Farai Dziva|MDC leader Nelson Chamisa has said guns and live ammunition should never again be used on innocent civilians.

Chamisa paid tribute to civilians who were shot dead during the August 1, 2018 protests in Harare.

See Chamisa’ s full statement:

1 August 2018: NEVER AGAIN!

Today marks yet another very important day in the recent history of the Zimbabwean people’s struggle against dictatorship, oppression, tyranny and theft of elections.

This day we remember fellow citizens who lost their lives at the hands of the State on 1/8/2018. They had names & families behind them:‬

Silvia Maphosa 53 years
Ishmael Kumire 43 years
Gavin Dean Charles 45 years
James Chikandira 21 years
Brian Zhuwao 26 years
Challenge Tauro 20 years

We can’t forget & we will never forget.

On this day in August 2018, we saw the brutal, merciless, senseless and heinous murder of unarmed and innocent civilians in the Harare central business district.

The event of 1 August 2018, in itself demonstrated to the whole world the crisis of governance that has defined the character and nature of the problem in Zimbabwe.  
The violence witnessed in the Harare CBD brought untold suffering, not only to the families, relatives and friends of the deceased but to the nation as a whole.

It is indeed unpardonable that in the 21st century, those entrusted with the protection of the constitution and the people would conjure up schemes to maim and eliminate the same in order to protect their ill-gotten comforts and privileges, and satisfy their insatiable thirst for power.

After the departure of Mr Mugabe, nothing has changed in Zimbabwe. The old cannot renew. The past cannot be the future. The past cannot be renovated. In short, it is now clear for all to see that, concerning the style of leadership, those in the state have learnt nothing and forgotten nothing.

‪The August 1 fallen citizens were victims of a system which devours it’s own children. The brutality is fuelled by a longstanding culture of impunity.If the nation had punished perpetrators, there would be no incentive to commit violence in the name of power and politics .

But the Incumbent since 1980 always protects and rewards the callous perpetrators of violence.‬

‪It is common knowledge that the state reacted with excessive force in the circumstances of the demonstrations. Even the Motlanthe Commission, with all its limitations, found that ‬the conduct of the State was “unjustified and disproportionate”. However, those responsible have not been held to account.

We must enforce measures to redress this grave injustice. What is disheartening is the plight of the victims who have received no reparation.Victims of orchestrated brutality must be compensated. Justice must be done.

Over and above this,we have witnessed an increase in abductions, harassment and intimidation of democracy activists, civil society and leaders of the opposition including members of parliament.

The attempted abduction on MDC youth leader, Obey Sithole by unknown men with unmarked vehicles, armed with AK47 guns is both a reminder and a confirmation that Zimbabwe, being unsafe for its citizens and visitors, is a country under extreme terrorism and severe violence.  

The path to progress begins with honest acknowledgement of failings. The cost of power is responsibility. A genuine people’s government has a duty to protect, repudiated on August 1 & again 5 months later. That’s why it’s gross irresponsibility for ministers to threaten to unleash the military upon the people.

We believe in giving peace a chance. We must make peace happen in Zimbabwe.

On that score, we have offered a credible and sign posted dialogue to resolve the deep problems Zimbabwe is facing.

Today, as we remember those who lost their lives on 1 August, let us remember that peace is a collective responsibility and a universal duty. It is incumbent upon every citizen to play a part in building a great and stable Zimbabwe.

Never again should citizens be subjected to brutality at the hands of the state.
Never again should citizens be harassed for demonstrating.
Never again should there be loss of life on account of power, politics and political differences.
Never again should live ammunition and guns be used against civilians.
Never again should citizens live in fear of the state.
Never again should elections be rigged in Zimbabwe.
Never again should we hold elections in Zimbabwe without fundamental reforms.
Never again should we undermine the sanctity of the vote and the security of the voter and the vote.
Never again should Zimbabwe attract the eye of the whole world on account of human rights abuses and violations.
Never again should dictatorship prevail over democracy.

‪I commend fellow citizens for your love of peace and non-violence. Whatever we do in pursuit of our rights we hold steadfastly to the values of peace and non-violence. We are not enemies of the State. We cannot be enemies to something that derives its authority from us. We pray for the souls we lost.

Peace in Zimbabwe!
Today we build a better tomorrow!
 
Change that delivers!
Thank you and God Bless You
 
Adv Nelson Chamisa
MDC President

Watch Video- "We need inclusive dialogue, where the army must explain to us why they took over Gvnt, Zanu Pf and imposed their candidate": Jealousy Mawarire pic.twitter.com/ZE7AFjlS5t

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) August 1, 2019

https://twitter.com/schikanza/status/1156621171099672576?s=19

Watch Video- "We need inclusive dialogue, where the army must explain to us why they took over Gvnt, Zanu Pf and imposed their candidate": Jealousy Mawarire pic.twitter.com/ZE7AFjlS5t

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) August 1, 2019

By A Correspondent- President Emmerson Mnangagwa has sent expressed his condolences to the Masuku family following the death of Zibusiso Masuku, son to ZANU PF National Women’s League Deputy Secretary, Angeline Masuku.

Zibusiso passed in In Britain last week. In his condolence message, President Mnangagwa said:

I learnt with deep sadness and pain of the death last week of Zibusiso Masuku, son to Cde Angeline Masuku following a short illness in the United Kingdom.

His passing on so soon is not only a great blow to his family which has lost a breadwinner, but to the Nation as a whole that is also poorer for the loss of his vital contribution to our health sector from the critical skills he had acquired abroad.

On behalf of the Party ZANU PF, Government, my family, and on my behalf, | wish to convey my deepest condolences to the Masuku family, especially to his wife Lindani and the children, who have lost a beloved husband, doting father and a Pillar to lean on in times of need.

May they draw comfort from the knowledge that the entire Nation joins them during this their darkest hour of grief and pain.

By Own Correspondent- The Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ), has demanded that the government pays its members salaries equivalent to the US$550.00 monthly salaries they earned before the return of hyperinflation.

The teachers have also demanded that the Apex Council, the board which represents civil servants, be dissolved forthwith.

PTUZ president, Takavafira Zhou, said that if the government fails to address the teachers’ concerns during the holidays, they will embark on industrial action in September.

Said Zhou:

Failure to make inroads on these issues will see industrial action by teachers with effect from the beginning of the third term.

This is a message that the government must take seriously if it dreams of bringing stability in schools in particular and the country at large.

We have also been tasked with negotiating a reasonable rescue package over the holidays, provision of land for accommodation purposes, effecting a non-payment of tuition fees for at least three children of every teacher and dissolving the Apex Council and replacing it with a robust negotiation chamber in line with section 65 of the Constitution and ILO conventions 87 and 98, which Zimbabwe has ratified.

… Our members have been insisting on industrial action even this term, but after serious deliberations, we have been tasked with ensuring that government reviews the current salary in line with maintaining the purchasing value of the pre-inflationary US$550 monthly salary.

By Own Correspondent- The MDC says that it is finalising the details of its programme to put pressure on the ruling ZANU PF party to come to the negotiating table.

The MDC is pushing for an inclusive dialogue that will result in the formation of a Transitional Authority.

Addressing reporters in Harare on Wednesday, MDC spokesperson, Daniel Molekele said:

There can be a debate on whether protests will be successful or not. That is conjecture. We are going to apply pressure and as on how you wait and see the details.

We are going to use our constitutional rights to protests. We are going ahead and, at the moment, we are finalising on the details of our programme. People claim that we are divided on protests. Let me reiterate that we are not divided.

We are a party guided by a decision made at congress and party of the resolutions was to apply pressure to force Zanu PF to inclusive dialogue that will result in a transitional government.

Molokele dismissed the ongoing anti-corruption crusade led by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC). He said that the crusade is a charade wherein ZANU PF is involved in internal factional wars.

He added that the MDC will support a genuine anti-corruption probe led by an independent commission and not the compromised ZACC.-Newsday

By Own Correspondent| The government is drafting a law that will legalise paying compensation packages to war collaborators.

This was revealed by the Minister of Defence and War Veterans Affairs, Oppah Muchinguri during a ZANU PF rally held in Gweru last weekend.

She said:

We are in the process of putting together a Bill that will legalise compensation of the war collaborators.

Cabinet has already approved the idea and asked us to come up with a Bill.

At the moment, we have put together the principles of the Bill and are now working on the other issues that should be in the Bill.

Once we are done drafting the Bill, we will take it to the Cabinet Committee on legislation, which will work on it and that can take about two weeks.

The committee will then send it back to Cabinet for approval, then we take it to Parliament.

So, all in all, we must be having the Bill in a month’s time.

Meanwhile, the MDC has warned Muchinguri that the country is in an economic spiral which makes it difficult to make the huge payouts.

MDC spokesperson, Daniel Molekele said:

“We need to be careful in having such large expenditures. So, the issue is about how practical it is in these circumstances. That is something the minister needs to be careful of and give serious consideration.”-Newsday

By A Correspondent- ZIMBABWE recorded a decrease in new HIV infections from 44 000 to 38 000 cases annually, a development which the UNAIDS 2019 report projects may lead to a decline in prevalence.

According to a report released last week, 28 percent of prisoners in Zimbabwe are HIV positive though the country does not have data on how many of the prisoners are accessing anti-retroviral therapy or HIV prevention methods like condoms and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).

Prisoners, transgenders and those who inject drugs remain the top three most marginalised key populations in Zimbabwe whose access to treatment and prevention is not accounted for.

The UNAIDS report also stressed the need for countries to prioritise investing in key populations who now account for 54 percent of all new infections world over.

“The number of new HIV infections in Zimbabwe has gone down to 38 000 from 45 000 in 2015. Just like in many HIV heavily-burdened countries, Zimbabwe had also managed to halve the number of Aids-related deaths from 54 000 in 2010 to 22 000 in 2018,” read the UNAIDS report.

“About 28 percent of prisoners in Zimbabwe are HIV positive, but there is no data on how many are on ART or if they have access to HIV testing and counselling within the institutions. Zimbabwe also does not have statistics on transgender and people who inject drugs who are on ART or who are accessing condoms.”

Zimbabwe has the fifth highest HIV prevalence in the region.

“Key populations and their sexual partners now account for 54 percent of new HIV infections globally. In 2018, key populations-including people who inject drugs, gay men and other men who have sex with men, transgender people, sex workers and prisoners-accounted for around 95 percent of new HIV infections in eastern Europe and central Asia and in the Middle East and North Africa,” read the report.

UNAIDS has since called on Governments to work towards ensuring that key populations are catered for in all HIV prevention and treatment programmes.-StateMedia

Zimbabwe dollar to remain the sole legal tender.

Presenting his Midterm Budget Review in Harare on Thursday afternoon, Finance and Economic Development Minister, Mthuli Ncube reiterated his stance that the Zimbabwe Dollar remains the only legal tender in Zimbabwe.

However, fees on services provided to foreign registered businesses will be collected in foreign currency. He said:

For the avoidance of doubt, the only legal tender in the country is the Zimbabwean Dollar as pronounced through Statutory Instrument 142 of 2019, unless exemptions were specified therein.

Fees and charges on services provided to foreign registered businesses such as airlines flying into Zimbabwe and haulage trucks transiting through Zimbabwe and services that include passports provided by the country’s foreign missions will also be collected in foreign currency.

Zimbabwe will repeal its indigenisation and economic empowerment legislation dealing with ownership of foreign-controlled companies and replace it with a new empowerment law, Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube said on Thursday.

Addressing parliament, Ncube also said foreign investors can now take majority stakes in the platinum and diamond sectors.

The empowerment law adopted in 2008 under Robert Mugabe forced foreign-owned businesses including mines to cede at least 51% shares of their local operations to black Zimbabweans.

In a bid to attract investment, President Emmerson Mnangagwa last year removed these requirements for other minerals except diamonds and platinum, which his government said were strategically important.

The Zimbabwe Anti-corruption Commission (ZACC) has warned the ZANU PF Youth League to desist from accusing some individuals of being engaged in corruption without providing evidence.

ZACC Chairperson, Justice Loice Matanda-Moyo, who was appointed to lead the reconfigured anti-graft body, is quoted as saying:

“It is not about tarnishing people’s names. If you don’t have evidence against anyone there is no reason for a press statement and then list people as corrupt.”

“As Zacc, we do not support that. We actually call upon everyone who has allegations to report the matter for proper investigation and not to do so at a press conference.”

“We have called those people to come forward with the evidence they have but they have not come forward with the evidence and if they continue we will be forced to take action as Zacc.”

Meanwhile, Zanu PF youth league deputy secretary Lewis Matutu, who has been the face of the ruling party’s anti-corruption crusade, said:

“We don’t have a problem with her (Matanda-Moyo). We understand what she is saying; she is saying that there should be due process and we accept that.”

“We appreciate what she is saying and we are going to comply with what she said, we are not going to name and shame anymore because we don’t want to jeopardise their job.”

“We are going to sit down with them and share notes, the reason why we didn’t go with evidence to Zacc was that we didn’t want to jump the gun and given the situation it is now inevitable that we approach Zacc and give them what we have, we are willing to support them.”

President Emmerson Mnangagwa will soon enjoy unbridled powers similar to those exercised by former president Robert Mugabe as Zanu PF has put in motion plans for sweeping constitutional changes that are likely to make the incumbent leader a political demigod.

It has also been learnt that the new constitutional changes will see term limits being imposed on the party’s Members of Parliament (MPs) in order to avoid careerism and give more members a chance to serve in that capacity.

Zanu PF secretary for legal affairs Paul Mangwana told TellZim News in an interview that the party had already set up a committee to come up with the roadmap for public consultations on the issue.
Mangwana refused to shed more light on why they want the constitution amended and what is expected in the new amendment but said the people will decide on the new provisions.
“We have set up committee to come up with the road map on how we are going to do the consultation processes.
“We want to realign the old constitution with the new dispensation and it is the people who will have an input on the changes not the leadership. What the people want is what will be put in the constitution.
“I am not the people so I cannot tell you what changes will be effected. We will simply give people the current constitution and tell them to bring forward the changes they want to see for the better of the party,” said Mangwana.

The issue first came out in the open a few weeks ago when Mangwana addressed a Masvingo Provincial Coordinating Committee (PCC).

At the meeting, Mangwana hinted on the proposed changes among them the two term limits to all parliamentarians and the composition of an advisory council.

“We are coming to you soon for consultations on the proposed amendment of the party’s constitution and we would like your input. Should we have term limits on parliamentarians or should we retire some of our old guards and put them into the advisory team?

“It is all up to you so make sure when the process starts you will be ready,” said Mangwana then.

Other party sources said the proposed amendment to the party’s constitution is aimed at giving President Mnangagwa too much power and carte blanche to make some of the most important decisions on behalf of the party.

“People are going to give power to President Mnangagwa. The one centre of power is going to be the biggest change we are going to see in the proposed amendment.

“President Mnangagwa wants to be in control total control of the party and by giving him all the power, he will be able to deal with anyone who wants to stand in his way,” said the source.

Asked if the new amended constitution will address the succession issues within the ruling party, the source said Zanu PF does not have a succession and if anyone raise that they will be seen as the enemy.
“Succession will be left open because no one will ever raise the issue. It will be suicidal to suggest that,” said the source.

tellzim

HON. SEN. RTD. AIR CHIEF MARSHALL SHIRI:  Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir.  I am not protecting anyone.  I am stating facts as they are.  I seem not to appreciate the need to come and issue a ministerial statement given that I am able to give the required facts here.  I have highlighted that the money in question was used for the cotton input scheme, for the Presidential Input Scheme and for the importation of grain – [HON. MEMBERS:  Inaudible interjections.] –

Hon. Members having stood up.

THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER:  No more points of order.  May you resume your seats Hon. Members. – [HON. MEMBERS:  Inaudible interjections.] –  -[HON. SEN. RTD. AIR CHIEF MARSHALL SHIRI:  Ndakumbovatuka mbijana.]-

HON. SEN. RTD. AIR CHIEF MARSHALL SHIRI:  Mr. Speaker Sir, I am not addressing baboons and monkeys.  I am addressing people who are supposed to listen when I am responding.  If they want me to respond and they want an answer, they have to give me a chance to respond.  Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir – [HON. MEMBERS:  Inaudible interjections.] –

THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER:  No more points of order.  Hon. Members, may you resume your seats. – [HON. MEMBERS:  No, no.] – [HON. MEMBERS:  Inaudible interjections.] –

HON. MAMOMBE:  Mr. Speaker, I am the one who asked the question.  The Hon. Minister cannot refer to us as baboons and monkeys.  We need sufficient answers Mr. Speaker.  Mr. Speaker, you need to protect us Sir. – [HON. MEMBERS:  Inaudible interjections.] –  [HON. MEMBERS:  Mr. Speaker, there are no monkeys] –.  We are not going to allow that kind of language in this House.  He has to withdraw.

MDC Hon. Members sang a song – Intho oyenzayo siyayizonda, whilst ZANU PF Hon. Members chanted – E. D. pfeee, E. D. pfeee.

MDC Hon. Members shouted – Chamisa, Chamisa and sang a song Ndezve change, Nero, ndezve change Nero.

Hon. Members having continuously behaved disorderly, the Temporary Speaker abruptly adjourned the House at Twenty-Six Minutes past Four o’clock p.m.

By A Correspondent- Public service minister Sekai Nzenza has told parliament that following the expose of the rot at NSSA by the Auditor General Mildred Chiri over management malpractices, those found on the want side face disciplinary action.

She said this Thursday, while presenting the NSSA audit report before parliament adding that the delay in presenting the document was a result of internal legal processes which were necessary before tabling the report before the August House.

Watch the video below for this and more.

Video loading below.

Jane Mlambo| Former Commander of the Presidential Guard, Anselem Sanyatwe has been slapped with United States sanctions effectively barring him and his wife from entering the US.

Sanyatwe was banned over his role in the August 1 shootings and the failure by the President Emmerson Mnangagwa regime from punishing all those implicated in the open murder of civilians by the army.

Below is the full text from the US Secretary of State;

The Secretary of State is publicly designating Anselem Nhamo Sanyatwe, former Commander of the Zimbabwe National Army’s Presidential Guard Brigade and current Ambassador Designate of Zimbabwe to Tanzania, under Section 7031(c) of the FY 2019 Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act (Div. F, P.L. 116-6), due to his involvement in gross violations of human rights.  Section 7031(c) provides that, in cases where the Secretary of State has credible information that foreign officials have been involved in significant corruption or a gross violation of human rights, those individuals and their immediate family members are ineligible for entry into the United States.  The Department has credible information that Anselem Nhamo Sanyatwe was involved in the violent crackdown against unarmed Zimbabweans during post-election protests on August 1, 2018 that resulted in six civilian deaths.
The law also requires the Secretary of State to publicly or privately designate such officials and immediate family members.  In addition to the designation of Anselem Nhamo Sanyatwe, the Department is also publicly designating his spouse, Chido Machona.
To date, the Government of Zimbabwe has held no member of the security forces accountable for the acts of violence committed against Zimbabweans on August 1, 2018.  Furthermore, there has been no accountability for the excessive use of force by Zimbabwean security forces on civilians in January and February this year, which reportedly resulted in at least 13 deaths, 600 victims of violence, torture or rape, and more than 1,000 arrests.  We again call on Zimbabwean authorities to hold accountable those officials responsible for human rights violations and abuses in Zimbabwe.
For more information, please contact [email protected].

By A Correspondent- The United States of America has slapped the soldier who told the August 1 Commission of Inquiry led by former South African President Kgalema Motlanthe that soldiers who were captured live on video fired into the air at 45 degrees angle hence were not responsible for the deaths of unarmed civilians which occurred on the day.

Former Commander of the Presidential Guard, Anselem Sanyatwe and his wife has been slapped with United States sanctions effectively barring the duo from entering the US.

Below is the full text from the US Secretary of State;

The Secretary of State is publicly designating Anselem Nhamo Sanyatwe, former Commander of the Zimbabwe National Army’s Presidential Guard Brigade and current Ambassador Designate of Zimbabwe to Tanzania, under Section 7031(c) of the FY 2019 Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act (Div. F, P.L. 116-6), due to his involvement in gross violations of human rights.  Section 7031(c) provides that, in cases where the Secretary of State has credible information that foreign officials have been involved in significant corruption or a gross violation of human rights, those individuals and their immediate family members are ineligible for entry into the United States.  The Department has credible information that Anselem Nhamo Sanyatwe was involved in the violent crackdown against unarmed Zimbabweans during post-election protests on August 1, 2018 that resulted in six civilian deaths.

The law also requires the Secretary of State to publicly or privately designate such officials and immediate family members.  In addition to the designation of Anselem Nhamo Sanyatwe, the Department is also publicly designating his spouse, Chido Machona.

To date, the Government of Zimbabwe has held no member of the security forces accountable for the acts of violence committed against Zimbabweans on August 1, 2018.  Furthermore, there has been no accountability for the excessive use of force by Zimbabwean security forces on civilians in January and February this year, which reportedly resulted in at least 13 deaths, 600 victims of violence, torture or rape, and more than 1,000 arrests.  We again call on Zimbabwean authorities to hold accountable those officials responsible for human rights violations and abuses in Zimbabwe.

For more information, please contact [email protected].

Watch the video below for this and more.

Video loading….

By A Correspondent- Public Service minister Sekai Nzenza has finally presented the NSSA Forensic Audit before parliament.

“The process of engaging lawyers needed due diligence and we had to follow due process of procurement, which took us two months hence the delay.”

Watch the video below for this and more…

Video Loading….

1 August 2018: NEVER AGAIN!

Today marks yet another very important day in the recent history of the Zimbabwean people’s struggle against dictatorship, oppression, tyranny and theft of elections.

This day we remember fellow citizens who lost their lives at the hands of the State on 1/8/2018. They had names & families behind them:‬

Silvia Maphosa 53 years
Ishmael Kumire 43 years
Gavin Dean Charles 45 years
James Chikandira 21 years
Brian Zhuwao 26 years
Challenge Tauro 20 years

We can’t forget & we will never forget.

On this day in August 2018, we saw the brutal, merciless, senseless and heinous murder of unarmed and innocent civilians in the Harare central business district.

The event of 1 August 2018, in itself demonstrated to the whole world the crisis of governance that has defined the character and nature of the problem in Zimbabwe.  
The violence witnessed in the Harare CBD brought untold suffering, not only to the families, relatives and friends of the deceased but to the nation as a whole.

It is indeed unpardonable that in the 21st century, those entrusted with the protection of the constitution and the people would conjure up schemes to maim and eliminate the same in order to protect their ill-gotten comforts and privileges, and satisfy their insatiable thirst for power.

After the departure of Mr Mugabe, nothing has changed in Zimbabwe. The old cannot renew. The past cannot be the future. The past cannot be renovated. In short, it is now clear for all to see that, concerning the style of leadership, those in the state have learnt nothing and forgotten nothing.

‪The August 1 fallen citizens were victims of a system which devours it’s own children. The brutality is fuelled by a longstanding culture of impunity.If the nation had punished perpetrators, there would be no incentive to commit violence in the name of power and politics .

But the Incumbent since 1980 always protects and rewards the callous perpetrators of violence.‬

‪It is common knowledge that the state reacted with excessive force in the circumstances of the demonstrations. Even the Motlanthe Commission, with all its limitations, found that ‬the conduct of the State was “unjustified and disproportionate”. However, those responsible have not been held to account.

We must enforce measures to redress this grave injustice. What is disheartening is the plight of the victims who have received no reparation.Victims of orchestrated brutality must be compensated. Justice must be done.

Over and above this,we have witnessed an increase in abductions, harassment and intimidation of democracy activists, civil society and leaders of the opposition including members of parliament.

The attempted abduction on MDC youth leader, Obey Sithole by unknown men with unmarked vehicles, armed with AK47 guns is both a reminder and a confirmation that Zimbabwe, being unsafe for its citizens and visitors, is a country under extreme terrorism and severe violence.  

The path to progress begins with honest acknowledgement of failings. The cost of power is responsibility. A genuine people’s government has a duty to protect, repudiated on August 1 & again 5 months later. That’s why it’s gross irresponsibility for ministers to threaten to unleash the military upon the people.

We believe in giving peace a chance. We must make peace happen in Zimbabwe.

On that score, we have offered a credible and sign posted dialogue to resolve the deep problems Zimbabwe is facing.

Today, as we remember those who lost their lives on 1 August, let us remember that peace is a collective responsibility and a universal duty. It is incumbent upon every citizen to play a part in building a great and stable Zimbabwe.

Never again should citizens be subjected to brutality at the hands of the state.
Never again should citizens be harassed for demonstrating.
Never again should there be loss of life on account of power, politics and political differences.
Never again should live ammunition and guns be used against civilians.
Never again should citizens live in fear of the state.
Never again should elections be rigged in Zimbabwe.
Never again should we hold elections in Zimbabwe without fundamental reforms.
Never again should we undermine the sanctity of the vote and the security of the voter and the vote.
Never again should Zimbabwe attract the eye of the whole world on account of human rights abuses and violations.
Never again should dictatorship prevail over democracy.

‪I commend fellow citizens for your love of peace and non-violence. Whatever we do in pursuit of our rights we hold steadfastly to the values of peace and non-violence. We are not enemies of the State. We cannot be enemies to something that derives its authority from us. We pray for the souls we lost.

Peace in Zimbabwe!
Today we build a better tomorrow!
 
Change that delivers!
Thank you and God Bless You
 
Adv Nelson Chamisa
MDC President

Farai Dziva|An MDC supporter was brutally killed by suspected Zanu PF activists in Mutasa, Manicaland.

MDC Mutasa central MP Trevor Saruwaka told The Daily News that, Maxwell Gwechekweche, was killed on his way home on Monday evening.

“This is a case of political execution…

I hope the police are going to leave no stone unturned in their search for Maxwell’s murderers.

Maxwell was last seen at Chidokohori bar where he was drinking till evening.”

Saruwaka added that Gwechekweche died at Bonda Hospital where he had been ferried for medication.

By Own Correspondent| Aston Villa has confirmed that Zimbabwean star Marvelous Nakamba has been signed up by the club.

The club however did not disclose the signing fee for Nakamba.

Posted Aston Villa:

We are delighted to announce the signing of Marvelous Nakamba for an undisclosed fee.

Full story ? https://t.co/08aY6HZ3pb

Breaking news brought to you by @eToro.#MarvelousWelcome #AVFC pic.twitter.com/98sownfvj2

— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) August 1, 2019

By A Correspondent| Grace Ablaze International Ministries Founder, Bishop Ancelimo Magaya has castigated the country’s leadership over human rights abuses and resorting to violence to stifle citizens from expressing themselves.

He said this at a church prayer meeting where victims of the August 1 murders are being remembered in Highfields Harare.

He said:

“…unfortunately our liberators are our new oppressors.”

Watch the video below for this and more.

video loading below.

By Own Correspondent| Citizens here have blasted President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s indifference over the murders committed against civilians by soldiers arguing that the murderers continue enjoying impunity and are still on the government payroll despite their crimes.

Six people died on August I when soldiers opened fire at unarmed civilians in the capital Harare following protests over the Presidential election results.

Mnangagwa was later declared by the ZEC the winner, results of which were challenged by opposition leader Nelson Chamisa.

The matter spilled to the Constitutional Court where Justice Luke Malaga ruled that Mnangagwa had won, but to date, the court has failed to furnish the nation with the full ruling.

We publish below citizens’ messages as they remember August 1.

What were their names?

Silvia Maphosa 53
Ishmael Kumire 41
Gavin Dean Charles 45
Jealous Chikandira 21
Brian Zhuwao 26
Challenge Tauro 20

All 6 were shot dead by the military, 4 were shot from the back. No perpetrator has been held to account #Remembering1Aug2018 #Justice4Aug1

— Alex T Magaisa ?? (@Wamagaisa) August 1, 2019

#LestWeForget: Exactly a year ago the regime unleashed the army and indiscriminately shot and killed unarmed and innocent civilians and injuring many.#August1Shootings#Zimbabwe2018Elections pic.twitter.com/Y0QXewbQec

— Citizens' Coalition for Change (@CCCZimbabwe) August 1, 2019

https://twitter.com/RealBeefactor/status/1156811044750315521?s=19

By A Correspondent- A married Mazowe High School teacher has been sentenced to an effective 12 years in prison for raping a mentally-challenged woman.

Terance Makombe (36) of Mazowe High School Cottages had denied the rape charges, but Bindura regional magistrate, Mrs Sandra Mupindu found him guilty of two counts of rape and slapped him with a 15-year jail term before she suspended three years on condition that he does not commit a similar offence in five years.

In sentencing him, Mrs Mupindu noted that Makombe was the complainant’s neighbour and as a teacher, he knew that girls had to be protected and as such his behaviour warranted a custodial sentence.

Prosecutor Mrs Gossy Mudimbu told the court that sometime in December 2018 at Mazowe High School Cottages, Makombe took advantage that the complainant was alone at her parents’ home and invited her to his office

She said Makombe proposed love to the complainant when she entered his office, but she turned him down.

The court heard that Makombe went on to play pornographic videos on his computer to seduce her.

“Makombe demanded to be intimate with her, but she refused,” said Mrs Mudimbu.

“He locked the door before raping her once. He threatened to assault her with a belt if she divulged the matter to anyone.

“During the same month of December 2018 in the morning, Makombe approached the complainant who was at her parents’ home after noticing that she was alone.

“He knocked on the bathroom door while she was bathing and told her to report to his office after, but she refused.

‘‘He later entered her bedroom while she was naked and pushed her on the bed before raping her.”

Mrs Mudimbu said Makombe raped the complainant on three other different occasions between December 2018 and January 8 2019.

She said the matter came to light when the complainant went to Marondera and told her house parent, Ms Chido Makoni at Kukura Neshungu Institute, that she had been sexually abused by Makombe.

A report was made to the police, leading to Makombe’s arrest.-StateMedia

By A Correspondent- Former Principal Director State Residences in the Office of the President and Cabinet Douglas Tapfuma allegedly abused his office to facilitate the importation without duty of up to 82 vehicles, a court heard yesterday.

Tapfuma (53), who was arrested this week as part of the ongoing anti-corruption blitz by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC), yesterday faced three counts of criminal abuse of duty as a public officer involving seven vehicles when he appeared before Harare Regional Magistrate Mr Hosea Mujaya, but in opposing bail, the State said he was being investigated for importing 76 more vehicles using the same method.

He was remanded in custody to August 15.

Tapfuma — who was represented by a legal team led by Harare lawyer Vincent Matatu — failed to persuade the courts to grant him bail.

In its application, Tapfuma’s legal team argued that there was no evidence that their client benefited from the seven vehicles and that he used them for personal gain.

The team also argued that its client was of fixed abode, a senior Government official and there was neither evidence nor proof that he will interfere with the investigations.

In opposing bail, the State represented by Mr Charles Muchemwa argued that Tapfuma was a flight risk due to the nature of the offence he was facing.

He said Tapfuma was also being investigated on another issue where he used the same modus operandus where he connived with other accomplices and illegally imported 76 double cab Isuzu vehicles.

In his bail ruling, Magistrate Mujaya said Tapfuma was not a proper candidate for bail.

“Due to the predicament he (Tapfuma) found himself in, as a senior Government official makes him a flight risk, there is a likelihood that he will abscond,” he said.

Allegations around the matter arose when Tapfuma purchased his two personal mini buses from South Africa under the guise of the Government on April 10 2018, chassis numbers KDH225-0001125 and KDH 225-0002048, respectively.

On April 17 2018 Tapfuma allegedly assigned Bonani Ganyane an officer working in the transport section of the department of State Residences to proceed to Beitbridge and facilitate clearance of the two vehicles on behalf of the department using report order forms as if they were Government vehicles.

It is the State case that clearance of goods by report order form is a clearance procedure that is normally used by Government departments to apply for deferred clearance of goods from the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority.

Ganyane allegedly proceeded to Beitbridge and provisionally cleared the vehicles using report order forms. After clearing the alleged vehicles Ganyane advised Tapfuma who instructed him to hand over the vehicles to Vongaishe Mupereri who at that time was House of Assembly Member for Mbizo Constituency.

The court heard that on April 20 2018 Tapfuma made an application to the Chief Secretary in the office of the President and Cabinet requesting for duty free certificates in the name of President’s Department and they were issued.

Tapfuma allegedly applied for duty exemption for the vehicles at Zimra which was granted. He then registered the vehicles at Central Vehicles Registry under the name of the President’s Department and started using the vehicles for his personal use.

The alleged vehicles were liable to a duty of US$3 180.

The court heard that on count two Tapfuma purchased another batch of three personal vehicles on June 2018 from South Africa.

It is alleged that sometime that same month Tapfuma assigned Cousin Gwanyanya who was acting Transport Manager in the Department of State Residences to clear the vehicles at Zimra, Beitbridge.

Tapfuma allegedly gave Gwanyanya written requests on official Department of State Residences letterhead addressed to ZIMRA regional manager authorising him to clear Tapfuma’s personal vehicles while under the name of the Department of State Residences.

The court heard that Gwanyanya provisionally cleared the vehicles in Beitbridge and delivered them to Tapfuma at State House. It is alleged that Tapfuma made an application to the Chief Secretary in the office of the President and Cabinet requesting for duty free certificates purporting that the vehicles belonged to Government.

The duty free certificates were allegedly issued and Tapfuma applied for duty exemption for the three vehicles at Zimra which was granted.

He went on to register them at Central Vehicle Registry under the name of the President’s department and started using them for personal use.

The vehicles were supposed to pay duty of US$4 340.

On the third count, which occurred on August 13 2018 Tapfuma allegedly purchased a batch of two personal vehicles from South Africa.

The court heard Tapfuma used the above modus operandi to acquire the vehicles and was supposed to pay US$4 416 as duty.-StateMedia

By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC), a subsidiary of ZESA Holdings, has applied for a tariff increase to cushion it from rising costs of raw materials such as coal, diesel and water.

In a statement, ZETDC said it had filed its application with the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (Zera).

It is understood ZETDC wants about USc13/kWh.

“The current tariff of ZWLc9,86/kWh has been severely eroded due to the prevailing economic environment. As of July 2019, the real tariff was approximately USc1/kWh against an average of USc10/kWh in the SADC region,” said ZETDC.

“The utility has been negatively affected by local inflation to the extent that its viability has been compromised.”

ZETDC says electricity production has been impacted by low water levels in Lake Kariba, which has restricted power production to an average capacity of 358MW against the previous average of 750MW.

The company said coal prices have gone up to US$26 per tonne or $230,20 in local currency, diesel US$1,26 per litre or $7,22 and Kariba water US$1,2 million or $10,56 million per month.

Said ZETDC: “The tariff applied for will enable ZETDC to raise the required working capital for the improvement of among other things, local electricity generation, procurement of critical spares as well as electricity imports.”-StateMedia

By A Correspondent| Opposition MDC leader Nelson Chamisa will today join the church in remembering August 1 victims at a prayer meeting in Highfields, Harare.

Today marks exactly one year after soldiers ruthlessly murdered innocent civilians in the capital Harare following protests over the announcement of Presidential election results.

Six people died in the capital Harare after soldiers opened fire on unarmed civilians killing 6 while injuring several others.

Said the MDC in a notice to the press:

The church has invited the MDC leadership to a prayer day tomorrow Thursday, 01 August 2019, at Zimbabwe Hall opposite Mushandirapamwe Hotel in Highfield, Harare.

The prayer day comes on the first anniversary of the shooting of innocent Zimbabweans in Harare on August 1 last year. Tomorrow’s prayer meeting also coincides with what President Nelson Chamisa has declared the week of prayer to pray for the country and its citizens.

President Chamisa and other MDC leaders will thus attend the prayer meeting in Highfield, which kicks off in the morning

ZimEye will be livestreaming the prayer meeting.

Refresh this page for latest updates.

The MDC Youth Assembly is deeply concerned and riled by the fascist antics of state security agents on innocent youth leadership.

It is very shocking and saddening that the state repressive machinery stooped so low by attempting to abduct our Youth Assembly National Chairman for airing public grievances at a television program.

We want to make it categorically clear that that the behavior or misbehavior of state security agents is quite provocative!

Our grievances and concerns about the dwindling economic and political situation are genuine and mirrors the people’s nervous conditions hence can never be solved through abductions, bayonets or bullets.

As an Assembly, we only answer to the voice of reason and that voice is loudly clear that we have to stand for the people.

From every corner and space our people are groaning under the yoke of dictatorship and economic melt down.

Prices are soaring up everyday, there is no electricity, no political freedom and starvation is rampant!

No one from the military regime seems to care, but as young progressive social democrats we do have a future to protect.

It is our generational mandate and duty to serve and save our country from ZANU PF induced extinction.

Statements of Oppah Muchinguri and Victor Matemadanda about the intention to use military force to solve economics are now glaringly unmasking and as an Assembly we are prepared to pay the ultimate price to save our country from extinction.

As an Assembly, we want to make it clear that this military state is poking into our eyes and like normal and concise youths our duty is to retaliate in fashion that will save our country from further political economic and political deterioration.

Violence has no place in a democracy. Today, we remember the victims of August 1, 2018. We stand with Zimbabweans working toward a peaceful, equitable and prosperous nation for all. #August1 #RejectImpunity pic.twitter.com/eZboyFVNM5

— U.S. Embassy Harare (@usembassyharare) August 1, 2019

The transformation over the past year of the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), which is part of President Mnangagwa’s reform agenda, is burying the ghost of post-election violence that rocked the country exactly a year ago.

Deadly violence flared last year as opposition MDC-Alliance supporters unleashed mayhem in Harare before the announcement of Presidential election results, with the outcome of other harmonised polls indicating a trouncing of the main opposition and its candidate Mr Nelson Chamisa.

In a move calculated to besmirch the outcome that had won praise from the international community for its peaceful conduct, violent goons launched onto the streets destroying property, with a stated aim of burning the Election Command Centre run by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) at a Harare hotel.

In the resultant mayhem, six people lost their lives after deadly force was used to quell the violence.

President Mnangagwa appointed the seven-member Motlanthe Commission of Inquiry to look into the incident, with the commission submitting its report containing recommendations to the President late last year.

And ZRP, heavily cited in the report for its handling of the situation at a time when its resources were stretched, has  been undergoing major transformation as it adopts a new structure and rebrands to win back public confidence.

The organisation is set to be called the Zimbabwe Republic Police Service.

“The ZRP has been undergoing retraining and capacitation in order to ensure that civil authority is better able to manage any instance of public disorder or unrest which may occur in the future; and so that recourse to the military will be avoided,” Government said this week.

“Part of that retraining has focused on human rights-related aspects of policing and law-enforcement more generally, and has been well-received and appreciated by all those involved.”

“In line with the Motlanthe Commission recommendations, the new Maintenance of Peace and Order Act (MOPA) is very clear in articulating the operational framework governing instances in which the military may be deployed in support of an overwhelmed civil authority (the Police) and requires that in any such instance, the military will be placed under the control of that Civil Authority. The soldiers, in any such future instance, will operate under the command structure of the police.”

In an interview Wednesday, national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said they will soon issue a detailed report on what the organisation has so far done.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police will give a detailed departmental brief through the parent ministry on the ongoing Zimbabwe Republic Police rebranding thrust, re-engagement with the public, training and equipping of officers with the relevant tools of trade soon,” he said.

In April this year, Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga in a speech during the opening of the rebranding and refresher courses for 55 senior police officers from Bulawayo province at the police’s Ntabazinduna Depot in Matabeleland North, said they were now implementing the commission’s recommendations on the conduct of the police.

He said violent scenes that were witnessed in August last year and January this year exposed some police shortcomings.

He said criticism and feedback from the public will propel ZRP into offering a world class service.

Comm-Gen Matanga said the force, just like most modern police organisations derives its legitimacy from the people, hence it is committed to continuously learn under public scrutiny.

Comm-Gen Matanga said the Commission’s recommendations include equipping the police with the necessary skills and capacity for dealing with rioters, further training in order to be professional and nonpartisan in the interest of national cohesion, the protection of all citizens as well as preventing corporal failings in the future.

“We are obligated to take heed of matters that are of concern to the public. Indeed our code of conduct, the Police Client Service Charter and all our policies underscore the importance of professionalism in all police endeavours,” he said.

Comm Gen Matanga said ongoing refresher courses will transform the force into a people oriented force.

He said the courses cover crime management, management of discipline, corruption, customer care, briefing and debriefing, public order management, cyber-crime and intellectual crime, community policing, retirement planning, integrated results based management and the Transitional Stabilisation Programme, among others.

He also said the ZRP is in the process of rebranding into a modern police force that fits within the country’s developmental goals of transforming the country into an upper middle income economy by 2030.

The Police Service Commission (PSC) also approved a new Zimbabwe Republic Police structure that abolished the rank of senior assistant commissioner and replaces it with that of Commissioner of Police as the force continue to undergo major transformation.-StateMedia

The MDC will cooperate with the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) in the event of a party official being arrested and investigated by the anti-graft body.

This follows the recent appointment of new ZACC officials and the almost immediate arrest of Public Service Minister Prisca Mupfumira and State Residents director Douglas Tapfuma on different cases of alleged corruption.

Social media has linked former Finance Minister and top MDC official Tendai Biti to the siphoning of National Social Security Authority (NSSA) funds during his time as Treasury boss in the now defunct Government of National Unity (GNU.

Addressing the media at the MDC headquarters in Harare on Wednesday, party spokesperson Daniel Molekele said although allegations against Biti have been restricted to social media chat, they accepted MDC top officials were not immune to the arrests.

He said the main opposition will comply with due process of the law in the event of any arrests by ZACC.

“These threats about some of our leaders being corrupt is just a public speculation and we are not under any compulsion to respond to such mere public speculation.

“But if ever there is an arrest, we are not saying that MDC leaders are immune to arrests. If due process of the law is followed, obviously we will respect that.

“But as far we are concerned, our top leaders are not corrupt people. As far we are concerned, we have credible leaders who are going to help Zimbabwe move forward…” Molekele said.

Molokele however questioned the sincerity of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s renewed anti-corruption drive saying the country’s most powerful man has proven he was not serious about fighting graft.

“A lot of people who were presumed to have externalised foreign currency never responded to the amnesty but up to today no one has been brought to book.
“So, Zanu PF has no moral capacity to fight corruption because it is the source of corruption.”

The Zimbabwean government has said it will continue to engage the British government on the compensation of the land, which was repossessed during the Fast Track Land Reform program in 2000.

During his three-day state visit to Namibia, Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe had no regrets in repossessing its land and distributing it to its people and said the British had a role to play in compensating their kith and kin as was agreed at independence during the Margaret Thatcher era.

“We as Zimbabweans don’t regret the decision to take back our land. We did not take back the land in order to be productive. We took it back because it was ours. What we do with it is nobody’s business. It is up to our people to determine that and fortunately we want to make it productive and hence we will do that,” said Mnangagwa.

Addressing journalists in Namibia, Mnangagwa said he was happy with the new British Administration led by Prime Minister Borris Johnson. The President indicated that the British were willing to engage Zimbabwe on the issue of compensation.

“Fortunately the current United Kingdom government is willing to discuss the issue in order for them to contribute towards compensating their own kith and kin,” said Mnangagwa.

Zimbabwe is expecting to repair relations with the new administration of Prime Minister Johnson. The land issue is a contentious subject, which has led the West in imposing sanctions on the country.

Asked to the clarify on the compensation, Mnangagwa said it is the role of the British to compensate their own, whilst the government of Zimbabwe, will only compensate development and improvements that were done on the farms.

“Zimbabwe has not agreed to pay compensation on land. Get that clear. What we agreed in our Constitution is to pay compensation for improvements on land by those who had acquired our land. Initially, there was an agreement with the British to compensate their kith and kin,” he said.

The revelation by the President settles a debate on the subject of land compensation. The majority of Zimbabweans, feel the whites who were dispossessed from the land must not be paid, as the issue of land is the reason Zimbabweans went to war against the white minority rule, which had acquired large portions of land at the expense of the natives.

The Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC), a subsidiary of ZESA Holdings, has applied for a tariff increase to cushion it from rising costs of raw materials such as coal, diesel and water.

In a statement, ZETDC said it had filed its application with the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (Zera).

It is understood ZETDC wants about USc13/kWh.

“The current tariff of ZWLc9,86/kWh has been severely eroded due to the prevailing economic environment. As of July 2019, the real tariff was approximately USc1/kWh against an average of USc10/kWh in the SADC region,” said ZETDC.

“The utility has been negatively affected by local inflation to the extent that its viability has been compromised.”

ZETDC says electricity production has been impacted by low water levels in Lake Kariba, which has restricted power production to an average capacity of 358MW against the previous average of 750MW.

The company said coal prices have gone up to US$26 per tonne or $230,20 in local currency, diesel US$1,26 per litre or $7,22 and Kariba water US$1,2 million or $10,56 million per month.

Said ZETDC: “The tariff applied for will enable ZETDC to raise the required working capital for the improvement of among other things, local electricity generation, procurement of critical spares as well as electricity imports.”

The Zimbabwean government has said it will continue to engage the British government on the compensation of the land, which was repossessed during the Fast Track Land Reform program in 2000.

During his three-day state visit to Namibia, Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe had no regrets in repossessing its land and distributing it to its people and said the British had a role to play in compensating their kith and kin as was agreed at independence during the Margaret Thatcher era.

“We as Zimbabweans don’t regret the decision to take back our land. We did not take back the land in order to be productive. We took it back because it was ours. What we do with it is nobody’s business. It is up to our people to determine that and fortunately we want to make it productive and hence we will do that,” said Mnangagwa.

Addressing journalists in Namibia, Mnangagwa said he was happy with the new British Administration led by Prime Minister Borris Johnson. The President indicated that the British were willing to engage Zimbabwe on the issue of compensation.

“Fortunately the current United Kingdom government is willing to discuss the issue in order for them to contribute towards compensating their own kith and kin,” said Mnangagwa.

Zimbabwe is expecting to repair relations with the new administration of Prime Minister Johnson. The land issue is a contentious subject, which has led the West in imposing sanctions on the country.

Asked to the clarify on the compensation, Mnangagwa said it is the role of the British to compensate their own, whilst the government of Zimbabwe, will only compensate development and improvements that were done on the farms.

“Zimbabwe has not agreed to pay compensation on land. Get that clear. What we agreed in our Constitution is to pay compensation for improvements on land by those who had acquired our land. Initially, there was an agreement with the British to compensate their kith and kin,” he said.

The revelation by the President settles a debate on the subject of land compensation. The majority of Zimbabweans, feel the whites who were dispossessed from the land must not be paid, as the issue of land is the reason Zimbabweans went to war against the white minority rule, which had acquired large portions of land at the expense of the natives.

State Media|Former Principal Director State Residences in the Office of The President and Cabinet, Douglas Tapfuma, allegedly abused his office to facilitate the importation of more than 80 vehicles without paying duty, a court heard yesterday.

Tapfuma (53) who was arrested this week as part of the ongoing anti-corruption blitz by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission, yesterday faced three counts of criminal abuse of duty as a public officer involving seven vehicles when he appeared before Harare Regional Magistrate Mr Hosea Mujaya but in opposing bail, the State said he was being investigated for importing 76 more cars using the same method.

He was remanded in custody to August 15.

Tapfuma who was represented by a legal team led by Harare lawyer, Vincent Matatu, failed to persuade the courts to grant him bail.

In their application, Tapfuma’s legal team argued that there was no evidence that their client benefited from the seven vehicles and that he used them for personal gains.

They also argued that their client was of fixed abode, who is also a senior Government official and there was no evidence or proof that he will interfere with the investigations.

In opposing bail the state represented by Mr Charles Muchemwa argued that Tapfuma was a flight risk due to the nature of the offence he was facing.

He said Tapfuma was also being investigated on another issue whereby he allegedly used the same modus operandi but connived with other accomplices to illegally import 76 double cab Isuzu vehicles.

In his bail ruling, Magistrate Mujaya said Tapfuma was not a proper candidate for bail.

“Due to the predicament he (Tapfuma) finds himself in as a senior Government official, makes him a flight risk,” he said.

Allegations are that on April 10, 2018, Tapfuma allegedly imported two personal mini buses from South Africa under the guise that they belonged to the Government. The buses’ chassis numbers are KDH225-0001125 and KDH 225-0002048.

On April 17, 2018, Tapfuma allegedly assigned Bonani Ganyane, an officer working in the transport section of the department of State Residences to proceed to Beitbridge and facilitate clearance of the two vehicles on behalf of the department using report order forms as if they were Government vehicles.

It is the State case that clearance of goods by report order form is a clearance procedure that is normally used by Government departments to apply for deferred clearance of goods from the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority.

Ganyane allegedly proceeded to Beitbridge and provisionally cleared the vehicles using report order forms. After clearing the alleged vehicles Ganyane advised Tapfuma who instructed him to hand over the vehicles to Vongaishe Mupereri who at that time was House of Assembly Member for Mbizo Constituency.

The court heard that on April 20, 2018, Tapfuma made an application to the Chief Secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet requesting for duty free certificates in the name of President’s Department and they were issued.

Tapfuma allegedly applied for duty exemption for the vehicles at Zimra which was granted. He then registered the vehicles at Central Vehicles Registry under the name of the President’s Department and started using the vehicles for his personal use.

The alleged vehicles were liable to a duty of US$3 180.

The court heard that on count two Tapfuma imported another batch of three personal vehicles on June 2018 from South Africa.

It is alleged that during the same month Tapfuma assigned Cousin Gwanyanya who was acting Transport Manager in the Department of State Residences to clear the vehicles at Zimra, Beitbridge. Tapfuma allegedly gave Gwanyanya written requests on official Department of State Residences letterhead addressed to Zimra regional manager authorising him to clear Tapfuma’s personal vehicles while under the name of the Department of State Residences.

The court heard that Gwanyanya provisionally cleared the vehicles in Beitbridge and delivered them to Tapfuma at State House. It is alleged that Tapfuma made an application to the Chief Secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet requesting for duty free certificates purporting that the vehicles belonged to Government.

The duty free certificates were allegedly issued and Tapfuma applied for duty exemption for the three vehicles at Zimra which was granted.

He went on to register them at Central Vehicle Registry under the name of the President’s Department and started using them for personal use. The vehicles were supposed to pay duty of US$4 340.

On the third count, which occurred on August 13 2018 Tapfuma allegedly imported a batch of two personal vehicles from South Africa.

The court heard Tapfuma used the above modus operandi to clear and register the vehicles and was supposed to pay US$4 416 as duty.

The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission is considering a raft of measures gleaned from other electoral bodies on the continent to improve conduct of elections ahead of 2023 when the next election is due.

This also includes lobbying Parliament to amend the Constitution and allow for the delimitation exercise to be conducted ahead of schedule and extension of the women’s quota system.

Other measures include adoption of a code of conduct for political parties that provides for docking of votes after violation of its provisions and barring such offending parties from campaigning in certain areas or advertising in the media depending on the gravity of the offence.

Some of the measures are contained in the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (ACDEG) which is in the process of being ratified.

It has gone through both houses of Parliament and is now with the Ministry Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs.

ZEC Commissioner Joyce Kazembe said the Commission was committed to facilitating conduct of democratic elections in line with ACDEG.

“We are together with civic society and other stakeholders in wishing that people exercise their democratic rights in a manner that is defined in the ACDEG,” she said.

“This ensures that we are on the same plane in Africa because we have different ways of expressing democracy, elections and so on, but the intention of the ACDEG is that Africa as a continent comes together and has sort of an agreement.”

Comm Kazembe said realisation of democratic ideals was being entrenched through engagements with the people, civic society, faith based organisations, political parties, Parliament and other commissions.

“Although the ACDEG is still in the process of ratification we have already started implementing some of its provisions because it is in our mandate,” she said.

“Part of it includes lobbying and asking Parliament to reform the laws because there is a disjuncture between what is in the Electoral Law and the Constitution. So they need to be aligned.”

ZEC legal services director Ms Shamiso Chahuruva said there was need for amendment of the Constitution to bring forward the delimitation exercise last conducted in 2012 and due in 2023 according to the 10-year cycle.

“From our various engagements with various stakeholders, there are a number of issues that have emerged which as ZEC we are considering and have included in a raft of proposals for amendment of the Constitution,” she said.

“In terms of the law, the delimitation exercise is supposed to be conducted in 2023 after the population census. We are trying to lobby Parliament through the Ministry of Justice to allow the commission to conduct the exercise earlier than 2023.”

Ms Chahuruva said reforms were also looking at postal voting.

“We are currently involved in researching how other jurisdictions deal with issues of diaspora voting,” she said. “We know for example that in Mozambique two seats are reserved for people in the diaspora.

“These are the issues we want to bring to the people so that they know that this is what is done in other countries so that we can come up with our own model as Zimbabwe.”

ZEC is also considering discarding the current “persuasive” code of conduct to one with sanctions for violations, including docking of votes for offences like the South African code.

“In our peer learning visits with various electoral management bodies we have learnt that there is regulation of their political parties and their electoral code of conduct empowers or sanctions non-conforming political parties,” said Ms Chahuruva.

“It has gone through all trials, and it has gone through all tests in South Africa, in Botswana, in India and other countries.” – 

 – Walter Magaya

• Botswana Minister Of Health says it is not true

 

By Simba Chikanza| Speaking after four people died after taking his Aguma medication, the controversial preacher, Walter Magaya has returned to the fore to defend his HIV AIDS “treatment”, this time claiming it has undergone clinical tests in three nations, namely, South Africa, Botswana, and India.

The development comes 10 months after Magaya’s treatment was “banned” and the preacher was arrested, convicted and fined USD700.

Impeccable documents show that just as Magaya was raided by police over his so called “treatment,” Aguma on the 30th October 2018, within 10 days he had registered another brand and would continue selling Aguma under a second brand known as Aviivo.

Four people have since died after taking Aguma. The father of one the victims, tells his story in the feature release today, on 1st August.

“We are the first batch of clients, if I am not mistaken, we should be the 3rd customers; When it was first called Aguma, and we were buying on behalf of my son, whatever the case, we thought my son was going to be helped, until he developed a condition with the kidney infection, it was caused by those herbs. He died on the 4th April this year.

ZimEye reached Magaya’s lawyer for a comment early in July and none was given, despite messages reaching him.

The preacher however contacted ZimEye on Monday evening apparently hoping to use a well known politician so to possibly obtain media favours. Magaya told ZimEye he wishes to travel to the London, UK for a crusade meeting and before then, he wants to clear his name concerning many reports and allegations against his name.

Although he hung up the phone promising to phone back on Wednesday, Walter Magaya answered the crucial question concerning complaints about his Aguma medication.

His exact words were: “Apparently, everything is tested, everything is clinical and I’ve all the papers that are necessary to answer. Let me tell my team to contact Dr Wellness to address everything, as I have said, allow me to answer everything on Wednesday, and all the things, to clear the conceptions to the minds, to answer on all such things.

“Cause whatever is said to have been given to people, it has gone through all the clinical trials, but Aviivo is not me. I am not even Avivo at all, and I have the papers to prove that Aguma was discontinued, and it has gone through all trials, and it has gone through all tests in South Africa, in Botswana, in India and other countries.

“I am sure you have all those things. But anyway everything I will answer you [on Wednesday].”

Wednesday however came and Magaya did not call as per his promise. He later responded via text message to claim he is in Nigeria with his mentor TB Joshua.

Contrary to his claims, a brief visit at Magaya’s premises at 166 – 8 Smuts Road, Prospect proves the preacher is truly selling Aviivo. (SEE PICTURES)

 

Furthermore contrary to his claims, there is no record at all of clinical tests on Aguma, or Aviivo in Botswana, or South Africa, and on Tuesday the Botswana’s Minister  of Health & Wellness, Dr Alfred Madigele told ZimEye via phone, “it is not true, I am not aware of any such.” He then requested for an email so he could forward an official response.

– THE FULL DOCUMENTARY ON THESE FINDINGS WILL BE STREAMED ON ZIMEYE.COM 

 

The Zimbabwe Republic Police National Traffic section has reportedly run out of admission of guilt books, creating a challenge that has seen motorists being referred from one station to another to pay fines for traffic offences.

Motorists yesterday told The Herald that they were stranded with tickets issued by the police for traffic offences as they failed to pay fines due to unavailability of the books in question.

A number of them claimed they were issued with tickets at roadblocks before being referred to nearby police stations for payment.

Some police stations did not have the said books, creating a challenge for motorists. The Herald has it on good authority that only two police stations in Harare had these books yesterday, but at the end of the day, they were finished.

National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed that they had received a report from one of the complainants.
“We are conducting investigations or inquiries on what transpired,” he said.

“However, we have (since) put in place modalities to assist the complainant.”State media

Finance and Economic Development Minister Mthuli Ncube is today expected to present his 2019 Mid-Term Budget Review Statement, amid high expectations for measures to improve disposable incomes, boost production and protect the value of the local currency.

Little to no shock therapy interventions are anticipated from the minister’s Budget review, but measures to facilitate consolidation and the march towards prosperity, after he said recently that major reform measures had been completed.

The Treasury chief is on record as saying following a series of policy reforms since his US$8,2 billion 2019 Budget in November last year, focus shifts towards driving production.

However, a supplementary budget may well be up his sleeve after currency reforms that saw the adoption of a local currency, which has lost ground against major currencies.

The statement comes against the backdrop of foreign currency shortages, high inflation, rolling power outages, low industrial production and the shortage of cash, among other issues which the Budget must speak to.

Minister Ncube’s economic reform measures under the Transitional Stabilisation Programme (TSP) designed to correct ills of the past, have inadvertently made life unbearable for the majority.

These include the separation of nostro and RTGS accounts, liberalisation of the foreign exchange market and fuel procurement, the introduction of 2 percent intermediated money transfer tax, removal of the multi-currency regime and return of the local unit as the sole legal tender.

In the intervening period, Zimbabwe’s annual inflation raced from 5,39 percent in September 2018 to 175,66 percent by June 2019, raising fears of a repeat of the crisis and hyperinflation that rocked the country in the decade to 2008.

Of late, inflation has largely been driven by steep premiums from foreign currency trading on the black market where a number of businesses bought hard currency to import goods; including raw materials used in production.

While the country’s inflation rate has bolted, salaries and wages for employees have remained largely stagnant, pushing most basic goods beyond the reach of the majority.

Similarly, the value of pensions has been eroded; the second time in a space of two decades.

Economist and former Bulawayo East Member of Parliament Eddie Cross said it was critical that Minister Ncube gave an account of how far he has gone with reforms under TSP.

“I think he will give some overall review of the reform programme. He must tell us how far he has gone with the reform programme under TSP (Transitional Stabilisation Plan 2018-2020).

“I think it’s very important if he gives us a summary of what he is going to do to restore the living standards of the people,” he said.

Critically too, he said the minister

should announce measures to increase workers’ disposable incomes (by adjusting Pay As You Earn bands) to cushion them from high inflation.

“There have been some challenges with regards to P.A.Y.E, he needs to adjust that. I think he is going to give people more disposable incomes (wider tax bands) and then I think he’s got some idea of where things are going; those are the three main priorities,” Mr Cross said.

Mr Cross added that in terms of fiscal consolidation, the minister had got “that well in hand” and he expected him to report that in his midterm review statement this afternoon.

“What will (also) be very interesting is to see if he’s got an idea on how to improve liquidity and I think he’s going to announce that they are going to buy back some of the Treasury Bills that they have got out there with the banks,” he said.

The finance minister, he suggested, might also announce something on import duties. “I know that he is going to make solar components duty free,” Mr Cross opined.

Harare economist, Dr Gift Mugano said major reform predictably over, tax breaks for companies that support value chain were critical to reduce appetite for imports.

“I think he is going to give tax breaks. The whole mantra should now be on production so that we support the (local) currency. Without production the currency is going to weaken, so we need to come up with a number of fiscal incentives to promote production,” he said.

Dr Mugano said the fiscal incentives should target items such as agricultural produce, cereals as well as manufactured produce, which can be produced locally, such as pharmaceuticals and fertilisers, as these were consuming a lot of forex.

Zimbabwe recently launched a new industrialisation policy, which has a value chain strategy in it. Dr Mugano said these value chains needed financing by companies.

“So, companies which are financing backward value chains throughout…should be given tax holidays,” he said, adding this will reduce pressure on foreign currency and upward swings of exchange rates.

He said Minister Ncube also needed to raise workers’ disposable incomes to give impetus to low income earners to “consume because right now we are in a low demand trap, which can cause recession”.

“I think what he also needs to reaffirm is the issue that there is not going to be any surprises because too many (economic policy reform) surprises are creating challenges of deficit of confidence,” he said.

Following the cocktail of shock policy changes, Dr Mugano said, Zimbabwe more than ever before now needed economic stability, policy predictability and consistency.

“So we are here, we have landed; we now have a currency. I do not think we need more surprises going forward. It’s a midterm budget review, so I don’t think there is much we should expect from him.

“From a fiscal point of view, he must not run into budget deficit beyond 5 percent, which he stipulated because once he does that he has to finance the deficit and that will require more Treasury Bills to go out there and it becomes inflationary,” he said. orrect ills of the past, has inadvertently made life a bit unbearable for the majority.

These include separation of nostro and RTGS accounts, liberalisation of foreign exchange market and fuel procurement, introduction of 2 percent intermediated money transfer tax, removal of multicurrency and return of local currency as sole legal tender.

In the intervening period Zimbabwe’s annual inflation raced from 5,39 percent in September 2018 to 175,66 percent by June 2019, invoking fears of a repeat of the crisis and hyperinflationary era that rocked the country in the in decade to 2008.

Of late, inflation has largely been driven by pass through effects of the steep premiums from foreign currency trading on the black market where a number of businesses bought hard currency to import goods; including raw materials used in production.

While the country’s inflation rate has bolted, salaries and wages for employees have remained largely stagnant, putting most basic goods beyond the reach of the majority.

Similarly, the value of pensions has been eroded; the second time in a space of two decades.

Economist and former Bulawayo East Member of Parliament Eddie Cross said it was critical that Minister Ncube gave an account of how far he has gone with reforms under TSP.

“I think he will give some overall review of the reform programme. He must tell us how far he has gone with the reform programme under TSP (Transitional Stabilisation Plan 2018-2020).

“I think it’s very important if he gives us a summary of what he is going to do to restore the living standards of the people,” he said.

Critically too, he said the minister should announce measures to increase workers’ disposable incomes (by adjusting Pay As You Earn bands) to cushion them from high inflation.

“There have been some challenges with regards to P.A.Y.E, he needs to adjust that. I think he is going to give people more disposable incomes (wider tax bands) and then I think he’s got some idea of where things are going; those are the three main priorities,” Mr Cross said.

Mr Cross added that in terms of fiscal consolidation, the minister had got “that well in hand” and he expected him to report that in his midterm review statement this afternoon.

“What will (also) be very interesting is to see if he’s got an idea on how to improve liquidity and I think he’s going to announce that they are going to buy back some of the Treasury Bills that they have got out there with the banks,” he said.

The finance minister, he suggested, might also announce something on import duties. “I know that he is going to make solar components duty free,” Mr Cross opined.

Harare economist, Dr Gift Mugano said major reform predictably over, tax breaks for companies that support value chain were critical to reduce appetite for imports.

“I think he is going to give tax breaks. The whole mantra should now be on production so that we support the (local) currency. Without production the currency is going to weaken, so we need to come up with a number of fiscal incentives to promote production,” he said.

Dr Mugano said the fiscal incentives should target items such as agricultural produce, cereals as well as manufactured produce, which can be produced locally, such as pharmaceuticals and fertilisers, as these were consuming a lot of forex.

Zimbabwe recently launched a new industrialisation policy, which has a value chain strategy in it. Dr Mugano said these value chains needed financing by companies.

“So, companies which are financing backward value chains throughout…should be given tax holidays,” he said, adding this will reduce pressure on foreign currency and upward swings of exchange rates.

He said Minister Ncube also needed to raise workers’ disposable incomes to give impetus to low income earners to “consume because right now we are in a low demand trap, which can cause recession”.

“I think what he also needs to reaffirm is the issue that there is not going to be any surprises because too many (economic policy reform) surprises are creating challenges of deficit of confidence,” he said.

Following the cocktail of shock policy changes, Dr Mugano said, Zimbabwe more than ever before now needed economic stability, policy predictability and consistency.

“So we are here, we have landed; we now have a currency. I do not think we need more surprises going forward. It’s a midterm budget review, so I don’t think there is much we should expect from him.

“From a fiscal point of view, he must not run into budget deficit beyond 5 percent, which he stipulated because once he does that he has to finance the deficit and that will require more Treasury Bills to go out there and it becomes inflationary,” he said.

Farai Dziva|After rigging the 2018 polls, it is now crystal clear that Emmerson Mnangagwa is clueless about transforming the country’s economy, the MDC has said.

See the MDC full statement on the state of affairs in the country.

It is now a year since Zimbabweans voted in the last harmonized elections on 30th July 2018.

We reiterate that the results of the Presidential election as announced by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) and as endorsed by the Constitutional Court; were not a true reflection of the will of the people. We further maintain that according to our computation, our candidate Advocate Nelson Chamisa emerged as a clear winner in the contest.

One year later, the MDC re-affirms its stance NOT to recognise Emmerson Mnangagwa as the duly elected President of Zimbabwe. Further, the MDC notes with serious concern the ever worsening socio-economic and human rights situation in the country during the past year.

Indeed Zimbabweans have had to endure ever increasing prices of basic commodities, endless queues, fuel shortages, water rationing, electricity load shedding and massive unemployment, among other challenges. The shortages and the spiraling prices are just but a symptom of an underlying political crisis of legitimacy.

It is our strong view that the current regime has no capacity to resolve the ever worsening crisis in Zimbabwe and as a way forward, the MDC recommends a clear roadmap as encapsulated in the recently launched RELOAD strategy document.

As part of addressing the deeper political crisis, RELOAD recommends the following five steps as a prerequisite for a return to legitimacy, confidence and normalcy in Zimbabwe:

1. Pressure (Political and Diplomatic)
   Section 59 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe gives ordinary Zimbabweans the right to petition and pressure their government on any issue of concern. The MDC will thus mobilize Zimbabweans across the spectrum for purposes of attaining national consensus and convergence. Attendant to the political pressure is diplomatic pressure in which the region, Africa and the broader international community will be sensitized so that international pressure can be brought to bear for the regime in Harare to realize that there has to be sincere dialogue for the nation to agree on a way out of this mammoth national crisis.
2. National Dialogue
   We envisage sincere and honest dialogue among Zimbabweans to locate a prudent exit point out of this monumental national crisis. As such a credible, bankable, legitimate process of dialogue fully guaranteed by the international community with specific deliverables benchmarks and timelines through a mutually agreed and acceptable facilitator is a must.
3. National Transitional Mechanism
   The sincere dialogue must yield an agreed framework and agreed positions that must spur this country from the current political and economic gridlock arising out of a pilfered plebiscite. The terms and details around this National Transitional Mechanism must be agreed at the dialogue table.
4. Comprehensive Reform Agenda
   Zimbabwe requires comprehensive reforms that include political, economic, security, legal, media and electoral reforms. A robust reform agenda will have to be implemented as a prelude to poising the country towards a genuinely free, fair and credible electoral process.
5. Free and Fair Elections

The holding of a truly free, fair and credible election is paramount to Zimbabwe. It is only such an election that will return the confidence and legitimacy that the country sorely needs so that it takes its rightful place among the family of nations. It thus answers to the legitimacy question that has dogged Zimbabwe since 2000.

The MDC firmly believes that this roadmap will address the deeper crisis of legitimacy that has brought the country and its citizens to the despicable plumbing depths of penury, starvation and suffering

MDC: Change that delivers