By A Correspondent| MDC President Nelson Chamisa on Friday afternoon signalled what is perceived as a government of national unity with Emmerson Mnangagwa.

This comes despite clear evidence that the 2018 elections were rigged and people were killed just so his opponent could change election results. The evidence currently under investigation by the International Criminal Court.

Writing on Friday, Chamisa appeared to use religion as an excuse for a compromise. Chamisa said, “We’re faced with a terrible situation in Zim & must fix it.” 

The catchphrase in his tweet is: “for peace and unity.”

Chamisa also spoke of what he termed, “decisive steps to find a lasting solution,” which he said “are now urgent.”

He then spoke of what he said are “crucial next steps.” 

The manner in which he threw religious idioms, brought belief that Chamisa is being influenced by a preacher who is also Emmerson Mnangagwa’s advisor, Shingi Munyeza, who as late as Friday, was seen talking of what he (Munyeza) were principles of not changing the rider.

Munyeza tweeted saying:

ITS TIME TO STRETCH LIMITS

1.Critical times require critical thinking, it will work, simple!

2.More of the same will not work, simple!

3.Get off dead horses, changing rider won’t work, simple!

4.Binary thinking is what got us here, it won’t work simple!

#CriticalThinking https://t.co/QF74oFGx3D

Farai Dziva|ZEC chairperson, Priscilla Chigumba has urged the opposition to report cases of electoral malpractice to the police and the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission.

Chigumba has indicated that it is not the mandate of the commission to investigate cases of electoral malpractice.

She was responding to a letter written by the MDC to ZEC – on alleged vote buying by senior Zanu PF officials.

“ZEC has no investigative powers in terms of its mandate- any allegations of electoral malpractice must be reported to the Zimbabwe Republic Police or the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission for investigation and substantiation,” argued Chigumba.

Farai Dziva|ZEC chairperson Priscilla Chigumba has claimed that the appointment of Utoile Silaigwana as the Chief Election Officer was done on merit.

Chigumba has also said those against his appointment are lost.

Chigumba argued that Silaigwana was well qualified for the job.

“The current CEO was appointed on merit.He is a qualified election administrator with 17 years experience in the field,” said Chigumba.

“It should be noted that the appointment was effected after all the necessary procedures were completed,” she added.

26 July 2019

An MDC Presidential delegation led by the party’s Secretary for Presidential Affairs Morgen Komichi was today barred from visiting some of the Chegutu municipality projects.

The delegation was barred by a huge deployment of the municipal security staff in a suspected act of political sabotage.

The delegation was barred from entering the recently upgraded municipal waterworks facility and also the recently refurbished Forit water tanks

The delegation only managed to visit some parts of the recently repaired residential sewer system in Pfupajena; and also the recently tar surfaced roads at Hippo Pools and the local commuter rank.

Daniel Molokele
MDC National Spokesperson

Farai Dziva|Outspoken MDC-T vice president, advocate Obert Gutu, has urged the Zimbabwe Anti Corruption to arrest an MDC official who looted public funds during the GNU era.

Gutu claimed that a member of the MDC (led by advocate Nelson Chamisa) fraudulently channelled funds into Interfin Limited Bank.

“Millions of public funds in US$ were fraudulently and recklessly channelled to Interfin Bank Limited by an MDC Cabinet Minister for a cut.

This money was then ‘lost’ when Interfin collapsed. If this isn’t corruption, then the word ‘corruption’ needs to be redefined. @ZACConline,” Gutu posted on Twitter.

A RUDIMENTARY bread oven that was officially opened by two ministers in Makonde amid pomp and fanfare has been closed barely 24 hours after it became operational.

When NewsDay visited the place at Portlet in Makonde district yesterday, the oven, in an open maize field, was deserted as villagers said the 50 kilogrammes of flour delivered on the day of the launch had been exhausted.

Small and Medium Enterprise minister Sithembiso Nyoni and Environment, Tourism and Hospitality Industry minister Priscah Mupfumira commissioned the oven that uses fire wood and produce about 500 loaves per day.

One of the villagers who preferred to remain anonymous said the project was rushed because most of the local people were not aware of the baking project.

“There was so much secrecy about the project. Most of the villagers were surprised that the ministers were coming. No wonder why it operated for 24 hours and
the moment the ministers went away everything came to a halt,” the villager said.

But one of the committee member Vaida Matanhire played down the issue saying the community should contribute to the running of the project.

“The project is for the community and we should contribute for the project to be a success,” Matanhire said.

Government has promised to open more such local “bakeries” with the initiative to ease bread shortages currently bedevilling the country.

-Newsday

Farai Dziva|MDC councillor, Gilbert Mutubuki says he will continue to expose multiple farm owners in Chiredzi- in spite of threats from suspected Central Intelligence Operatives.

In a statement posted on Facebook Mutubuki said he was threatened by men who claimed to be members of the dreaded Central Intelligence Organisation.

Mutubuki is leading an exercise meant to expose multiple farm owners in Chiredzi.

“Fellow Comrades!

Last night 3 people with a Nissan Hardbody (white)visited my place.

They said they were from President Office.

Unfortunately Havana kundipa mazita avo.They took my details.They warned me not to disclose information about farms in Chiredzi.

Pray for me. I will not stop exposing them,” said Mutubuki.

Yours truly
Cllr Mutubuki

By A Correspondent- ZIMBABWEANS living in the diaspora have a role to play in rebuilding the country’s economy, President Mnangagwa has said.

The President said it was every Zimbabwean’s responsibility to contribute towards economic recovery.

He said this yesterday while addressing Zimbabweans working and living in Namibia.

President Mnangagwa is in Namibia on three-day State visit which ends today.

“The rebuilding, growth and prosperity of our country is everyone’s responsibility, both home and abroad. We are one people with a shared destiny in our country,” he said.

The President added that as the country’s economy mends, he was looking forward to seeing some Zimbabweans returning home to help develop the country.

“I look forward as our economy recovers to possibly some of you who have acquired skills or have been exposed to skills outside Zimbabwe to think of coming back home to contribute to the task of growing and modernising our country.

“Zimbabwe is for all of us, no one should be left behind,” said President Mnangagwa.

The President implored Zimbabweans living in the diaspora to invest back home.

Today President Mnangangwa is expected to inaugurate Zimbabwe’s Dry Port Facility at Walvis Bay.

He said the facility provides vast investment opportunities for Zimbabweans living in Namibia and in other countries. 

The President also encouraged Zimbabweans living in Namibia to take full advantage of several bilateral agreements signed between Zimbabwe and Windhoek.

Zimbabwe and Namibia yesterday signed seven bilateral agreements aimed at boosting economic cooperation between the two countries.

“I therefore call on you brothers and sisters in the diaspora to be good ambassadors of our beautiful country and invest back home.

“We urge you to take advantage of the opportunities that arise from these agreements, to cut business and trade niches for the benefit of your motherland.

“Tomorrow I will also have an occasion to officially inaugurate the Zimbabwe Dry Port Facility and Walvis Bay which should help in the movement of imports and exports from our country and to our country.

“I urge you to initiate new business models that take advantage of the new dry port facility,” he said.-StateMedia

By A Correspondent- WOMEN from Tsholotsho and Maphisa failed to hide their emotions and wept openly as they narrated the gruesome experiences they went through during post independence disturbances popularly known as, Gukurahundi, in the 1980s.

The National Peace and Reconciliation Commission (NPRC) has embarked on a programme for women only to afford them the opportunity to share openly, their experiences in a comfortable environment. 

The safe spaces for women programme is being led by NPRC commissioner responsible for victim support and gender diversity, Ms Netty Musanhu. She is working with civic society and other partners.

The commission was in Tsholotsho on Tuesday and Maphisa on Wednesday.

The women narrated emotionally, how their husbands and children were tortured and killed. They said they were sexually abused together with their daughters by the soldiers. 

They wept as they narrated their experiences. 

Counsellors from non-governmental organisations had to counsel some of the women and encourage them to continue talking.

Choruses had to be sung in between the testimonies in order to help the women gain composure as they told their stories.

They said it was sad that they were faced with the reality of raising children whose fathers were not known up to today because they were raped. 

One of the women, in her mid 30s, said she didn’t know her father because her mother was raped by soldiers during the attacks and fell pregnant. 

They said some of the children, who are adults now, are not educated and have no birth certificates and national identity cards because they lost their fathers during that time before they acquired the documents.

The women said while it was impossible to forget the brutality that they were subjected to, there was room for forgiveness if the Government explained why people were killed and at least compensate the affected families.

“It was a painful experience. We were tortured and made to watch our loved ones die. We were forced to sing and dance in front of the bodies. 

“What makes it more painful is that we don’t even know why we were being subjected to such brutality. They were calling us wives and children of dissidents,” said one of the women.

She said most people disappeared and they were never seen again. 

“My father was a teacher and we were young then. He was taken away by the soldiers and we never saw him again.

“My mother never got his package from the Government, even his salary for the month that he had worked for. I wish someone could tell me why people were killed,” said another survivor as she wept uncontrollably.

The women said homesteads were burnt while their livestock was wiped out as they were forced to cook for the soldiers.

Some were exposed not only to sexually transmitted diseases but to ailments such as high blood pressure due to the trauma they were subjected to.

They added that they never got the chance to give their loved ones decent burials.

Speaking after the meeting, Commissioner Musanhu, who was touched by the women’s experiences, commended them for being brave. 

“I know it’s difficult to open up and it’s difficult for us as commissioners to do this work. I’m touched by the stories I just heard and some of them are unbelievable, but I promise I’ll take the testimonies to the NPRC, Parliament and the President for a way forward,” said Commissioner Musanhu.

She said the purpose of the safe spaces for women programme was to help women come to terms with their experiences. 

“We identified five pilot provinces for this programme, Mashonaland East, Matabeleland North and South, Bulawayo and Midlands.

“I’m pleased that this programme has proved to be critical for women to open up and share their experiences. In Mashonaland East, we realised that political violence affected women the most. We came up with guidelines and recommendations in terms of what the commission has to do,” Commissioner Musanhu said.

She said the NPRC was also using the safe spaces for women platform to test the mood at local level.

“What I’ve heard from the women in Tsholotsho and Maphisa has proved to me that they really require healing. I’m happy to say the women are willing to engage the NPRC and they’re prepared to walk this journey with us,” said Commissioner Musanhu. 

She commended the support from partners, including civic society, saying their involvement was critical for identifying vital services required by the women. 

The women commended the NPRC for their efforts in giving them a platform to speak out.

Speaking during stakeholders’ meetings, which are held after the safe spaces for women meetings, delegates said it was important for perpetrators to reveal themselves to allow for healing and closure.-StateMedia

By A Correspondent- A 70-year-old Gokwe woman urin@ted in the mouth of her neighbour’s dead body in an effort to resuscitate her after she collapsed and died at a funeral.

The woman, Maidei Mamombe appeared before Chief Nembudziya’s traditional court after she tried to resuscitate her neighbour Taizivei Mugido who had collapsed.

Chief Nembudziya in whose jurisdiction the area falls under confirmed the incident to Bmetro,

“I can confirm that l presided over a case of a woman who ur_inated on a dead body in an attempt to resurrect it,” he said.

“The two women had a misunderstanding and they ended up exchanging harsh words. While they argued, Mamombe accused her neighbour Mugido of witchcraft alleging that she was the one who killed the 10-year-old boy whose funeral they were attending.

“The deceased did not take the accusations lightly and she collapsed and she hit her head on a stone that was nearby. Mourners tried pouring water on her body but all was in vain. Mamombe then opened the deceased’s mouth and urin@ted inside in a bid to revive her, in full view of the mourners,” he said.

Chief Nembudziya said the deceased was ferried to hospital where she was pronounced dead upon arrival.

By A Correspondent- Two police officers in Bulawayo recently fought over a bar lady leaving one of them nursing broken ribs. 

A video clip which has gone viral shows one of the brawlers Sergeant Major Antony Fore (36) being viciously pummelled by his “junior” Constable Chance Moyana (32).

The incident which occurred on 14 July at around 5pm at Golden Lion Bar situated at Ross Camp was confirmed by national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi.

“We are investigating the circumstances which led two police officers to fight at Ross Camp and one of them is currently in hospital. A bar lady is, however, alleged to be at the centre of the dispute,” said Asst Comm Nyathi.

The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) has come out guns-blazing against critics, saying it has no mandate to probe alleged malpractices.

Zec chairperson Justice Priscilla Chigumba defended the appointment of Utloile Silaigwana as the substantive chief election officer (CEO), saying he was qualified for the job and those questioning his merit were “lost”.

“For the record, the current CEO was appointed on merit as he is a qualified election administrator with 17 years experience in that field. It should be noted that the appointment was done after interviews were conducted by the full commission which sat as an interview panel and vetted several applications before the appointment of the current CEO was effected,” Chigumba said in a statement.

The opposition had questioned the former soldier’s appointment, describing it as retrogressive and a clear indication that there was no desire to reform Zec.

In recent weeks, the election playing field has came under scrutiny after Zanu PF was accused of vote-buying through Health minister Obadiah Moyo who agreed to restock clinics in Lupane East constituency ahead of a by-election.

Moyo had responded to a request by the ruling Zanu PF commissar Victor Matemadanda who had requested for support to woo voters.

The opposition then urged Zec to probe the vote-rigging allegations against Zanu PF, but Chigumba said it was not their mandate to do so.

“It should also be emphasised that Zec has no investigative powers in terms of its mandate and that any allegation of electoral malpractices must be reported
to the Zimbabwe Republic Police or the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission for investigation and substantiation,” Chigumba said.-Newsday

By A Correspondent- A rudimentary bread oven that was officially opened by two ministers in Makonde amid pomp and fanfare has been closed barely 24 hours after it became operational.

When NewsDay visited the place at Portlet in Makonde district yesterday, the oven, in an open maize field, was deserted as villagers said the 50 kilogrammes of flour delivered on the day of the launch had been exhausted.

Small and Medium Enterprise minister Sithembiso Nyoni and Environment, Tourism and Hospitality Industry minister Priscah Mupfumira commissioned the oven that uses fire wood and produces about 500 loaves per day.

One of the villagers who preferred to remain anonymous said the project was rushed because most of the local people were not aware of the baking project.

“There was so much secrecy about the project. Most of the villagers were surprised that the ministers were coming. No wonder why it operated for 24 hours and the moment the ministers went away everything came to a halt,” the villager said.

But one of the committee member Vaida Matanhire played down the issue saying the community should contribute to the running of the project.

“The project is for the community and we should contribute for the project to be a success,” Matanhire said.

Government has promised to open more such local “bakeries” with the initiative to ease bread shortages currently bedevilling the country.

The agriculture sector has become a point of weakness in the Zimbabwean economy where over five million Zimbabweans are food-insecure despite billions of public funds being invested in the sector.

Even in a season of good rains, the country continues to produce way below two tonnes per hectare compared to countries like Zambia and Malawi.

The farming model is terrible, outdated and archaic.

The introduction of command agriculture more than anything has been a cover-up for patronage networks of the military State.

Agriculture has become a cover-up for State capture and shady transactions between state actors and cartels.

Parliament exposed the rot in the past week when it was revealed that just under USD 3 Billion was siphoned from treasury under the guise of funding command agriculture.

Both the permanent secretary and the head of accounts in the Ministry of Agriculture expressed ignorance about the money.

The money amounted to 75% per cent of the total national annual budget. That 75% can disappear in the name of agriculture is unacceptable.

Then came the corruption around the sale of command agriculture maize at an exaggerated price of 390 per tonne at GMB. The pricing was meant to benefit Zanu PF politicians who are maize producers while bankrupting the country through GMB.

Zimbabwe’s approach to agriculture is not only ineffective, with outdated models but also a dog’s breakfast. Those in Zanu PF are behaving in the sector like catfish mudding the water then loot in the chaos.

At the end of the day, there is no food security, there is no response to climate change and the State is bankrupted by cartels colluding with those in power.

To solve the crisis in Agriculture, the MDC restates the following:

1. Bringing finality to the land question, at the present moment people are still fighting over land there is evidence to this effect. We restate that there must be a land audit to ascertain ownership and productive capacity as well as issuing of title to current occupants.

2. Financing agricultural infrastructure: To fully empower the newly resettled farmers there is a need for seasonal, capital and land loans which can be provided by commercial banks as well as the Rural Development Fund.

3. Agricultural markets: It is crucial that markets for agricultural produce be restored. The current situation in the tobacco industry is unfortunate, must be curbed. Marketing for cereal products such as maize, wheat must be given a priority.

4. Investment in equipment: A functional and organized farm must have access to farming mechanisation for tillage, harvesting and transportation, storage will be vital for driving agriculture.

5. Harnessing water resources for agriculture: More than 80% of our arable land rely on rain-fed farming but do not have access to proper irrigation facilities.

6. Access to agricultural inputs: There must be incentives for the local blending of compound fertilizers, and exploration of long-term opportunities for cheaper and more sustainable domestic production. Financial support for seed and fertilizer production must be transparently and inclusively offered while constraints on the revival of local input supply industries must be removed.

7. Irrigation intensification and expansion: Improved irrigation is critical to increasing agricultural productivity. Investments in irrigation and a shift from dry land to irrigated agriculture is required.

8. Ensure both use and exchange value for land through the introduction of a regulated land market.

MDC: (1999 – 2019) Celebrating 20 Years of Tenacity and Courage

Hon. Rusty Markham 
MDC Secretary for Agriculture
Contact: +263772278460

By A Correspondent- In a push for electoral reforms recommended by a number of elections observer missions accredited to Zimbabwe, the Zimbabwe Elections Support Network (Zesn) has called for the establishment of an electoral reform committee to see through the changes.

Zesn said it was important to ensure that the independence of Zec was reinforced by giving Parliament a direct oversight of the Commission instead of leaving it to the discretion of a minister who is a player in the electoral processes.

“Government should establish an all-inclusive electoral reform committee to deliberate on political, administrative and legal reforms that are needed to enhance the credibility of Zimbabwe elections,” the electoral watchdog said.

Elections observer missions called on government to push for early electoral reforms by aligning the Electoral Act to the Constitution to avoid disputed polls in 2023.

During the 2018 general elections, the African Union observer mission noted that the Electoral Act, was not aligned to the Constitution, especially around the contagious diaspora vote, resulting in millions of Zimbabweans failing to vote.

“There is need to align and harmonise the electoral laws to comply with the Constitution. The Electoral Act should be aligned with the 2013 Constitution, in particular those provisions related to the constitutional right to vote, including postal voting for home-bound voters and those in hospitals,” part of the recommendations read.

Millions of Zimbabweans in the diaspora, hospitals and prisons were denied their right to vote in the past elections as Zec only extended postal voting to police and Zimbabweans outside the country on official government business.

The MDC has been fighting to have those in diaspora allowed to cast their ballots at respective embassies across the world, but lost the bid because the Electoral Act does not provide for that.

The European Union (EU) missions zeroed in on the independence of Zec, saying its independence as provided for by the Constitution was not visible in their operations. Zec reports to Parliament through the Justice minister, it also waits for the minister to approve its regulations and key appointments compromising the integrity and independence of the commission.

“For the independence of Zec, in relation to responsibility for it’s own regulations, voter registration and accreditation of observers, as well as the required approval of regulations, the mission urges the Zimbabwe government to consider expediting alignment of outstanding aspects of the Electoral Law to new Constitution,” the EU said in its report.

In a statement, Zec chairperson Justice Priscila Chigumba said the commission had already put together a package for electoral reforms which are yet to be forwarded to Parliament for debate.

“With regard to electoral reform process, Zec convened an all-stakeholder conference at the conclusion of the 2018 harmonised elections to discuss these reforms. Zec has since consolidated proposals arising from the conference and included them in the electoral reform package for consideration by the legislature,” she said.

By A Correspondent- A Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc) commissioner has warned that no one is above the law including those from the ruling Zanu PF and the Executive.

In an interview on the side-lines of a Zacc familiarisation workshop in Harare on Wednesday, Commissioner Kuziva Murapa said the anti-graft body had already started investigations of several cases which could lead to imminent arrests.

“The mandate that the President (Emmerson Mnangagwa) gave us was that we are an independent organ and that there is no one above the law. We will proceed on that mandate,” Murapa said.

“There are investigations that have started and are already in progress, but I am currently not at liberty to share them. You will appreciate that we were appointed only last week, but we have already started the investigations.”

He said fighting corruption was not only about taking people to jail.

“If we start arresting everyone then we will require investing in building more jails because at some point everybody will be involved in one way or the other. However, our Constitution has never defined that those affiliated with certain political parties are above the law, we are all equal before the law,” Murapa said.

Zacc chairperson Justice Loice Matanda-Moyo said the commissioners’ familiarisation workshop was aimed at exchanging knowledge, skills and expertise in the fight against corruption.

“The appointment of commissioners is a welcome development for Zacc as it not only makes my workload lighter; it also intensifies the fight against corruption. The appointed commissioners are coming from various backgrounds which include law enforcement, legal, private sector and, therefore, possess different skills pertinent in the fight against corruption,” she said.

Justice Matanda-Moyo said the Commission’s mission of combating corruption, theft, abuse of power and other improprieties in Zimbabwe is aimed at eradicating corruption and enforcing compliance on national accountability and transparency standards.

She said the workshop would provide the commissioners with an in-depth understanding of the current anti-corruption policies, practices and laws and the critical role of stakeholders they will be interacting with as they assume their new roles.

“I cannot over emphasise the immense significance of the workshop because it is not only tailored to impart knowledge to the commissioners, but to foster and strengthen a culture and spirit of collaboration among anti-corruption stakeholders and to promote common approaches in our fight against corruption,” the Zacc chairperson said.

Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission RR 07/06/19 
Priscah Mupfumira NR 70-016768 G 32 aged 68 years residing at House Number St Fairway, Mount Pleasant, Harare having been informed by Detective Assistant Inspector NDLOVU of the Zimbabwe Republic Police Commercial Crimes Division on secondment to Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission that inquiries are being made in connection with cases of Criminal abuse of duty as a public officer as defined in Section 174 (1) (a) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act Chapter 9:23 (7 Counts) where it is; 
Firstly alleged that, sometime in 2014, following my appointment as Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, and in the exercise of my functions as such, intentionally acted contrary to or inconsistent with my duty as a public officer; that is to say I unlawfully and corruptly used my position as the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare then by verbally instructing the then Permanent Secretary of the Ministry Ngoni Masoka to get a advance of US$90 000, 00 (Ninety Thousands United States Dollars) from National Social Security Authority (NSSA), a parastatal under the Ministry for the purchase of my Ministerial vehicle ( a Toyota land cruiser model ADX-0878) from Croco Motors well knowing that NSSA has no provision to issue such loans and after having illegally acquired the said vehicle I went on to receive another Ministerial vehicle, a Range rover Reg ADY- 6878 from Government which I accepted knowing well that I had already obtained a Ministerial vehicle through a lean advanced by NSSA thereby prejudicing NSSA of US$ 90 000, 00 (ninety thousand United States dollars), and,

Second it is further alleged that sometime in 2016 and on different occasions, and in the exercise of my said functions , I intentionally acted contrary to or inconsistent with my duty as a public officer; that is to say I unlawfully and corruptly used my position as the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare to request money amounting to US$101 814, 80 (one hundred and one thousand eight hundred and fourteen United States dollars and eighty cents) from (NSSA)’s Corporate Social Responsibility budget which I unlawfully received and used for activities as outlined in Annexure A labelled “Advances to the parent Ministry” of Payments amounting to US$101 814,80) which activities fall outside the mandate of NSSA.

Third it is further alleged that sometime in 2017, and in the exercise of my functions, I intentionally acted contrary to or inconsistent with my duty as a public officer; that is to say I unlawfully and corruptly used my position as the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare by verbally directing NSSA to set up a budget of US$ 350 000, 00 (three hundred and fifty thousand United States dollars) for the Ministry’s financial demands on top of the normal NSSA Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) budget from where I later claimed a total of US$ 303 520, 03 (three hundred and three thousand five hundred and twenty United States dollars and three cents) for activities furthering my personal and political interests in my constituency. See attached Annexure B of the “Advances to the parent Ministry” amounting to US$303 520, 03 activities Which fall outside the mandate of NSSA 
Fourth it is further alleged that sometime in the year 2014, and in the exercise of my functions as such, I intentionally acted contrary to or inconsistent with my duty as a public officer; that is to say I unlawfully and corruptly used my position as the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare then by showing favour to Metbank when I Instructed NSSA to financially bail out Metbank against the representations and advice from NSSA’s Risk Management Department highlighting concerns over the bank’s financial vulnerability and its high risk of default status and as a result of my undue influence, NSSA ended up purchasing four Metbank properties worth US$ 4908 750-00 (four million nine hundred and eight thousand seven hundred and fifty United States dollars ) which they had not intended to purchase.

Fifth it is further alleged that sometime in March 2017, 1 criminally abused my duty as a public officer by showing favour to Metbank when I directed NSSA to favourably consider an investment proposal from the bank for command agriculture in which Metbank imposed itself as fertilizer advisors. This was against the advice of NSSA’s Risk Management Department based on concerns over the bank’s financial vulnerability and the high risk of default. Metbank intended to borrow US$ 30 000 000, 00 (thirty million united states dollars) from other sources and requested NSSA to provide it with double cover security in the form of treasury bills. As a result of the accused’s undue influence, NSSA sent treasury bills valued at US$62 250 000, 00 (sixty two million two hundred and fifty thousand united states dollars) to Metbank on custodial arrangement but Metbank ended up using treasury bills valued at US$ 37 035 000,00 (thirty seven million and thirty five thousand united states dollars) under unclear circumstances and they are currently unaccounted for to the prejudice of NSSA.

Sixth it is further alleged that sometime in June 2017, and in the exercise of my functions, I intentionally acted contrary to or inconsistent with my duty as a public officer; that is to say I unlawfully and corruptly used my position as the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare then by verbally directing NSSA (represented by Kurauwone Chihota the then Investment Officer) to enter into low cost housing projects contracts with Metbank within 48 hours and as a result of that directive entered into take-off housing projects for St-Ives and Stateland Chinhoyi with Metro Realty an entity related US$ 6 145 000,00 (six million one hundred thousand united states dollars) and US$ million seven hundred and ten thousand dollars without carrying due diligence assessments and without going to tender to the prejudice of NSSA.

Please note that we will update you with the seventh charge as soon as it is available.

A ZIMBABWE Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc) commissioner has warned that no one is above the law including those from the ruling Zanu PF and the Executive.

In an interview on the side-lines of a Zacc familiarisation workshop in Harare on Wednesday, Commissioner Kuziva Murapa said the anti-graft body had already started investigations of several cases which could lead to imminent arrests.

“The mandate that the President (Emmerson Mnangagwa) gave us was that we are an independent organ and that there is no one above the law. We will proceed on that mandate,” Murapa said.

“There are investigations that have started and are already in progress, but I am currently not at liberty to share them. You will appreciate that we were appointed only last week, but we have already started the investigations.”

He said fighting corruption was not only about taking people to jail.

“If we start arresting everyone then we will require investing in building more jails because at some point everybody will be involved in one way or the other. However, our Constitution has never defined that those affiliated with certain political parties are above the law, we are all equal before the law,” Murapa said.

Zacc chairperson Justice Loice Matanda-Moyo said the commissioners’ familiarisation workshop was aimed at exchanging knowledge, skills and expertise in the fight against corruption.

“The appointment of commissioners is a welcome development for Zacc as it not only makes my workload lighter; it also intensifies the fight against corruption.
The appointed commissioners are coming from various backgrounds which include law enforcement, legal, private sector and, therefore, possess different skills pertinent in the fight against corruption,” she said.

Justice Matanda-Moyo said the Commission’s mission of combating corruption, theft, abuse of power and other improprieties in Zimbabwe is aimed at eradicating corruption and enforcing compliance on national accountability and transparency standards.

She said the workshop would provide the commissioners with an in-depth understanding of the current anti-corruption policies, practices and laws and the critical role of stakeholders they will be interacting with as they assume their new roles.

“I cannot over emphasise the immense significance of the workshop because it is not only tailored to impart knowledge to the commissioners, but to foster and strengthen a culture and spirit of collaboration among anti-corruption stakeholders and to promote common approaches in our fight against corruption,” the Zacc chairperson said.

-Newsday

Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission RR 07/06/19
Priscah Mupfumira NR 70-016768 G 32 aged 68 years residing at House Number St Fairway, Mount Pleasant, Harare having been informed by Detective Assistant Inspector NDLOVU of the Zimbabwe Republic Police Commercial Crimes Division on secondment to Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission that inquiries are being made in connection with cases of Criminal abuse of duty as a public officer as defined in Section 174 (1) (a) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act Chapter 9:23 (7 Counts) where it is;
Firstly alleged that, sometime in 2014, following my appointment as Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, and in the exercise of my functions as such, intentionally acted contrary to or inconsistent with my duty as a public officer; that is to say I unlawfully and corruptly used my position as the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare then by verbally instructing the then Permanent Secretary of the Ministry Ngoni Masoka to get a advance of US$90 000, 00 (Ninety Thousands United States Dollars) from National Social Security Authority (NSSA), a parastatal under the Ministry for the purchase of my Ministerial vehicle ( a Toyota land cruiser model ADX-0878) from Croco Motors well knowing that NSSA has no provision to issue such loans and after having illegally acquired the said vehicle I went on to receive another Ministerial vehicle, a Range rover Reg ADY- 6878 from Government which I accepted knowing well that I had already obtained a Ministerial vehicle through a lean advanced by NSSA thereby prejudicing NSSA of US$ 90 000, 00 (ninety thousand United States dollars), and,

Second it is further alleged that sometime in 2016 and on different occasions, and in the exercise of my said functions , I intentionally acted contrary to or inconsistent with my duty as a public officer; that is to say I unlawfully and corruptly used my position as the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare to request money amounting to US$101 814, 80 (one hundred and one thousand eight hundred and fourteen United States dollars and eighty cents) from (NSSA)’s Corporate Social Responsibility budget which I unlawfully received and used for activities as outlined in Annexure A labelled “Advances to the parent Ministry” of Payments amounting to US$101 814,80) which activities fall outside the mandate of NSSA.

Third it is further alleged that sometime in 2017, and in the exercise of my functions, I intentionally acted contrary to or inconsistent with my duty as a public officer; that is to say I unlawfully and corruptly used my position as the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare by verbally directing NSSA to set up a budget of US$ 350 000, 00 (three hundred and fifty thousand United States dollars) for the Ministry’s financial demands on top of the normal NSSA Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) budget from where I later claimed a total of US$ 303 520, 03 (three hundred and three thousand five hundred and twenty United States dollars and three cents) for activities furthering my personal and political interests in my constituency. See attached Annexure B of the “Advances to the parent Ministry” amounting to US$303 520, 03 activities Which fall outside the mandate of NSSA
Fourth it is further alleged that sometime in the year 2014, and in the exercise of my functions as such, I intentionally acted contrary to or inconsistent with my duty as a public officer; that is to say I unlawfully and corruptly used my position as the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare then by showing favour to Metbank when I Instructed NSSA to financially bail out Metbank against the representations and advice from NSSA’s Risk Management Department highlighting concerns over the bank’s financial vulnerability and its high risk of default status and as a result of my undue influence, NSSA ended up purchasing four Metbank properties worth US$ 4908 750-00 (four million nine hundred and eight thousand seven hundred and fifty United States dollars ) which they had not intended to purchase.

Fifth it is further alleged that sometime in March 2017, 1 criminally abused my duty as a public officer by showing favour to Metbank when I directed NSSA to favourably consider an investment proposal from the bank for command agriculture in which Metbank imposed itself as fertilizer advisors. This was against the advice of NSSA’s Risk Management Department based on concerns over the bank’s financial vulnerability and the high risk of default. Metbank intended to borrow US$ 30 000 000, 00 (thirty million united states dollars) from other sources and requested NSSA to provide it with double cover security in the form of treasury bills. As a result of the accused’s undue influence, NSSA sent treasury bills valued at US$62 250 000, 00 (sixty two million two hundred and fifty thousand united states dollars) to Metbank on custodial arrangement but Metbank ended up using treasury bills valued at US$ 37 035 000,00 (thirty seven million and thirty five thousand united states dollars) under unclear circumstances and they are currently unaccounted for to the prejudice of NSSA.

Sixth it is further alleged that sometime in June 2017, and in the exercise of my functions, I intentionally acted contrary to or inconsistent with my duty as a public officer; that is to say I unlawfully and corruptly used my position as the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare then by verbally directing NSSA (represented by Kurauwone Chihota the then Investment Officer) to enter into low cost housing projects contracts with Metbank within 48 hours and as a result of that directive entered into take-off housing projects for St-Ives and Stateland Chinhoyi with Metro Realty an entity related US$ 6 145 000,00 (six million one hundred thousand united states dollars) and US$ million seven hundred and ten thousand dollars without carrying due diligence assessments and without going to tender to the prejudice of NSSA.

Please note: We could not obtain the document with the seventh charge

RESERVE Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) governor John Mangudya yesterday added his voice to the growing calls for a national dialogue to unlock the country’s socio-economic and political logjam.

Mangudya was officiating at the ongoing 2019 Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI) congress in the resort town of Victoria Falls.

Economists and players in the private sector, business leaders, and government officials have been meeting in the resort town for the past three days to
discuss means and ways to contribute to a market-led economy whose main anchor would be industrial development.

“What we (government and the RBZ) have done in the recent few months, which includes introducing the local currency, are measures meant to build a solid
foundation for Zimbabwe to go forward and for the economy to improve,” Mangudya said.

“We have identified this (currency) issue as one of the impediments to that growth that we want to achieve. There are other issues, but I can rest assure you
that going forward, we all have reason to look forward to a Zimbabwe with hopeful eyes.”

He said Zimbabwe had all it needed in its basket to move from its comatose state, but highlighted there was one component the nation still needed to shop for
common purpose when dealing with national issues.

“I would like to state here today (yesterday) that while we have all these things in our spheres, the major missing link in this equation is unity of purpose. It is very clear that you will never grow as a country (out of your problems) if there is no unity of purpose and common approach to dealing with your
problems,” the central bank boss noted.

Mangudya told the business leaders that while Zimbabwe was showing signs of possible recovery, albeit at a later stage, there was need for stakeholders to
boost the confidence of potential investors and multi-nationals through singing from the same hymn book on issues of national interest.

“We need to be perfectly united in all we do. We are faced with a situation when the world has little confidence in our way of doing things. Remember, we used
to be called the breadbasket of Africa. We can return there if we do things together and driven, like I said, by common interest,” he said.

Mangudya said he was happy with the performance of the interbank market which he said had seen an increase in forex purchases compared to months before the
government adopted the interbank rate.

“It is quite interesting to note that since February 2019, the interbank market has progressed so well to an extent that we have seen $2 million being
purchased on the market compared to $500 000 in the past,” he said.

“This is a sign of improvement indeed.”

-Newsday

BILL WATCH 36/2019

Veritas|The Government’s long-awaited Marriages Bill, which is intended to consolidate our marriage law and bring it into line with the Constitution, was published in the Gazette on the 19th July.  It can be viewed and downloaded on the Veritas website [link].

Background to the Bill

Ever since the 1980s the Government has wanted to amend and consolidate the country’s marriage laws, but its ideas remained largely unarticulated.   In January 2016 the Constitutional Court gave the Government a sharp prod with its judgment in a case brought by Veritas [Mudzuru & Another v Minister of Justice & Others ‒ link] in which the Court declared the marriage of minors to be unconstitutional.

SADC gave the Government another nudge later in 2016 when it published its Model Law on Eradicating Child Marriage and Protecting Children Already in Marriage [link], a document which Veritas helped to draft.

Now, after three years spent presumably in careful cogitation, the Government has produced its Bill.

Existing Law

The Bill has to be understood in the light of the current law, under which there are two distinct types of marriage that are legally recognised in Zimbabwe:

Civil marriages, which are regulated by the Marriage Act.  These marriages are monogamous, which means that neither spouse can be married to anyone else while the marriage lasts.  They are solemnised by magistrates and ministers of religion, and must be registered in a register kept by the Registrar-General.

Customary marriages, which are regulated by the Customary Marriages Act.  These marriages are potentially polygamous, which means that husbands are allowed to marry more than one wife.  For a customary marriage to be valid, roora or lobola must have been paid or agreed upon, and the marriage must have been solemnised and registered by a magistrate or a chief.

Even though both types of marriage are legally recognised, civil marriages are perceived as having a slightly higher status than customary ones.  Spouses who are married under a customary marriage can “upgrade” their marriage to civil status by remarrying each other in a civil marriage, whereas spouses in a civil marriage cannot convert their marriage to a customary one.

A great many customary marriages are not solemnised or registered under the Customary Marriages Act, although the parties may have gone through all the ceremonies required by customary law.  These marriages are not recognised as legal marriages by Zimbabwean law except in so far as the rights of children are concerned.

Many people contract both types of marriage:  that is to say, they contract a marriage under customary law but do not register it, and then get married, often in a church, in a civil marriage under the Marriage Act.  In such a case the law treats the civil marriage as valid, disregarding the customary one.

What the Bill aims to do

According to its memorandum the principal aims of the Bill are:

• To consolidate our marriage law in a single Act of Parliament rather than two.
• To bring the marriage law into line with the Constitution, particularly in regard to child marriages and gender equality.

What the Bill will do

The Bill will make four important changes to our existing law:

1. Abolition of child marriage

Marriages of boys and girls under the age of 18 will be absolutely prohibited by clause 3 of the Bill.  The prohibition will extend to all types of marriage and to civil partnerships (which are dealt with below).  Anyone assisting, encouraging or permitting a child to marry or to enter into a civil partnership will be liable to heavy criminal penalties ‒ and it will be an aggravating feature if the person is the child’s parent or guardian.

According to clause 42(3) of the Bill, the annulment of a marriage contracted by a child will not affect any rights the child may have acquired as a result of the marriage.  The clause is not clear, but it probably means that on annulment the child will have the same rights to maintenance and division of property as a spouse has on divorce.

1. Roora or lobola

Under the Customary Marriages Act, roora or lobola is an essential element of customary marriages.  A customary marriage officer is not allowed to solemnise a marriage without being satisfied that there has been agreement on the payment of roora or lobola (section 7(1) of the Act).  Under the Bill this will no longer be the case.  Roora and lobola will not be abolished or outlawed, but will no longer be a legal requirement for customary marriages.  If parties to a customary marriage do agree on roora or lobola the Registrar will have to record the agreement when registering the marriage under clause 16(2) of the Bill.  Recording the agreement in this way will make it easier to enforce because what the parties agreed to will be put beyond dispute.

1. Civil partnerships

Under clause 40 of the Bill, adult men and women who are not married to each other but who have lived together domestically will be regarded as partners in what will be known as a civil partnership.  The clause does not say what the partners’ rights are during in such a partnership, but on its dissolution they will be entitled to the same remedies as spouses on divorce.  Civil partnerships will be recognised even if either or both the partners are married to someone else, whether civilly or under customary law, or are in another civil partnership (clause 40(5)).  It was reported in the media that spouses in a civil marriage will not be allowed to enter into civil partnerships;  this is not so not so, as clause 40(5) makes clear.

The recognition of civil partnerships raises important social and moral issues that need to be debated but this bulletin will raise  legal points:

• Section 56(3) of the Constitution prohibits unfair discrimination on, amongst other grounds, marital status.  Clause 40 may be an attempt to raise the status of unmarried partners, both male and female, in relation to married persons.
• On the other hand, while allowing married people to enter into civil partnerships, the Bill does not touch on the question of adultery.  Will a married person be entitled to divorce his or her spouse on the ground that he or she is living with someone else in a recognised civil partnership?  Will a spouse be entitled to claim adultery damages from his or her spouse’s civil partner?
• Although the Bill gives partners in a civil partnership the same rights as spouses on divorce, it will not give them any rights of inheritance.  This seems inconsistent:  a dependent partner can claim maintenance and division of property if the partners break up, but will have no claim if his or her partner dies.
• “Civil partnership” is the name given to same-sex marriages in the United Kingdom and South Africa, though obviously civil partnerships under the Bill are not the same thing.  Perhaps we should choose a different name?

The Bill’s attempt to protect those in long-term domestic relationships, especially the women who seem to suffer most on breakup, is commendable but surely there are other ways of providing protection which do not undermine monogamous civil or church marriages?  To offend so many people in a largely Christian country is bound to lead to opposition to the Bill.

Other effects of the Bill

The Bill will make other changes to our marriage law ‒ for example, chiefs will no longer be entitled to claim fees for solemnising a customary marriage, and husbands will no longer be criminally liable for not having their customary marriages solemnised ‒ but the changes are fairly minor and for the most part the existing law will remain the same.  For example:

• There is a statement in clause 5(5) of the Bill that civil and customary marriages registered under the Bill are equal in status, but some inequality will continue:
• parties to a customary law marriage will still be able to convert their marriage into a civil one, but not the other way round (clause 5(4))  “Upgrading” of marriages will remain a one-way process.
• Foreign marriages will be recognised in Zimbabwe if they are monogamous like civil marriages but not if they are polygamous like customary marriages (clause 43 of the Bill).
• Although the Bill says in clause 6 that spouses have equal rights in both types of marriage, husbands in customary marriages will still be able to take other wives, but wives will not have a similar right (clause 5(2) & (4) of the Bill).  Also, husbands’ rights of guardianship of their children, which are greater than those of the children’s mother, will not be affected by the Bill.  This is not gender equality.
• Same-sex marriages will not be allowed;  this is clear from the definition of “marriage” in clause 2 of the Bill.  In this respect the Bill follows section 78(3) of the Constitution, which prohibits them.
• The Bill does not touch the sensitive issues of property rights during marriage or inheritance following the death of a spouse.
• The Bill does not touch on another sensitive issue, namely the age at which children and young people can legally engage in sexual activity.  All it does is prevent them marrying.  The age of consent to sexual intercourse remains the same:  16 years of age for both girls and boys.
• The Bill will not alter the current law that couples can give notice of their intention to enter into a civil marriage through the publication of banns on a Sunday, i.e. by announcement in a Christian church.  The Bill goes into great detail about the publication of banns ‒ it devotes four whole clauses to them ‒ but banns of marriage are a Christian tradition, born of an age when members of a community would gather at their parish church each Sunday, and they have little or no relevance for people of other faiths and cultures ‒ even for some Christian denominations which do not celebrate the Sabbath on Sundays.
• The marriage formula ‒ i.e. the words that the bride and groom must say in order to get married ‒ will be the same as those currently specified in the Marriage Act, but will apply to both civil and customary marriages.  So everyone getting married, whether civilly or under customary law and whatever their culture or status in life, will have to say:

“I do solemnly declare that I know not of any lawful impediment why, I … may not be joined in matrimony to … here present.”

Oh please!

Some further difficulties with the Bill

We have already touched on some problems that may arise with the Bill’s provisions.  Here are some more:

• The definition of “customary law” in the Bill is very wide and could extend, for example, to Islamic law.  If so, Muslim marriages would be regarded as “customary law marriages” for the purposes of the Bill.  Is this what was intended?
• Clause 5(3) of the Bill will prohibit people being married under both customary law and the civil law, but does not say what is to happen if people do marry each other civilly and under customary law.  Will both marriages be invalid?  If not, which one will be valid?
• Clause 43, which sets out conditions under which foreign marriages will be recognised, will create problems:
• First, it is not clear what is meant by “foreign marriage”.  Does it mean a marriage contracted outside Zimbabwe, whatever the spouses’ nationality, or does it mean a marriage between foreigners?  The former meaning is the more natural but the heading to the clause suggests the latter is intended.
• Under the clause foreign marriages will not be recognised in Zimbabwe if the spouses are related to each other “by consanguinity”, i.e. if they have a common ancestor.  Pretty well all of us have a common ancestor if you go back far enough.  The clause will deny recognition to foreign marriages between, say, seventh or eighth cousins even though such marriages would be perfectly valid if contracted in Zimbabwe.
• The clause is too sweeping in that it will recognise all foreign marriages if they comply with the requirements set out in the clause, amongst others that the spouses were both 18 years old or older.  Suppose, though, an 18-year-old foreigner marries in a foreign country where the age of majority is 21 and persons under that age need their parents’ consent to marry:  if he or she does not get that consent, the marriage will be invalid in the foreign country but recognised as valid in Zimbabwe.
• The Bill does not touch the question of matrimonial domicile, namely the country in which the married couple are deemed to live for the purposes of determining the law applicable to their marriage.  Under our present law the country in which a husband lives is regarded as the matrimonial domicile even if his wife does not live there.  Is this compatible with gender equality?

Conclusion

The Bill is a commendable attempt to clarify and reform our marriage law, but the law is very complex and in several respects the Bill either sweeps complex issues under the carpet or ignores them completely.  It should be subjected to more public debate before it is presented in Parliament.

Public debate on the Bill is likely to take some time. In the meantime the Government might consider introducing a shorter Bill which will simply abolish child marriages and do nothing more.  After Veritas successful Constitutional Court case we drafted a Bill for the Ministry of Justice which would do just that [link].  Perhaps the Minister should consider proceeding with that draft Bill.  It is already three and a half years since the Constitutional Court declared child marriage illegal.

The Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA), intends to hike tariffs from the current 9,83 cent kilowatt-hour to RTGS dollars at the interbank rate to almost $1 a unit.

The power utility is reportedly seeking Government approval for customers to pay the interbank rate equivalent of the 9,83 US cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) tariff.

ZESA Holdings chief executive, Patrick Chivaura, said that the tariff adjustment will help to cushion the power utility from rising operating costs.

Chivaura told local publication Business Weekly that the tariffs ZESA currently charges have been degraded to such an extent that consumers are now getting electricity for free.

“What we are seeking is simply a restoration of the value of the old approved tariff so that it does not come as big bang. If we are going to have an upward review, it will be minimal.”

Speaking at an Alpha Media Holdings event dubbed In Conversation with Trevor, Said Ncube:

The power situation is very serious. In the short-term, we need to work on demand management strategies, where we categorise users and come up with a differentiated tariff system.

For instance, there is no reason why the mining sector should not pay a tariff linked to the exchange rate because they are major earners of foreign currency.

So, we have to look at the demand side, the supply and internal operations of Zesa. In the past, I was unhappy about an instant tariff increase, but having done all these things, I am more convinced now we can increase the tariff.

If we are only having power during the night when we don’t need it, then it doesn’t matter if the tariff goes up.

In terms of how much, I can’t say, but those simulations are being done and soon, we will have a new tariff.

Pindula

THE Law Society of Zimbabwe (LSZ) has announced new tariffs to be charged by lawyers ranging from RTGS$180 to $2 100 per hour from the least to the most qualified lawyer with effect from this month.

The new tariffs are for general professional services which include drafting, court attendance, taking instructions and telephone calls and do not cover party and party fees in civil litigation, conveyance fees, collection commissions, divorce and deceased estate administration fees among other legal services.

Fees for an uncontested divorce cases shot up by more than 100 percent from RTGS$3 600 to RTGS$7 200 for the plaintiff. A defendant in an uncontested divorce case will now have to part with RTGS$4 800.

In a circular to lawyers, the LSZ said legal practitioners are professionally and legally obliged to charge fees for legal work which are fair and reasonable under all circumstances.

“Legal practitioners are professionally and legally obliged to charge fees for legal work which are fair and reasonable in all the circumstances. In order to assist the profession and the public in this regard and to seek a degree of uniformity and consistency, this tariff is recommended by the Council of the Law Society of Zimbabwe for application to all legal work undertaken by legal practitioners, save where some other tariff is applied by law or where the client has agreed to some other rate or basis of charging,” read the circular.

“Thus party and party fees in civil litigation, conveyance fees, collection commissions and deceased estate administration fees are not covered by this tariff whereas legal practitioner and client fees in civil litigation and fees for criminal and general non-litigious work are covered.”

According to the circular, basic hourly charges vary according to years of experience.

Unregistered law graduates whose names are recorded by the Law Society are expected to charge between RTGS$180 and RTGS$360 while those with less than one year experience will charge from RTGS $300 to RTGS$450 and those with two to four years’ experience are supposed to charge from RTGS$420 to RTGS$720.

The document also stated that those who have been in practice for between five to nine years are now required to charge from RTGS$510 to RTGS$900 and from 10 to 14 years it’s now between RTGS$750 and RTGS$1 260 per hour.

Those with experience ranging between 15 and 19 years will charge from RTGS $900 and RTGS$1 620 and those with 20 to 29 years’ experience are expected to charge RTGS$1 050 to RTGS$1 860 per hour. The most experienced lawyers with 30 years and above are expected to charge as from RTGS$1 200.00 to RTGS$2 100 per hour.

“The ranges of hourly fees recommended in this tariff are designed to take into account both the varying levels of experience of practitioners and their varying costs of practice. Legal practitioners are entitled to charge rates which are at the lower or upper margins or anywhere in between these margins,” read the circular.

The legal profession regulating body said the fees recommended by the LSZ do not take value added tax into account and it should be added.

“Where a legal practitioner intends to charge fees on a basis which is different from that which is set out in this recommended tariff, it is essential that the client be informed in advance and that the client’s prior agreement to this should be obtained,” reads the circular.

The Council will regard any rate which is higher than the upper margin of the recommended range as materially different.

MDC President, Nelson Chamisa, visits Bulawayo this weekend with speculations that he will meet with the party authorities over recent attempts by the party’s councillors to suspend Town Clerk, Mr Christopher Dube. 

Chamisa, who is scheduled to address a rally in Lupane on Saturday ahead of the Lupane East by elections set for 3 August, will meet Bulawayo structures on Sunday.

MDC Bulawayo provincial spokesperson Swithern Chirowodza allegedly told state media that Chamisa will not necessarily be addressing the Bulawayo council issue but will be holding a general administrative meeting with Bulawayo structures on Sunday. 

“The meeting is about ordinary house keeping issues and the by election in Lupane just to get updates from the ground on what is happening,” he said.

Bulawayo residents last week called on the Government to dissolve council and appoint a commission to run the local authority’s affairs due to alleged corruption and maladministration by the city fathers.

The call followed the chaos that rocked the council after Deputy Mayor, Councillor Tinashe Kambarami, working closely with Ward Four  councillor, Silas Chigora, violently removed the Town Clerk Mr Christopher Dube from office on July 11.

The city’s Mayor, Clr Solomon Mguni, reinstated Mr Dube back to office on the following day and on Monday council ratified the decision during a special full council meeting.

Chamisa’s deputy, Professor Welshman Ncube, in a series of tweets, bemoaned calls for the setting up of a commission to run the affairs of  Bulawayo.

He claimed that by lobbying for a commission to run the local authority’s affairs, residents would be neglecting democratic practices. 

“After all the Mayor, His Worship Solomon Mguni, had already started the corrective process both on procedural and substantive issues. In the circumstances, it is a grave mistake to clamour for a negation of the democratic will of the people of Bulawayo as expressed by them only a year ago,” said Prof Ncube.

WOMEN from Tsholotsho and Maphisa failed to hide their emotions and wept openly as they narrated the gruesome experiences they went through during post independence disturbances popularly known as, Gukurahundi, in the 1980s.

The National Peace and Reconciliation Commission (NPRC) has embarked on a programme for women only to afford them the opportunity to share openly, their experiences in a comfortable environment.

The safe spaces for women programme is being led by NPRC commissioner responsible for victim support and gender diversity, Ms Netty Musanhu. She is working with civic society and other partners.

The commission was in Tsholotsho on Tuesday and Maphisa on Wednesday.

The women narrated emotionally, how their husbands and children were tortured and killed. They said they were sexually abused together with their daughters by the soldiers.

They wept as they narrated their experiences.

Counsellors from non-governmental organisations had to counsel some of the women and encourage them to continue talking.

Choruses had to be sung in between the testimonies in order to help the women gain composure as they told their stories.

They said it was sad that they were faced with the reality of raising children whose fathers were not known up to today because they were raped.

One of the women, in her mid 30s, said she didn’t know her father because her mother was raped by soldiers during the attacks and fell pregnant.

They said some of the children, who are adults now, are not educated and have no birth certificates and national identity cards because they lost their fathers during that time before they acquired the documents.

The women said while it was impossible to forget the brutality that they were subjected to, there was room for forgiveness if the Government explained why people were killed and at least compensate the affected families.

“It was a painful experience. We were tortured and made to watch our loved ones die. We were forced to sing and dance in front of the bodies.

“What makes it more painful is that we don’t even know why we were being subjected to such brutality. They were calling us wives and children of dissidents,” said one of the women.

She said most people disappeared and they were never seen again.

“My father was a teacher and we were young then. He was taken away by the soldiers and we never saw him again.

“My mother never got his package from the Government, even his salary for the month that he had worked for. I wish someone could tell me why people were killed,” said another survivor as she wept uncontrollably.

The women said homesteads were burnt while their livestock was wiped out as they were forced to cook for the soldiers.

Some were exposed not only to sexually transmitted diseases but to ailments such as high blood pressure due to the trauma they were subjected to.

They added that they never got the chance to give their loved ones decent burials.

Speaking after the meeting, Commissioner Musanhu, who was touched by the women’s experiences, commended them for being brave.

“I know it’s difficult to open up and it’s difficult for us as commissioners to do this work. I’m touched by the stories I just heard and some of them are unbelievable, but I promise I’ll take the testimonies to the NPRC, Parliament and the President for a way forward,” said Commissioner Musanhu.

She said the purpose of the safe spaces for women programme was to help women come to terms with their experiences.

“We identified five pilot provinces for this programme, Mashonaland East, Matabeleland North and South, Bulawayo and Midlands.

“I’m pleased that this programme has proved to be critical for women to open up and share their experiences. In Mashonaland East, we realised that political violence affected women the most. We came up with guidelines and recommendations in terms of what the commission has to do,” Commissioner Musanhu said.

She said the NPRC was also using the safe spaces for women platform to test the mood at local level.

“What I’ve heard from the women in Tsholotsho and Maphisa has proved to me that they really require healing. I’m happy to say the women are willing to engage the NPRC and they’re prepared to walk this journey with us,” said Commissioner Musanhu.

She commended the support from partners, including civic society, saying their involvement was critical for identifying vital services required by the women.

The women commended the NPRC for their efforts in giving them a platform to speak out.

Speaking during stakeholders’ meetings, which are held after the safe spaces for women meetings, delegates said it was important for perpetrators to reveal themselves to allow for healing and closure.

State Media|ZIMBABWE and Namibia yesterday signed seven bilateral agreements under the 9th Zimbabwe-Namibia Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation (JPCC), with President Mnangagwa and his host, President Hage Geingob, undertaking to further strengthen economic ties between the two countries.

Relations between Zimbabwe and Namibia date back to the two countries’ liberation struggles, and yesterday, the two Presidents shared anecdotes of how the countries have been consolidated over the years.

President Mnangagwa is in Namibia on a three-day State visit, which started on Wednesday.

Delegates from Zimbabwe and Namibia spent two days deliberating on seven bilateral agreements, which were eventually signed at Namibia State House yesterday in the presence of the countries’ leaders.

Some of the deals include a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on promotion of small to medium enterprises, with particular focus on women; terms of reference on joint trade and economic cooperation; and a revised MoU on information and media.

The two countries agreed to cooperate in the area of science and technology development, while the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) and the Namibian Customs and Excise Department signed an agreement on mutual customs administrative assistance.

Zimra and the Namibian Customs and Excise Department also signed an agreement on practical implementation of bilateral trade agreements while Mashonaland West Province and Namibia’s Kavango eastern region agreed on a twinning arrangement.

Speaking after the signing of the agreements, Presidents Mnangagwa and Geingob welcomed the proposal by the JPCC delegation to upgrade Zimbabwe and Namibia’s bilateral relations to Bi-National level.

President Mnangagwa described the signing of agreements as a reflection of the commitment by Harare and Windhoek “to intensify economic cooperation”.

“However, it is imperative that these agreements are timely and diligently implemented,” he said.

President Mnangagwa invited public and private sector companies in both countries to take full advantage of the agreements and explore investment opportunities and markets for their products.

“The volume of trade and economic cooperation between the two countries must increase and there are vast prospects in this regard.

“Both public and private sector companies and as well as small and medium enterprises must be encouraged to pursue markets in our respective countries.

“In Zimbabwe, opportunities exist in agriculture, mining, health infrastructure, manufacturing (and) tourism, among others,” he said.

President Mnangagwa also congratulated his Namibian counterpart for “the excellent manner” in which he has steered the SADC bloc during his tenure as Chairman.

President Geingob’s tenure as SADC chair ends next month.

The Namibian President paid tribute to Zimbabwe for supporting his country’s development since independence.

“Since independence in 1990, we have been consolidating bilateral ties,” he said.

“While noting the good progress made, we should place emphasis on our joint efforts to promote economic growth and sustainable development, it is imperative to ensure that agreements between our countries are timeously implemented.

“Namibia has benefited immensely from development assistance from the Government of Zimbabwe in a variety of fields and disciplines.”

President Geingob said despite the challenges Harare is facing, it should continue to enrich the human resources, which will, in turn, supplement Namibia’s development efforts.

The Namibia-Zimbabwe bilateral commission was established in 1992.

State Media|ZIMBABWE has received about $3 billion foreign currency inflows in the first half of the year and stands a chance to generate more through increased exports.

Reserve Bank Governor, Dr John Mangudya, revealed this here yesterday while addressing captains of industry and potential investors at the on-going Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI) Congress and International Investment Forum.

He said diaspora remittances and other foreign revenue streams were greatly assisting in stabilising the economy. Dr Mangudya also reported that the interbank foreign exchange market was now trading about $2 million per day, which is an increase from $500 000 that was being traded earlier. The formal forex trading market was introduced in February this year and recently struck equilibrium with parallel market rates.

“As a bank we need to share as much information as possible to leaders of industry and analysts for you to understand business and so that there is no information asymmetry in the country. I am talking about the interbank market, which started in February.

“We have seen that the interbank market has been moving perfectly and we are happy with the performance especially after the SI 142. We have seen trades of $2 million per day on purchase by banks from their customers,” said Dr Mangudya.

“Over the six months period of January to June 2019 the total export receipts amounted to $1,7 billion with other receipts, loan proceeds and foreign investments, amounting to $1,3 billion giving us a total of $3 billion.”

Dr Mangudya said despite the negative publicity the country and central bank were getting, especially in the media, the apex bank was inspired to work harder and would continue to share critical information with all relevant stakeholders so as to dispel misinformation.

“So, some will say the RBZ has $3 billion. We’re not keeping this money, it’s the economy that earned $3 billion from among other sources, diaspora cash-outs, tobacco receipts and others and we’re quite happy with performance,” he added.

Dr Mangudya said platforms such as the CZI forum were critical in addressing some of the impediments affecting the economy such as lack of confidence and lack of competitiveness. He called for unity of purpose among Zimbabweans saying the economy needs a collective support for it to succeed.

Speaking at the same event, Zimbabwe Stock Exchange chief executive officer, Mr Justin Bgoni, said the country needs market led solutions. Mr Mussa Yakubu from the Nigerian Embassy said Zimbabwe’s economic challenges were common across Africa hence the need for cooperation across borders.

SOME of the political parties whose candidates are vying for the Lupane East seat have literally camped in the constituency canvassing for votes ahead of the August 3 by elections.

The seat fell vacant following the death of Zanu-PF legislator, Sithembile Gumbo, in April.

Nine candidates namely; Mbongeni Dube (Zanu-PF), Messrs Morgen Ndlovu (Labour Economists and African Democrats Party), Given Ncube (MDC-T), Dalumuzi Khumalo (MDC-Alliance), Nelson Mkandla (National Action Party), Andrew Tshaba (Mthwakazi Republic Party), Njabulo Sibanda (National Patriotic Front), Gezekile Mkhwebu (Zapu) and Ms Alice Sibanda (National Constitutional Assembly) are contesting the election.State media

ZIMBABWEANS living in the diaspora have a role to play in rebuilding the country’s economy, President Mnangagwa has said.

The President said it was every Zimbabwean’s responsibility to contribute towards economic recovery.

He said this yesterday while addressing Zimbabweans working and living in Namibia.

President Mnangagwa is in Namibia on three-day State visit which ends today.

“The rebuilding, growth and prosperity of our country is everyone’s responsibility, both home and abroad. We are one people with a shared destiny in our country,” he said.

The President added that as the country’s economy mends, he was looking forward to seeing some Zimbabweans returning home to help develop the country.

“I look forward as our economy recovers to possibly some of you who have acquired skills or have been exposed to skills outside Zimbabwe to think of coming back home to contribute to the task of growing and modernising our country.
“Zimbabwe is for all of us, no one should be left behind,” said President Mnangagwa.

The President implored Zimbabweans living in the diaspora to invest back home.State media

Farai Dziva| Emmerson Mnangagwa has written an official letter to the newly-appointed Prime Minister of Great Britain, Boris Johnson expressing his wish to meet with him in person.

Johnson was on Wednesday invited by Queen Elizabeth to Buckingham Palace to form a government following the formal resignation of Theresa May over Brexit.

“Allow me to, first of all, extend my very sincere personal congratulations, as well as those of my Administration, on your election as leader of the Conservative Party and, thence, your appointment to the Office of Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

I wish you every success in your endeavour as you take on this immensely challenging task and lead the United Kingdom into a future filled with promise and potential.

I look forward to meeting you in person shortly, and to working with you and your administration as, together, we strive to return our once-formidable bilateral relationship to its rightful level, distancing ourselves from past differences and focusing instead on the future.

A key component of those reforms is re-engagement with all those nations from which we have become somewhat estranged over the past two decades or so.

Rebuilding our relations with the United Kingdom lies at the very core of that re-engagement process and is an objective to which I and my Administration are fully committed.

We are, of course, equally committed to early readmission to the Commonwealth family of nations, a process which is already underway.

In this regard, Honourable Prime Minister, I know I can count on your continued support.

In expressing, once again, my heartfelt congratulations to you, Honourable Prime Minister allow me to end by asking you to accept, as well, the assurances of my highest and most respectful consideration,” wrote Mnangagwa.

Farai Dziva|PPPZ leader, Pastor Timothy Chiguvare has already set his focus on the 2023 elections and he believes he has what it takes to lead Zimbabwe.

See Chiguvare’s statement :

Yes we are, we can and we will end Corruption, indolence, incompetence and inefficiency that is ripping apart most , if not all, urban and rural local authorities in Zimbabwe.

PPPZ IS NOW READY TO DELIVER A TRUSTED KNOWLEDGEABLE AND TRANSPARENT SERVICE THAT PROVIDES THE BEST FOR ALL OF US AS A RAINBOW NATION.

My ability to add value to the nation of Zimbabwe is an art form that has taken years of experience to perfect.

Farai Dziva|Former ZBC presenter, Ezra Tshisa Sibanda, has urged the Zimbabwe Anti Corruption Commission to pull all high profile criminals behind bars.

See Sibanda’s argument: The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has taken Tourism Minister Prisca Mupfumira on alleged corruption charges.

According to ZACC , The Minister of Tourism has been taken in and is currently in their custody.

I hope the new ZACC will do better than the previous which was good at arresting and achieving little or no conviction.

All the sharks previously accused of corruption are still walking scot free.

All the corrupt thieves should be behind bars no matter who they are or what position they hold.

ZACC should also investigate sports bodies, Zifa, Cricket, SRC etc. ..

This was revealed by Social Welfare minister Sekai Nzenza during parliament (Wednesday).

She said:

“… I really appreciate (Hon Madzimure’s) concern regarding the pensioners.  I am also quite concerned particularly with the difficulties that are being experienced by the majority of the people, especially when we look at the price hikes in comparison to their purchasing power.  

I have been talking to the Minister of Finance and Economic Development.  He is in the process of reviewing the pensions upwards in light of the current difficulties that we have.

 However as the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, I have held several negotiations with the workers through the Tripartite Negotiating Forum that was made into legislation on the 5^th June, 2019 by our President.  

That forum has enabled us to have a social platform where we have employers, Government and workers discussing issues of social-economic interest.  As a result, we have at present the cushioning allowance which will be made available this month.  

Following that, as from the 1^st August, we will once again begin negotiating to ensure that we protect the survival and livelihoods of the majority of the people.”

By Own Correspondent| PHD Founder and leader Walter Magaya who for the past few weeks hogged the headlines over alleged sexual abuse has called on christians to join him in prayer as he seeks new direction for his ministry and personal life.

Magaya said this in a video where he is visiting his spiritual father T B Joshua at The Synagogue Church of All Nations, (Scoan) in Nigeria.

He said:

“I bless you in Jesus mighty name. It is very true, one believer cannot make, two are better. I want you, to join me in prayer as we refocus our life, as we give a new direction to our ministry, as we give new direction to my personal life.

I want you to join me in prayer may God bless you you and I can bring a change join me as I create a new way, as I create a new life (line), in Jesus’ mighty name, you as a child all over the world I call you here in the house of God at SCOAN, praying from Tuesday the 25th of July 2019 join me in prayer today, join me in prayer tomorrow, may God bless you. Saturday I’ll meet everyone in South Africa, Sunday I will meet everyone in Zimbabwe. God bless you.”

By A Correspondent- A local church pastor yesterday admitted to stealing a cell phone after conducting home prayer session.

Denzel Chimusewu pleaded guilty to theft of trust property when he appeared before Harare magistrate Yeukai Dzuda.

The man of cloth told the court that he took the cell phone and converted it into his own use because he was in desperate need of money after receiving news that his uncle was robbed.

The matter was deferred to today for sentencing.

The State had it that on July 5, Chimusewu stole a Samsung J5 handset from Sarah Marwodzi after he had gone to conduct prayers at her residence in Epworth.

Chisemu is alleged to have asked for the phone to make a quick call before disappearing with it.

Further allegations are that, on July 22, the complainant met the accused at Chiremba Shops leading to his arrest.

The cell phone valued at $750 has not been recovered.-HMetro

By Own Correspondent| Opposition Movement for Democratic Change has said the recent High court ruling which exposed state media bias towards Zanu Pf vindicates the party which is on record saying last year’s harmonised polls were rigged.

Said Luke Tamborinyoka in a statement:

The High Court ruling that the Zimbabwe Newspapers and the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation were biased in favour of Zanu PF in their coverage of the 2018 election vindicates the MDC position that the last plebiscite was rigged.

Apart from the machinations of ZEC, which astonishingly revised downwards its own figures three times before announcing a fudged poll result, the ruling by the High Court simply casts aspersions on the credibility of the 2018 election.

In a ruling delivered on Wednesday, the High Court ruled that during the 2018 elections, Zimpapers and ZBC, the biggest media houses in the country, conducted themselves in a manner that was in breach of the Constitution.

The High Court ruled that the two media houses were not impartial. It is profound that the High Court said the two media houses failed to comply with the Constitution, which demands that they afford equal and impartial coverage to all contesting candidates and parties.

The MDC has been calling for a comprehensive reform agenda, including media reforms, to ensure that Zimbabwe’s elections are vaccinated from the errant behavior of national institutions that brazenly support Zanu PF in violation of the national constitution.

The High Court thus vindicates the MDC position, in particular its RELOAD document whose signposts to legitimacy include political pressure, genuine and sincere dialogue, a national transitional mechanism, a comprehensive reform agenda and free and fair elections.

ZBC and Zimpapers are national institutions that must simply comply with the Constitution of Zimbabwe. They must provide fair and equal coverage to all contesting parties. In the last election, Mr. Mnangagwa and Zanu PF were accorded unfettered coverage while the MDC and its leader, Advocate Nelson Chamisa, received scant coverage, if at all.

It is our firm belief that the public media failed to discharge their mandate. This hugely contributed to the illegitimate 2018 lection which perpetuated the country’s vicious cycle of disputed elections.

The 2018 election then bred an illegitimate outcome and an equally illegitimate leader. The unfortunate net result of this compounded illegitimacy is the current economic crisis and the attendant power, fuel, and cash shortages, among other national challenges.

The MDC believes in a return to legitimacy as the only prudent way forward. Such legitimacy can only be achieved through a free and fair election. The party will unstintingly follow its roadmap that will be ignited by peaceful political pressure until a free and fair election is held.

It is only a legitimate government that can begin to prudently transact the people’s business in a manner that will positively transform the lives of ordinary citizens.

MDC: Change that delivers.

Luke Tamborinyoka
MDC Deputy National Spokesperson

By A Correspondent| Five men who connived to defraud Harare Central Hospital of $63 000 by diverting payments for pharmaceutical supplies to their personal accounts were yesterday convicted by a Harare magistrate.

Prosecuting George Manokore proved beyond reasonable doubt that on December 21, 2010 the hospital requested for pharmaceutical products valued at $8 400 from Larryscope Pharmaceuticals and on February 11, 2011 they supplied the products and the hospital acknowledged receipt of products.

Manokore through the State witnesses, Petros Dhokwani, Reginald Mthombeni Larryscope finace director and Peggy Chengeto Zvavamwe then Harare Central Hospital CEO proved that Stansfield Dhokwani, Nicholas Mnjanja received proceeds of crime while Albert Chisema, Gift Ziyambe and Colleen Makuyana defrauded the hospital.

The State’s first witness Dhokwani gave a blow by blow account of the roles each of them played in the offence which presiding magistrate Barbra Chimbodza applauded the State for in her ruling.

Chisema and Ziyambe forged a letter purportedly emanating from Larryscope Health Care, advising the hospital to transfer all the payments into Dhokwani’s company, Floralsplah Investments’ bank account.

Acting on the misrepresentation the hospital transferred all the money into Floralsplash Investment bank account, after which Dhokwani used the same modus operandi whenever the hospital requested supply of pharmaceuticals from Larryscope.

The State alleges after the hospital had transferred the money, Dhokwani and his accomplice would then withdraw the money and convert it to their own use.

The offence came to light after Larryscope Health Care made a follow up on the debt at the hospital and discovered that payment was made into Dhokwani’s company bank account.

The matter was remanded to today for sentencing.-HMetro

By A Correspondent- Deputy Headmaster of Majini Primary School in Beitbridge, has been fined four head of cattle for insulting and undermining Beitbridge’s Paramount Chief Vho Stauze (David Mbedzi) during a recent sports gala held in the area.

Velempini Hondo was reported to the Chief Matibe of Beitbridge East by the Limpopo Civic Association (LCA) who said they were incensed with people undermining traditional leaders in the area.

He was tried and sentenced on Monday afternoon.

LCA is a cultural, heritage and tradition grouping of people living within Beitbridge and Gwanda districts.

A representative of the LCA, Jabulani Makhado said they decided to report Hondo to headman Siyoka who referred the matter for trial at Chief Matibe’s Court.

“On 26 June, Hondo presented himself in an unbecoming, nuisance, un-respectful, unprofessional and un African to the person of David Mbedzi who is Chief Stauze and was part of the teaching staff attending schools’ sports gala at Luwade Primary.

“During the same occasion, Hondo’s team lost to the one coach by the chief and he then insulted him verbally with obscenities and physically. After which he went away and we then took the matter up as the concerned members of the community and reported to the local Headman Siyoka.

“The head man then referred the matter to Chief Matibe where Hondo pleaded guilty and was fined four herds of cattle and he also paid a $100 admission of guilty fine,” said Makhado.

He said the Chief Matibe Community Court will soon send Summary of Judgment to Ministry of Justice through Magistrate’s court for effecting of judgment.

By A Correspondent- A 21-year-old man died on the spot after he fell from a moving pick-up truck where he had been seated at the edge of the load box. Matabeleland South provincial police spokesperson, Chief Inspector Philisani Ndebele, confirmed the incident which occurred in Shangani on Monday at around 5PM.

He said Talent Nyoni of Shangani area was seated at the edge of the loading box of a MadzaT35 truck when the vehicle went over a hump and he fell over.

“I can confirm that we recorded a fatal accident which occurred in Shangani where a man fell from a T35 truck and died on the spot. Talent Nyoni and three other passengers were seated in a loading box of the vehicle which was being driven by Mosi Masuku (70).

“The vehicle was travelling along a dust road which connects Shangani and Filabusi areas when it approached a hump and Nyoni who was seated at the edge of the loading box slipped and fell off the moving vehicle and died on the spot. The matter was reported to the police who attended the scene,” Chief Insp Ndebele said.

He urged motorists to ensure that their passengers were seated properly in the loading box in order to avoid accidents, adding that drivers need to check constantly on the sitting positions of their passengers when travelling.

Chief Insp Ndebele also urged passengers to avoid putting their lives at risk through reckless behaviour such as sitting at the edge of a load box. In another incident, a woman died on the spot while seven other passengers were seriously injured when a vehicle they were travelling in overturned.

Chief Insp Ndebele confirmed the incident which occurred near Mthwakazi Business Centre at the 16-kilometre peg along the Bulawayo-Kezi Road. He said the vehicle veered off the road and overturned three times.

“I can confirm that we recorded a fatal road accident which occurred near Mthwakazi Business Centre along Bulawayo-Kezi Road. The driver of the vehicle, an Isuzu Twin Cab, was travelling from Kezi to Bulawayo with eight passengers on board.

“Upon reaching the 16-kilometre peg along the said road, he tried to overtake a vehicle that was in front of him and in the process encroached onto the lane of oncoming traffic while another vehicle was approaching.

“The driver tried to move back into his lane but lost control of the vehicle which veered off the road and overturned three times,” Chief Insp Ndebele said.

He said a woman died on the spot while seven other passengers sustained varying injuries and were ferried to the United Bulawayo Hospitals for treatment. He said investigations were underway-StateMedia

By A Correspondent- An MDC ward chairperson, Nobody Makoni has been hauled to court by his ex-wife, Beauty Benny for neglecting his 10th child with her.

Appearing before magistrate Sheila Nazombe, Beauty claimed that Makoni earned his salary in foreign currency thus he was able to pay $425 monthly maintenance.

”He works for the Nelson Chamisa-led Movement for Democratic Change and he earns money in foreign currency, I understand that he has 10 children but some are now grown up and they are working whilst some have married. He earns about R18 000 plus additional figures via his Eco Cash,” said Beauty.

However,Makoni told the court that he was not employed at the moment and did not receive any salary in foreign currency.

”Yes, I am a ward Chairperson for the MDC but it’s not a paid job. I am a volunteer. I am not employed and I have other children to look after said Makoni,” said Makoni.

The presiding magistrate ordered Makoni to bring his EcoCash statement to court tomorrow for continuation of trial.-HMetro