jesus Christ have been widely shared on social media across Africa.

He was this week deported from Kenya while arresting pastors who invited him.
Source: Kenya Live News

Of ED And A Fool Who Believed His Own Lie

By Stephen Sarkozy Chuma

Legend has it that once upon a time a legendary fool lied to the whole village that he has seen a dead kudu in the thicket.

It is said the whole village which was queuing on a water well rushed to the bush in ecstasy to get a share of meat from the dead kudu.

What is fascinating from the tale is that the fool surprisingly too started to believe his own lie that somehow there might be a dead kudu in the bush hence he took to heels in pursuit of others.

The tale’s didactic nature explicitly helps to draw a parallel to the current Zimbabwean situation under Emmerson Mnangagwa’s fake ‘New Dispensation’.

Like the legendary fool who believed his own lie, the Mnangagwa administration exhibiting utter sheer madness somehow believes that the current austerity economic measures will somehow solve the economic question.

This is a regime whose Minister of Finance and Reserve Bank Governor once lied to the whole nation that the bond note is at par with the US dollar.

Just as the legendary fool believed his own lie, Mnangagwa in his wisdom or lack of it even proclaimed that the bond note is the region’s strongest currency.

Just like as the Mugabe regime believed the Chinhoyi diesel lie, the Mnangagwa administration even went a step further by lying to the whole nation that ‘bush bakeries’ will solve bread shortage problems.

Probably the biggest joke and lie is Mnangagwa’s self belief that the legitimacy question is best solved by dialogue with political dwarfs and nonentities like Brian Mteki when it is clear that Zimbabwe currently answers to one name- Nelson Chamisa!

This is the same regime that is grotesquely sunk in a false belief that increasing fuel prices, toll gate fees and switching the country into darkness will elongate their stay in power.

So callous is this anti people administration that they somehow believe they can easily abuse the army to wipe out the entire nation for exercising the constitutional rights.

It is unfortunate for Mnangagwa to repetitively keep on selling the old tired lie that the country is heading for prosperity when we all know its becoming worse than a hellhole.

The mood in the country is indicative that people have realised they have nothing to lose except their poverty.

People have realized the only way to extricate themselves from poverty is by confronting the authors of their problems- the Mnangagwa administration!

Stephen Sarkozy Chuma is MDC Youth Assembly National Spokesperson.

Sitting Allowances Are Not Important At A Time People Are Suffering Under Mnangagwa Government, Says Mutseyami

Manlukerz’s speaks on Zimfebi and Flashback Identity

By Problem Masau| Sweden based cultural ambassador Luckson Chikutu has urged the government to chip in and revive the annual Zimbabwe Music Festival Bira (Zimfebi) in a bid to promote the country’s culture.

“I appeal to government to have a budget to promote cultural activities such as Zimfebi. Festivals like this put the country on the map and it helps to attract tourists,” he said.

“The festival’s objective is to bring people together through celebrating cultures from different parts of the world. We also aim to promote awareness through music,” he said.

The festival was last held in 2015 when Manlukerz was involved in an accident.

Meanwhile, Manlukerz’s cultural book Flashback Identity will be published in English on October 6.

“I am putting finishing touches on the book and it will be published on my birthday,” he said.

The book which was published in Swedish is now being translated into English.

Popularly known as Manlukerz in the entertainment industry, Chikutu says the book is a bridge between cultural and generational gap.

“After a long period of persistent writing and endless patience, finally came the result, a book titled Flashback Identity.

“The writing of the book has been a long journey with positive insights I received and a high ambition to write about my family’s history, the cultural heritage I learnt when I was growing up. The book also captures how music and dance are used to influence humanity in Zimbabwe,” said Manlukerz.

Manlukerz’s hope is that the book be used in schools to teach pupils about the rich cultural heritage of Zimbabwe.

“I really want the book to be used in schools. This is my small
contribution to Zimbabwe,” he said.

EXPOSED: Author Who Says MDC Has Failed To Account For £20,000 Chamisa ConCourt Funds, Says ED Has A Vision To Make Zimbabwe Great Again

NATIONAL, BUSINESS, BREAKING

The same UK based marketing blogger who says the MDC party has failed to account for £20,000 Chamisa Election petition funds, has published a promotional saying ZANU PF leader Emmerson Mnangagwa has “a vision and mission to make Zimbabwe great again” (SEE PICTURES).

Has the MDC failed to account for the election petition funds? Has the MDC failed on accountability standards? The man, only identified as Munyaradzi Hoto (a London based marketing agent), ran a persuasive poll which attracted more than 4,900 votes. It is that poll which has pushed the MDC Treasurer General David Coltart, to respond.

The same author in his article, acknowledges there is a full report published on how the funds were disbursed, but goes on to demand a list of the names of the Trustees of the Nelson Chamisa Foundation. Already published by MDC officials, are not one, but two reports. There is a second one which lists all ledger postings to the donations account, one by one. PICTURES:

Veteran Football Administrator Dies

Farai Dziva|Veteran football administrator Willard Manyengavana has died.

The football family has been plunged into mourning following the of the ZIFA Northern Region chairman.

Manyengavana collapsed while working out at a gym in the morning and had to be carried to hospital for assistance.

“It is so sad, Willard had to go this way. He was unhappy with the way football was captured.”

“The situation never changed, even when he became a member of the finance committee. Death has robbed us of a very important figure in our game. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” said a ZIFA official.

Funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.

ZIFA

Rhoda January Releases Debut Single

By Problem Masau|Gospel sensation Rhoda January is making waves across Limpopo with her debut song titled Ndinovimba Nemi.

The song is about trusting in God in all times. So popular is the song that it is topping charts in South Africa.

“I am humbled by the support and in fact I am grateful with the airplay that I am receiving in South Africa,” said the soft spoken January adding that “It is my wish for the song to be played on the local national stations”.

The song is available on YouTube and Oyos Digital Store. 

“The song has opened new avenues for me, I have been invited to perform at several events and managed to attract some sponsors. The theme of the song is reminding people about God’s love for us. I hope to release the video in the following months,” said January.

The song was co-written by January and her husband Victor Sibiya who is also, a musician; it was recorded at SK Sounds Studio, mastered and produced by Tawanda Midzi at Eternity Studios in Pretoria, South Africa.

“I began singing as a child and led the school choir. I am the last born in a family of six and my parents were musicians and have a huge bearing on my career. I am working on releasing an album and I hope it will transform lives,” she added.

It is seems as a family affair as her husband Victor is also an
established musician who released his debut album in 2003.
Since then he has established himself as a renowned gospel in South Africa.

Prince Dube Inspires Warriors To Glory

Farai Dziva|Highlanders Forward Prince Dube was the hero of the day as the Warriors “effortlessly” cruised past Mauritius.

Dube scored three goals as Zimbabwe beat Mauritius on Sunday to advance to the final round of the 2020 CHAN qualifiers.

The Warriors won the match 3-1 to march on a 7-1 aggregate victory.

The visitors started well and grabbed an early lead in the 3rd minute through Andrew Aristide who caught Zimbabwe’s defence on the back foot.

The home team regrouped in the following minutes but failed to penetrate beyond the backline.

They got a corner kick on the quarter-hour mark which resulted in their first goal of the match.

Dube picked the ball on the end of the set-piece and struck home a beautiful effort to level the terms.

The Highlanders striker continued to menace in the Mauritian half while combining well with Leeroy Mavhunga.

The two created several attacks but could not get the goal in the remaining period of the first half.

Early from the break, the visitors almost scored following a quick counter, but Zimbabwe’s defence reacted to that swiftly to thwart the danger.

Dube got his second goal of the day on minute 67 after meeting a cross and headed it home to sent his side into the lead. He completed his brace with five minutes to fulltime, finishing a beautiful interplay from the centre.

Evans Katema could have sealed it on his own on the stroke of time, but his header crashed against the woodwork.

The Warriors will now face Lesotho in the final qualifying round in September.

The Crocodiles reached the stage after beating South Africa 6-2 on aggregate.

Manchester City Retain Community Shield

Farai Dziva| Manchester City retained the Community Shield, becoming the first English team to win four domestic trophies in a calendar year.

City were pushed all the way by Liverpool before prevailing in a penalty shoot-out.

“The difference is one point ahead, one penalty ahead. It’s minute,” City manager Pep Guardiola told The Telegraph.

That City’s second-choice goalkeeper Claudio Bravo proved to be the hero was another twist in the plot with the 36-year-old Chilean not only producing a series of outstanding saves to deny Mohamed Salah but also turning away Georginio Wijnaldum’s penalty in the shoot-out -and all this in Bravo’s first game for 364 days – since last season’s Community Shield.

The closeness and the drama of it all was summed up in an incident deep into injury-time when Salah was presented with one last chance as he ran through only to be denied again as John Stones blocked his shot before he could test Bravo.

“Mnangagwa Can Be Impeached Over Failure To Fire Corruption Accused Mupfumira”: Prof Madhuku

By A Correspondent| Law expert, Professor Lovemore Madhuku has said that President Mnangagwa must relieve corruption accused Tourism Minister, Priscah Mupfumira of her duties.

Madhuku said that the constitution provided that any Minister implicated in corruption scandals must not hold public office.

He observed that appointing Mupfumira’s replacement was unconstitutional as that meant that she was still the minister.

Speaking to the Daily News, Madhuku said that Mupfumira’s case provides reasonable ground for the president to fire her.

He added that if she continues to serve as the Minister, she will be doing so at the pleasure of the President.

Speaking on the doctrine of ministerial responsibility which requires a public office bearer to resign or be fired in the event that there are reasonable allegations of misconduct, Madhuku said:

That has been satisfied by Zacc and confirmed by the court. If she does not resign, the president must fire her… He must act within the dictates of the Constitution…

These are circumstances that in a normal democracy lead to an impeachment of a sitting president.

Mupfumira was arrested over seven counts of corruption which have prejudiced the National Social Security Association (NSSA) of millions of United States dollars.

She was further implicated by the NSSA report which revealed that she authorised several shady deals during her tenure at the NSSA (2017 – 2018)

Aston Villa Boss Praises Nakamba

Farai Dziva|Aston Villa FC are delighted to have workaholic Warriors midfielder Marvelous Nakamba in their camp.

“The boss on Marvelous… “Marvelous fits the criteria of the type of player we were looking for.

He’s very mobile, he’s very good in terms of possession and he will fit in with our style of play,” the club tweeted.

Nakamba is expected to play a pivotal role in the middle of the park for Aston Villa.

By-election Results -A Reflection Of Zanu PF’ s Popularity-Obert Mpofu

Farai Dziva|Zanu PF secretary for administration, Obert Mpofu has claimed that the results of the weekend by-elections prove that the ruling party is “a party that considers people’s interests.”

ZANU-PF won the Lupane East, Bubi by-elections in controversial circumstances.

Mpofu claimed the party’s victory shamed the country’s detractors.

“The results dispel all beliefs and perceptions that are being floated around the globe and within the country that the people of Zimbabwe are in a worse situation than they were before,” Mpofu told a state run daily paper.

“We have been saying that whatever is happening, there is no Government in this world which can come up with policies which are meant to demoralise the people, so everything that Government is doing is meant to better the people’s lives.”

Obert Mpofu

“SB Moyo Received “Water +Urine” Baptism In London”

By A Correspondent| A reader here has claimed that Zimbabwe’s foreign affairs minister Sibusiso Moyo was sprinkled with water that had urine by protestors during his visit to London last month.

Moyo, was sprinkled with water by a Zimbabwean woman in the UK, who was part of a group of protestors at Zimbabwe House in London.

Watch the video below for this and more.

Video loading…..

Analyst Blames MDC For “Making Noise Without A Plan”

Farai Dziva|A Zimbabwean political and social activist, Freeman Chari has accused the country’s main opposition party MDC of making noise without a proper plan.

Chari is based in the United States of America.

“The biggest problem in MDC is making noise without a plan.

Last year there was so much noise about Voter’s Roll and then ZEC released it and MDC members went silent- they didn’t have anyone to analyse it.

We had to scramble and eventually Team Pachedu was born. Zvondigwadza ini ,” tweeted Chari.

He was commenting on the results of the weekend by-elections.

Former Grace Mugabe Aide Dies

Farai Dziva|A former member of the G-40 faction, Veronica Makonese has died.

Makonese was also one of former First Lady Grace Mugabe’s advisors.

The former Zanu PF Masvingo Provincial Women’s League Chairlady collapsed and died at her farm in Hippo Valley.

At the height of political tension in Zanu PF Makonese accused former Minister of State for Masvingo Shuvai Mahofa of stealing donations meant for Bona Mugabe’s wedding.

Voters Want “Tangibles” Not Parables -Zanu PF Apologist Tells MDC

Farai Dziva|A declared Zanu PF apologist, Jones Musara has claimed that Zanu PF’ s popularity emanates from its ability to serve the electorate.

“Voters want tangibles not parables…Zanu PF delivers tangibles..zvinowoneka, zvinobatika uye zvinodyika.. Ava veMDC deliver jecha of which jecha haridiwi nemavoters that’s why MDC can not win Elections in Zimbabwe.”

“…And their leader is proving to be a bubblegum. Not even his presence in Lupane East could lure the voters there,” tweeted Musara.

We Will Free Our People Street By Street, Village By Village- MDC

Farai Dziva|MDC secretary for elections, Jacob Mafume, has said the weekend by-elections were characterized by intimidation and vote buying.

“On behalf of the party I would like to thank those who voted against all odds.

National and provincial leaders showed biblical resilience in the face of Pharaoh.Dedication is unparalleled.lessons are invaluable.Let’s free our pple street by village by village,” Mafume wrote Twitter.

“Intimidation is ever present.Reminders are awash of the abuse that will follow an opposition victory.It’s a wild process.

State institutions are an actor in the elections- favouring ZANU PF .The CIO, Police all Parastatals are headed by losing Zanu PF candidates and sympathisers.

They donate and provide resources to ZANU PF.

They need to desist from this behaviour.

Food distribution happens during voting processes .This clearly an abuse of state resources .All reports about it are ignored,” added Mafume.

Jacob Mafume

Parly Worried Over Rampant Child Prostitution In Chiredzi

Parliamentary Committee on Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs has promised to deal with rampant child prostitution in Chiredzi and other areas following a petition by a Chiredzi resident Marko Shoko.

According to Shoko, the upsurge in child prostitution in Chiredzi is attributed to relocation of Tugwi-Mukosi victims to Chingwizi Transit Camp in 2014, an area with poor living conditions and no source of income.

Zanu PF Big Guns Jostling For VP Chiwenga’s Position Warned

THERE is no vacancy in the Presidium and elements covertly jostling for the top positions must stand guided, Defence and War Veterans Affairs Minister who is also Zanu-PF chairperson, Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, has said.

She made the remarks yesterday while addressing the Manicaland War Veterans inter-district conference at Bezel Bridge in Zimunya-Marange.

Muchinguri-Kashiri said the era of the old dispensation which was characterised by divisions, slandering of war veterans, senior Government officials and unbridled ambition for the Presidency, was over.

“For 37 years we were in the old dispensation and you know how it ended. Some elements in the old dispensation had captured the State and we were being insulted and slandered. War veterans were mistreated and abused publicly but we united with our security sectors and embarked on Operation Restore Legacy and in the process restored our dignity that had been stolen,” said Muchinguri-Kashiri.

She said history was repeating itself with some elements angling for the Vice Presidency and the Presidency as if the positions were vacant.

“We still have ambitious individuals that are angling for posts in the Presidium. Be warned. It is not that easy. We should lead by example as war veterans and check the direction that the nation is taking,” said Muchinguri-Kashiri.

She called for selflessness.

“We must not think about ourselves but the majority of Zimbabweans. Some people want the Presidency. There is no vacancy, there is no vacancy, there is no vacancy. Make sure you are playing your role where you are. We do not want divisions,” said Muchinguri-Kashiri.

She said President Mnangagwa was preaching unity all the time.

“The President is saying unity, unity, unity, less politics. Let us build the future of our children. Let us build our country. This is what the President is saying,” said Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri.

“We do not want people that push us from the way we are being shown by President Mnangagwa. During Operation Restore Legacy, it’s you war veterans that stood strong and also went for the march to restore the legacy we had lost. New dispensation has restored our dignity as war veterans.”

Muchinguri-Kashiri said President Mnangagwa remembers the journey he walked with war veterans and ex-detainees and will not forget them.

Government, she said, was working on ensuring issues to do with the welfare of war veterans and affiliate organisations were addressed.

“You deserve better,” said Muchinguri-Kashiri.

She said the national Constitution recognises the role played by war veterans and dignifies them yet some people were looking down upon them.

Muchinguri-Kashiri said respect for war veterans must start in the party.

“You sacrificed for everybody. Some people forget the past because they are now comfortable. Some even refuse to carry war veterans in party vehicles they now drive. I just want you to understand that small things like that add up to give war veterans dignity. Charity begins at home, in the party,” she said.

-State Media

JUST IN: Ecocash Hikes Tariffs

The country’s biggest mobile money company, EcoCash has announced an increase in tariffs in yet another dose of bad news for struggling cash strapped Zimbabweans.

EcoCash which is now under Cassava Fintech also increased transaction limits.

Below are the new charges and limits:

‘Manhunt’ For Woman Who Fatally Struck Hubby’s Second Wife With A Cooking Stick

POLICE have launched a manhunt for a 33 year-old Masvingo woman who allegedly fatally struck her husband’s second wife with a cooking stick following a dispute over household chores.

The suspect, whose name was not given, is wanted in connection with the death of the 21-year-old woman from Mkwasine area in Masvingo.

The deceased’s name was also not mentioned.

In a statement, national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner, Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident, saying the woman is still at large.

He said the incident occurred on Wednesday last week at around midday.

“The suspect allegedly struck the deceased on the back of the head with a cooking stick after the two had a disagreement over laundry,” he said.

The deceased was taken to Mashoko Hospital in Masvingo where she died upon admission.

In an unrelated incident which occurred on the same day at around 9PM, two men allegedly torched three huts belonging to an 85-year-old woman before they fatally attacked her on allegations of witchcraft.

“Nochance Madzima (33) and Norest Tsonjora (27) of Village 9, Chikuti in Chinhoyi allegedly struck and burnt an 85-year-old woman resulting in her sustaining severe injuries. The suspects accused the woman of bewitching their friend who was the victim’s son,” said Asst Comm Nyathi.

He said the two men are on the run.

“The suspects who are from the same village, set three huts on fire and when the woman went out to investigate, they struck her on the forehead and she fell down.

“They burnt the victim using thatching grass and she sustained burns which led to her death upon admission to Chinhoyi Provincial Hospital,” he said.

Asst Comm Nyathi said they were appealing to members of the public who might have information leading to the arrest of the two suspects to report at any nearest police station.

He also condemned the use of violence in settling disputes, saying members of the public must seek counselling in resolving disputes.

— Chronicle

Whipping System Must Be Repealed From Parly: Legislator

CHAIRPERSON of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Justice Misheck Mataranyika has said the whipping system in Parliament must be repealed from Parliamentary Standing Rules and Orders because it stifles open debate and reduces debate on important Bills and motions to partisan stances by MPs.

Addressing delegates on Thursday last week in Kariba at an ActionAid stakeholders’ workshop on the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, Mataranyika, who is also MP for Makoni South (Zanu PF) said Parliament is a place where debate must be robust and free for MPs in order for them to effectively play their legislative roles.

The whipping system is practiced by Parliaments when passing or amending laws or debating a motion where MPs are “whipped” or instructed by their political parties to follow a certain line of debate. It can compromise the quality of Bills and motions debated in Parliament.

“Personally, I feel that the whipping system is very deterrent on MPs because legislators always have to be mindful of their political party’s positions, which is also contrary to their other role as representatives of the people,” Mataranyika said.

“I would prefer that the whipping system be repealed because it affects open debate and, as MPs, we are between a rock and a hard surface when it comes to the whipping system because we are not free to debate contrary to political party positions,” he said.

On the issue of recall of those MPs that do not play their mandate well, Mataranyika said the Constitution already has a clause which provides for a political party to recall an MP who no longer serves their interests.

He said section 129 (1) (k) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe stipulates that MPs can be expelled “if the MP has ceased to belong to the political party of which he or she was a member when elected to Parliament and the political party concerned, by written notice to the Speaker or the President of the Senate, as the case may be, has declared that the MP has ceased to belong to it”.

Mataranyika said at the moment, there was no provision in the Constitution for voters to recall their MP if he or she is not performing.

In terms of compliance to the principles in ACDEG, Mataranyika said Zimbabwe was in the process of aligning a gamut of laws to the Constitution, adding that his committee was seized with conducting public hearings on several pieces of legislation.

Some of the laws that are before Parliament include the Marriages Bill, the Maintenance of Peace and Order Bill (Mopa) and several media related laws which include the Freedom of Information Bill to replace the oppressive Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Mataranyika said the Parliamentary Legal Committee was also playing its role well in ensuring that good laws were passed, and recently they produced an adverse report on some of Mopa’s provisions deemed unconstitutional.

-Newsday

Zanu PF Brags After Winning Lupane East By-election

State Media: Zanu-PF Secretary for Administration Dr Obert Mpofu said the party’s victory shamed the country’s detractors.

“The results dispel all beliefs and perceptions that are being floated around the globe and within the country that the people of Zimbabwe are in a worse situation than they were before,” said Dr Mpofu.

Instead, he said, what Zimbabweans were experiencing were birth pangs of a prosperous country as President Mnangagwa’s administration implements new policies and ideas meant to turn around the economy.

“We have been saying that whatever is happening, there is no Government in this world which can come up with policies which are meant to demoralise the people, so everything that Government is doing is meant to better the people’s lives,” he said.

Dr Mpofu said while turning around the country’s fortunes was never going to be an overnight thing, the Government was implementing policies to reverse the damage the country suffered over the years under the old dispensation.

“The people are very clear on what they want, they are very clear on the policies of the party, policies decided by the ruling party at their congresses and conferences, so we are going to continue winning these elections whenever there is a by-election. The MDC should know that they won’t win anything,” said Dr Mpofu.

“The people are giving the Government a chance to deliver on its promises, which is what has happened. MDC was there in its full force headed by their leader but people said they cannot be associated with a party which has no clear policies hence they stuck to the ruling party which is commendable and we are really excited about it.”

Dr Mpofu said the elections also served to prove the falsehood of MDC -Alliance leader Mr Nelson Chamisa’s claims that he won the 2018 elections.

“The victory by Zanu-PF in the local government and parliamentary by-elections is a clear indication to Chamisa, who has been lying to the world that he won the elections. These by-elections show what people think about him. In Lupane you can imagine the number of (MDC-Alliance) top leadership that was here and led by him, but the people have said no, we don’t want you and this rhetoric that he won is founded on no grounds at all. It is just wishful thinking, which is not realistic,” he said.

Zanu-PF Secretary for Information and Publicity Cde Simon Khaya Moyo said the party was emboldened by the victory.

“The sweeping trend which continues to be registered by the party in all previous elections does not only testify to the confidence which the electorate has in Zanu-PF policies and programmes, but it also loudly speaks to the existing umbilical bond between the party and the general masses of Zimbabwe which is rooted to the days of the liberation struggle,” said Cde Khaya Moyo.

“Clearly, the revolutionary train is well oiled and is on the unstoppable trajectory towards delivery of the people’s wishes and aspirations as espoused in the 2018 winning people’s election manifesto.”

Cde Khaya Moyo said the elections were held in a free, fair and credible manner, calling on all participants to respect the will of the people.

Zanu-PF Matabeleland North provincial chairperson Cde Richard Moyo paid tribute to all party structures that were involved in the campaign.

Pandemonium As “Dead” Man Pitches Up At Own Funeral

Kennedy Ogweno

By A Correspondent| There was pandemonium last Saturday in God Miaha village when a man believed to be dead appeared at his own funeral.

Mourners and residents who had gathered to bid their loved one farewell took to their heels when Kennedy Ogweno appeared for the burial ceremony at Ramba location in Rachuonyo East, Kenya.

Ogweno, 38, had not visited home for the last 20 years and on the few occasions he got in touch with his family, he told them he worked as a fisherman along the beaches of Lake Victoria.

A month ago, Ogweno’s relatives got information that he had died in Mbita town after falling sick.

The family was also told that his body was taken to Homa Bay County Referral Hospital mortuary.

Family members then went to the mortuary, identified the said body and registered their details as next of kin.

The kinsmen returned home and scheduled his burial for Saturday. On Friday, they went to the mortuary, got the body and took it home.

But with less than an hour before the body could be interred the next day, Ogweno appeared and started greeting the mourners.

There was confusion. Residents ran away from the homestead after mistaking Ogweno for a ghost. His efforts to convince the mourners that he was still alive fell on deaf ears.

Chief Joseph Ndege said Ogweno’s appearance deterred people from eating the food the family had prepared for mourners.

“A lot of food had been cooked for mourners but many people did not eat upon Ogweno’s appearance. Even those who had begun eating had to stop and run away from the home,” Mr Ndege said.

Judith Atieno, Ogweno’s sister-in-law, said it was only by coincidence that she met him on a beach in Rachuonyo as they were making funeral arrangements.

“I had gone to Alum beach and I found him. I told family members in Ramba on phone not to bury the body before they could confirm whether the man I had met was Ogweno,” Atieno said.

The body that the family was preparing to bury was taken back to the mortuary.-StandardMedia

POLAD Robustly Discuss Nation-Building Not Power Sharing: Gutu

Jane Mlambo| Opposition MDC-T vice President Obert Gutu has lashed at the main MDC saying they will never get to power through the back door, adding that dialogue should not be about power-sharing or national transitional authority as proposed by Nelson Chamisa.

Posting on Twitter this morning, Gutu said the dialogue they are having at the POLAD platform is aimed at building the country and not power-sharing as demanded by the MDC led by Chamisa.

Families Stranded After Council Effects “Murambatsvina” On Their 20yr Old Homes

By A Correspondent- EIGHTEEN families in Reigate, a few kilometres outside Bulawayo, have been rendered homeless after Umguza Rural District Council (RDC) razed homes they occupied for more than 20 years.

Although officials from the council were not readily available for comment yesterday, some of the affected residents told a local publication that they had been raided by the authority without prior warning.

School-going children, whose families have been affected, were being housed at nearby homes to enable them to attend school.

Dingani Ndlovu (67) told a local publication he had lived in the area since 1988.

“I worked for the Umguza RDC for 27 years. I joined the council in 1988 and retired in 2016.

“Since that time, I have been paying rentals to the council for the stand on which my house was built. I have never stayed here for free. I had been advised by council that since I was paying rentals, this stand would become mine.

I was shocked when I was told that I had to vacate, but there were no reasons given,” Ndlovu said, adding that some of the residents had occupied houses that had been left by former council workers who had since moved on.

“Some of the people here occupied these houses after buying them. These were houses that council employees sold to the new occupants – something the council blessed because it was realising revenue from the occupants,” Ndlovu added. Another affected villager, Simangaliphi Ncube said there had been efforts by the council to evict the residents without success.

“We have been fighting legal battles with the council for some years now. They tried to evict us earlier, but they were stopped by the High Court after we obtained an order against the eviction.

“Despite that intention, we have been paying monthly rentals to the council, in some cases as much as $220 a month. We were surprised to be told that we have to leave despite all the money we have paid to these people,” Ncube said, revealing that council had misled them into believing they would assume full ownership under a home scheme after paying rentals for more than 10 years.

“Council told us that the home ownership scheme would kick in after some 10 years. Instead of processing that home ownership, we saw council officials and vehicles coming to destroy our houses and we wondered why the sudden change of heart,” Ncube said.

Frank Moyo, who was also affected by the demolitions, said the move to evict them was illegal as there was no court order giving council the right to evict them.

“When these council people came here, they brought us a paper written Messenger of Court. They refused to show us the copy, but said the matter had been finalised and we had to leave. Unfortunately, we are not leaving this place with nowhere else to go. The council itself has to find us alternative accommodation,” he added.-Newsday

Mthuli Ncube Allocates $2.8bil More To Command Agriculture

By A Correspondent- Presenting his Mid-Term Fiscal Policy Review and Supplementary Budget Statement last Thursday, Finance and Economic Development Minister Mthuli Ncube is set to allocate a further $2.8 billion towards Command Agriculture for the 2019/ 2020 summer cropping season.

Prof Ncube told parliament that the money will benefit farmers with good track records of repaying loans and producing high yields as government targets to support agricultural production for an estimated 210 000 hectares of maize and 30 000 hectares of soya beans.

Said Prof Ncube”

“Ordinarily, agricultural programmes outside the Vulnerable Inputs Support Scheme are best supported by private financing given budgetary constraints.

However, given last year’s drought, the capacity of our ‘infant’ farmers has been compromised, necessitating further Government support through loan financing arrangements, which include private sector players.

As a result, Government is extending the programme for another year to restore food security. The programme targets 210 000 hectares under maize and 30 000 hectares under soyabeans at a cost of $2,8 billion.

Accordingly, the supplementary budget is making an additional provision of $1,03 billion to kick-start the programme. To close the loopholes during the forthcoming agriculture season, Government is adopting a targeted approach, which selects exclusively farmers with a track record of honouring their loan obligations from previous programmes and have a history of producing high yields.

The selection of farmers will be done in a transparent way and measures will be put in place to recover all the loans. For the 2019/20 agriculture season, the Supplementary Budget is proposing an additional $437 million for grain inputs (maize, sorghum and pearl millet).

Beneficiaries of the programme will be selected based on their repayment track record and their delivery record to Cottco.

Cognisant of the prevailing severe drought and the need to revive the agriculture sector, Government will extend support towards the agriculture sector during the 2019/20 agriculture season, while nurturing the private sector to play a greater role in subsequent years.

As a result, the 2019 Mid-Term Review is setting aside $1,67 billion towards support of strategic crops of grain, soyabeans and cotton under the following programmes.”

Despite Failing To Account For US$3 Billion, Govt Still Wants To Pump $2,8 Billion In Command Agric

Government has earmarked $2,8 billion for Command Agriculture, which will extend the facility by another year and result in the production of 210 000 hectares of maize and 30 000 hectares of soyabeans during the 2019/20 summer cropping season.

Presenting his Mid-Term Fiscal Policy Review and Supplementary Budget Statement last Thursday, Finance and Economic Development Minister Mthuli Ncube said the programme will only benefit farmers with good track records of repaying loans and producing high yields.

“Ordinarily, agricultural programmes outside the Vulnerable Inputs Support Scheme are best supported by private financing given budgetary constraints,” he said.

“However, given last year’s drought, the capacity of our ‘infant’ farmers has been compromised, necessitating further Government support through loan financing arrangements, which include private sector players.

“As a result, Government is extending the programme for another year to restore food security. The programme targets 210 000 hectares under maize and 30 000 hectares under soyabeans at a cost of $2,8 billion.

“Accordingly, the supplementary budget is making an additional provision of $1,03 billion to kick-start the programme. To close the loopholes during the forthcoming agriculture season, Government is adopting a targeted approach, which selects exclusively farmers with a track record of honouring their loan obligations from previous programmes and have a history of producing high yields.

“The selection of farmers will be done in a transparent way and measures will be put in place to recover all the loans.”

Minister Ncube said Government was this year targeting to support 640 000 hectares of grain crops that include maize, sorghum and pearl millet under the Vulnerable Households Inputs Support Scheme.

“For the 2019/20 agriculture season, the Supplementary Budget is proposing an additional $437 million for grain inputs (maize, sorghum and pearl millet),” he said.

The scheme will also include sugar and soya beans seed.

“The inputs will comprise of seed, compound D and top dressing, all for a targeted area of 640 000 hectares.”

Government will also support 200 000 hectares of cotton to sustain recovery of the sector. The scheme will be supported to the tune of $213 million.

“Beneficiaries of the programme will be selected based on their repayment track record and their delivery record to Cottco,” said Minister Ncube.

“Cognisant of the prevailing severe drought and the need to revive the agriculture sector, Government will extend support towards the agriculture sector during the 2019/20 agriculture season, while nurturing the private sector to play a greater role in subsequent years.

“As a result, the 2019 Mid-Term Review is setting aside $1,67 billion towards support of strategic crops of grain, soyabeans and cotton under the following programmes.”

Meanwhile, farmers have started preparing for the 2019/20 season.

The seed industry is expecting 39 000 tonnes of certified maize seed on the market.

Farmers usually require between 35 000 and 40 000 tonnes of maize seed, but this varies depending on demand.

-State Media

Blesser Murders 24yr Old Woman Over Remarks That He Is Too Ugly

Maxim Gareyev

By A Correspondent- The New York Post reports that a Russian sugar daddy has confessed to the murder of an Instagram influencer whose body was found stuffed in a suitcase, officials said.

Maxim Gareyev — who claimed he gave Ekaterina Karaglanova money on dates — said he lashed out because she told him that he wasn’t attractive, according to authorities. “She told me that I was ugly and that even plastic [surgery] would not help me,” Gareyev reportedly said. “I could not stand it.”

Karaglanova — who boasted more than 87,000 Instagram followers — was discovered Friday, days before her 25th birthday, in her apartment with her neck slashed, according to BBC.

Following the slaughter, Gareyev claimed that he stripped her naked and stuffed her body inside a large suitcase, Moscow newspaper Moskovsky Komsomolets reported. Gareyev appeared Thursday in court, where he apologized to her parents and told reporters that he was “ashamed of myself.”

Police vs Vendors In Joburg, Reveals The Best, And Worst, Of Policing In South Africa.

The confrontation between police and traders on the streets of Johannesburg last week reveals the best, and worst, of policing in South Africa.

Last week’s incident in Jeppe Street in the Johannesburg CBD, in which a large group of traders attacked a SAPS and Metro Police contingent, has created consternation for two reasons.

On the one hand, many people were disturbed by the level of lawlessness and apparent open contempt for authority, evoked by images of a large crowd surging towards police vehicles, throwing bricks, and other projectiles (the police claim that these included petrol bombs, though these are not visible on any of the online videos).

Gauteng Community Safety MEC Faith Mazibuko issued a statement condemning “criminal elements hellbent on undermining the rule of law in this country and making this country ungovernable.”

There is also concern about the fact, shown very clearly in some footage, that police vehicles were retreating in the face of the advancing crowd. For some this was evidence of intensifying chaos, of police losing control, and of impending anarchy. As eNCA presenter Vuyo Mvoko expressed it, this seemed to imply that the police are “inappropriately restrained” and members of the public are increasingly free…

Questions On August 1 Killings Remain Unanswered One Year On.

A soldier restrains his collegue from shooting at innocent civilians in the August 1 2017 killings.

It is just over a year since activists took to the streets of the Zimbabwe capital Harare to protest delays in announcing the results of presidential elections. The army was called in to crush the protests, and six people were shot dead.

As the country remembers that tragic day, some family members of victims have been speaking out.

In a video posted on Twitter, Alison Charles recalls how on 1 August 2018, she had to go and identify the body of her brother, Gavin, one of six people shot dead in the security crackdown.

She found her brother’s body lying face down in a metal coffin on the back of a police pick-up truck.

“I identified him by his dreadlocks and the shoes he was wearing because his face was down,” said Alison Charles, her voice breaking with emotion.

“Like a dog off the road!”

“They threw him like a dog off the road into that coffin,” she said, adding that her brother was shot while trying to help a badly wounded person.

Activists have this week visited the graves of some of those killed, and the Zimbabwe Human Rights Forum on Friday held an event to remember the day using the hashtag #Wehavenotforgotten.

While memories of the crackdown are still vivid, state media says police have undergone retraining to bury the “ghost of 1 August”.

“Part of that retraining has focused on human rights-related aspects of policing and law-enforcement,” Foreign Minister Sibusiso Moyo said on Thursday.

The training is in line with recommendations made by the Motlanthe Commission of Inquiry into the killings. The commission recommended that the police be given the skills and capacity to deal with rioters, and be trained to be non-partisan.

Army to operate under police command

Moyo said in future, using the army to quell unrest should be avoided.

A new draft security law states that if the army is called in, soldiers have to “operate under the command structure of the police,” he added.

But observers say the draft law — the Maintenance of Peace and Order Bill — has just been given an “adverse report” by the Parliamentary Legal Committee because some of its clauses are deemed unconstitutional.

“If the Bill is not revised extensively it will have a chilling effect on freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and the right to demonstrate, all vital to a democratic society and all guaranteed by the Constitution,” notes parliamentary watchdog Veritas.

No soldier has yet been prosecuted for the 1 August killings, and the EU delegation to Harare has called for those responsible to be “held accountable to end impunity”.

On Thursday the US State Department said it was placing a former top Zimbabwean army commander and his wife on its targeted sanctions list for what it called “gross violations of human rights”. The official is Anselem Nhamo Sanyatwe, who was the commander of the Presidential Guard that led the 1 August crackdown.

Housing Corporation Zimbabwe Rejects NSSA Forensic Audit Report

By Own Correspondent| The Housing Corporation Zimbabwe (HCZ) has noted the release of the final Report on the Forensic Investigation into the Affairs of the National Social Security Authority (NSSA) conducted by BDO Zimbabwe Chartered Accountants (BDO). The report contains several falsehoods as regards to HCZ.

These untruths are attributable to the incompetent manner in which BDO conducted its forensic investigation and in arriving at its conclusions. The absence of an in-depth probe includes ignoring critical information that would have assisted the investigation with accurate facts.

Therefore, in the interest of transparency, the management of HCZ is considering, inter alia, taking the following actions;

  • Instituting legal proceedings to seek relief against areas of the report that are not truthful and are harmful to the reputation of HCZ and its management.
  • Providing the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) with a dossier detailing the process leading up to the signing of the housing off-take agreement between NSSA and HCZ.
  • Submitting grievance statements to the relevant regulatory and oversight bodies within the Chartered Accounting and Audit profession on the conduct of BDO during the investigation.

In rejecting the untested claims of impropriety in securing the NSSA off-take agreement, HCZ would like to clarify the following;

  • All the appropriate governance protocols were followed ahead of signing the off-take agreement as approved by the investment committee and the full board of NSSA.
  • At best BDO, failed to comprehend, the NSSA procurement policy provisions that clearly differentiate between off-take agreements, which are investment decisions taken differently from the procurement of services in the ordinary course of organisational operations.   
  • Contrary to the assertion that no investment appraisal was performed, an extensive investment memorandum was submitted as part of the proposal to NSSA which informed the negotiations and subsequent due diligence processes that were undertaken.
  • NSSA did not suffer any price prejudice as claimed in the report. In this regard, NSSA have in their possession an independent expert assessment from ABACUS Construction Cost Consultants (Pty) Ltd, which affirmed the appropriateness of the price charged per unit. BDO failed to appreciate the variance in specifications and project scope that totalled the costs per unit when comparing against other housing projects.
  • Due to the restrictive indigenous laws that were applicable at the time, as evidenced by the NSSA Board resolutions, Housing African Corporation (HAC) as a Mauritian entity was required to incorporate a local entity, in this regard, a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) through which the project would be managed and delivered.
  • Thus, HCZ was set up as an SPV with licensed franchise rights obtained from HAC, as an owner of the  intellectual property of systems and methodology for the construction of

large-scale housing projects and having extensive experience in delivering  housing developments across the globe.

  • The Caledonia Housing Project was compromised – not because of any action or inaction by HCZ, not because alleged procurement processes were not followed – but because of NSSA’s own failure and inability to manage the project. It was NSSA’s repeated material breaches of the off-take agreement which entitled HCZ, to legally terminate the agreement and claim damages. In arbitration, these repudiatory breaches by NSSA justified an award to HCZ as an entitlement to damages suffered.
  • 57 Units had been completed prior to the contract termination, while 53 were at varying levels of completion.   

The management of HCZ supports the government’s efforts in fighting corruption. However, anti-corruption measures must not be used as a tool to malign individuals and their business operations. The HCZ is a customer focused company that is driven by its passion and the commitment to integrity and responsibility in the service of communities.      

“Zimbabwe Is At A Tipping Point, If It falls It’s Going To Be Quite A Long Way In Coming Back,”

Mthuli Ncube

Zimbabwe’s finance minister responded to the country’s worsening economic crisis last week by blacking out inflation statistics for the next six months, boosting the price of the little power that’s available five-fold and admitting what the International Monetary Fund told him in April: the economy will contract for the first time since 2008.

At the same time he spoke of fiscal surpluses and and plans to abolish a requirement for local control for projects in the key platinum industry. This all happened in a country with daily power cuts of up to 18 hours and shortages of everything from bread to motor fuel. People are receiving food aid in cities for the first time and a drought has necessitated the import of hundreds of thousands of tons of corn.

When Robert Mugabe was ousted after four decades in power in late 2017 his replacement, Emmerson Mnangagwa, promised economic regeneration and declared that Zimbabwe is “open for business.” Instead things have gone from bad to worse with the effects of rapidly expanding money supply through the sale of Treasury bills under Mugabe’s rule coming home to roost and this year’s outlawing of the U.S. dollar in favor of a local quasi currency that can’t be traded outside the country causing panic.

“Zimbabwe is at a tipping point and if it falls over the edge it’s going to be quite a long way in coming back,” said Derek Matyszak, a Zimbabwe-based research consultant for South Africa’s Institute for Security Studies. “The wheels are falling off. There is no way out of a Ponzi scheme other than a massive infusion of cash to pay off your creditors.”

Back to Contraction
The country with the world’s highest inflation rate after Venezuela also suspended annual consumer-price data for the next six months. The authorities need to collect comparable data since the introduction of the new currency in February. That marked a return to 2009, when the country abandoned the Zimbabwe dollar in favor of the U.S. dollar and other currencies after inflation surged to an estimated 500 billion percent.

To read more about the history of Zimbabwe’s economic crisis click here

If the more commonly used black-market exchange rate is used, Zimbabwe’s annual inflation is currently 558%, about three times the official rate, while Venezuela’s is 35,004%, according to Steve H. Hanke, a professor of applied economics at the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore.

Zimbabwe has gone from deflation to triple-digit inflation in less than three years
Scrapping the official annual rate is “no real loss from an analytical perspective,” said Jee-A van der Linde, an economist at NKC African Economics in Paarl, South Africa. “These elevated inflation readings did little more than create panic and damage what little confidence was left.”

Still, the decision evokes other countries in crisis. Venezuela halted publication of inflation data and while it periodically releases figures, it isn’t operating on a regular schedule. In 2013, Argentina was censured by the IMF for tampering with its data.

A de-linking of the country’s quasi-currencies from parity with the U.S. dollar in February and the re-imposition of the Zimbabwe dollar overnight in June has fueled depreciation with the currency officially trading at 9.28 to the dollar on Aug. 2. The black-market rate was 10.8, according to Marketwatch.co.zw, a website run by analysts. While the government has argued that in the face of foreign-currency shortages it has no choice but to reintroduce its own currency, Hanke disagrees.

“The Achilles heel is the introduction of the new currency to the exclusion of the dollar,” he said. “They have decided to go in the completely opposite direction and claimed it’s the best thing since sliced bread and it’s going to be an absolute disaster.”

While the cost of basic services has climbed 400% this year, pay rises have been around 10%, said Japhet Moyo, secretary-general of the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions, which has 130,000 members.

Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube tried to highlight the country’s first positive current-account balance in a decade as a sign of progress. Since his appointment last year, the government has sold only marginal amounts of Treasury bills. And earlier this year, the Cambridge University-trained economics professor forecast that month-on-month inflation, which surged to 39.3% in June, would be close to zero by year-end.

The fundamental problem is that the government has failed to attract significant investment and hasn’t substantially changed the policies of the Mugabe era, said John Robertson, an independent economist in Harare, the capital.

“People are very angry” and even though a quarter of the population has already emigrated, more may follow, said Matyszak.

“The Zimbabwe I once loved has become a cemetery for my son’s future” said Ashley Randen, an unemployed single mother of a 12-year-old boy in Harare.

Chinx’s Son Killed In Hit And Run Incident.

Sagelaw


THE son of the late popular musician, Dickson “Cde Chinx” Chingaira, Sagelaw Chingaira, died on the wee hours of Saturday after he was hit by a car in Greendale, in a suspected “‘hit and run’” accident

Sagelaw, who was poised to take over his late father’s band, died on admission to Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals where he had been taken for treatment.

He was 26.

A family member confirmed Sagelaw’s death, describing it as a big loss to the family. “It is true that we lost him,” said Sagelaw’s aunt. “We were called at around 3am on Saturday and we were told that Sagelaw had been hit by a car in Greencroft near the Total Service Station while he was coming from hanging out with his friends.

“We rushed to the scene and took him to Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals where he died a few moments later.”

The aunt said Sagelaw was planning to revive his father’s band, although he was committed to the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service where he was employed.

“He was into music and he once did a song ‘Nzira Dzema Youths’ when his father was still alive,” she said. “Sagelaw was into music and his acts were similar to those of his father. If you remember, he performed with the ZPCS band at his father’s funeral.”

Sagelaw’s auntie said mourners were gathered at the family’s Mabelreign, Harare, home.

Britain Tells Mnangagwa To Live To His Campaign Promises

President Emmerson Mnangagwa

The United Kingdom has called on President Emmerson Mnangagwa to deliver on “genuine” political reforms that he committed to do in order to ensure a brighter future for the troubled country.

The UK’s newly-elected Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, also pleaded with Mnangagwa to implement recommendations by the Motlanthe Commission, which was set up after soldiers shot and killed demonstrators in 2018.

According to the statement by the UK released through their embassy in Harare, they urged the Mnangagwa to also deliver on the economic reforms.

“A year after Zimbabwe’s elections, we reiterate our call to the government of President Emmerson Mnangagwa to work on delivering the genuine political reforms that it has committed to alongside the economic reforms needed to pave the way to a better future for all Zimbabweans,” read the statement.

This comes at a time when Mnangagwa’s administration is seeking to mend relations with the country’s former coloniser.

No More Luxury Cars And Hefty Packs For Ramaphosa’s Ministers

Cyril Ramaphosa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has ordered that further cuts be made to the ministerial handbook in an effort to curb spending.

The Sunday Times reports that Ramaphosa has instructed three of his ministers to review aspects of the recently revised handbook and identify areas where cuts can be made.

“The president has assigned the ministers of public service & administration, finance, and public works & infrastructure to identify areas in the Guide on Executive Members, commonly known as the ministerial handbook,” said minister of public service & administration, Senzo Mchunu.

“Areas under review include upper limits on purchasing of cars, tariffs on private vehicles and security upgrades for private residences.”

Mchunu added that other perks may also be changed as the handbook was over 9 years in the making.

Perks

In June, government published its revised guide for members of the executive, effectively replacing the controversial ministerial handbook introduced in 2007.

The new guide covers everything from relocation expenses to cars, with most of the new perks appearing to be largely the same or slightly reined in from the previous ministerial handbook.

This guide also describes the new powers given to finance minister Tito Mboweni to directly curb spending on transport and other luxuries.

Some of the biggest and most notable perks and changes included:

National Members shall be provided with one vehicle for official use in each seat of office. Provincial Members shall be provided with one vehicle for official use;
In the event that an official vehicle is not procured for a member, they may be reimbursed for using their own private vehicle;

Departments may only replace a motor vehicle purchased for a member if the vehicle has reached 120,000 km or 5 years, or if the car experiences serious mechanical problems and is in a poor condition;
National Members and their spouses are also jointly entitled to 30 (thirty) single domestic business class flight tickets per annum;
The state will contribute up to R250,000 in security upgrades to a member’s home;
The ministry of departmental works will be responsible for paying for water and lights as well as employing a domestic worker for these homes;
Rentals for phones (as well as the costs of official calls), the installation and maintenance of fax, internet/wifi and DSTV facilities will be paid for by the department.