Farai Dziva|MDC secretary for International Relations, Gladys Hlatywayo has castigated Emmerson Mnangagwa for masquareding as a political messiah.

See Hlatywayo’s statement below :

MDC is concerned about Mnangagwa’s attempts to mislead regional leaders on the situation in our country.

This follows a statement by President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa where he indicated that he had been briefed by Emmerson Mnangagwa that Zimbabwe is now on the
road to recovery.

This was despite the fact that he had gone with a begging bowl to South Africa for electricity as a result of the incessant and crippling power cuts bedeviling the nation. It is our considered view that contrary to Mr Mnangagwa’s view, Zimbabwe is far off the road to recovery.

If anything, the situation has gotten worse.

The economic situation has deteriorated as evidenced by skyrocketing prices, shortages of basic commodities including bread and fuel, power cuts, water rationing and the erosion of salaries owing to hyperinflation. Our young people are without jobs and the public healthcare system has
collapsed whilst the private healthcare system is now beyond the reach of many.

The democratic space is shrinking by the day as the current military government is moving in to thwart dissent. A record breaking 21 opposition, labor and civic leaders are currently facing trumped up charges of subversion. This is the first time since independence that such serious charges have been so generously dished out.

In August 2018, the regime shot and killed seven unarmed citizens. In January 2019, the same government killed several unarmed citizens during protests. Impunity is the order of the day as perpetrators of these human violations have not been brought to book as recommended by the
Mothlante Commission.

The MDC asserts that the socio-economic challenges are a manifestation of the crisis of legitimacy, borne out of the 2018 disputed elections that failed the credibility test.

The MDC therefore strongly insists on the urgent need for a political solution anchored on genuine, inclusive, mediated dialogue that is underwritten by the international community. Such a dialogue must ensure the return to legitimacy, a comprehensive reform agenda, economic recovery, a national healing program and international re-engagement. It is only when the above mentioned requisite measures are put in place that Zimbabwe can be on the road to recovery.

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

Gladys Hlatywayo
Secretary for International Relations

Farai Dziva|One of Emmerson Mnangagwa’s lawyers, Tinomuda Chinyoka, has said there is nothing treasonous about Job Sikhala’s remarks.

Chinyoka also slammed the arrest of Sikhala.

Chinyoka has also insisted that Job Sikhala should not have been arrested or charged with treason for statements he made at a rally because they are protected by free speech.

He also said that there was nothing treasonous about Sikhala as the statements were not sinister but were made in an excitable state.

Farai Dziva|MDC president Nelson Chamisa has accused Emmerson Mnangagwa of claiming credit for the hard work done by the opposition party in Harare.

Said Chamisa:”Why should Mnangagwa come to open a local authority institution, in fact, this is an effort of the council.

But if he is coming, he is welcome because he must also come and see evidence of good leadership at the local level.”

“That’s the problem. Success has many parents and failure seems to be orphaned, there is a failure at ZESA, ZINWA, there is a failure in the roads which are now death traps but we are not seeing him there.

Then there is now this child from our local authorities, he wants to come here. He should address the problems faced in government.”

Farai Dziva|A caller from Liverpool has revealed that the Zimbabwe Netball players have been instructed to purchase their own “Asics” professional shoes for the Vitality World Cup starting today (Friday).

Zimbabwe faces Sri Lanka today, Friday.

The gems’ trip to the United Kingdom has been mired in controversy as government apparatchiks abused the funds donated by well-wishers to support the team.

As ZimEye.com aptly reported, thousands of dollars were squandered by government officials leaving the players stranded.

The gems were forced to camp at a substandard hotel while the government apparatchiks were ensconced in luxurious rooms.

“The food the players are eating is pathetic.

To make matters worse, the girls have been instructed to buy shoes for the tournament,” said the Liverpool caller.

Well-wishers have pledged to raise money to purchase the Asics professional shoes for the players.

Meanwhile, experts have explained that Asics are needed to enhance the players’ game. The high sides mean these are very comfortable and supportive, especially on ankles, which can be a player’s weak spot. The gel system is based on a special kind of silicon that enables optimal shock absorption, meaning jumping in these trainers is a breeze. The natural bounciness of the sole helps you to feel  light on your feet. The extra-ribbed sole provides essential grip, which results in good performance on slippery outdoor courts as well as indoors.

The Combined Harare Residents Association mourn the passing on of its Board Member and CHRA Ward Branch Chairperson for Ward 14 Mr Davies Hove.

Mr Hove died on the 7th of July 2019 and will be laid to rest on the 13th July 2019 at Glen Forest Cemetery.

Mr Hove and the late Mbuya Monica Chokuwa and others founded Kambuzuma Residents Association.

During the CHRA transformation phase between 2005-2006, Mr Hove became the CHRA Coordinator for Ward 14 Kambuzuma.

At the time of his death he was serving as the Chairperson for the Welfare Committee and a Board Member of the Association.

His unwavering selfless service in community development to the Association and the Kambuzuma Constituency was outstanding and will be remembered.

Mr Hove was a peace builder and negotiator, an art that helped him to assist the poor masses of Kambuzuma in water reconnections when the City unleashed brutal debt management strategies through abitrary water disconnections for ratepayers who owe the City of Harare.

May his soul rest in peace.

There is Always Darkness Before Dawn

To all of our sisters, brothers in the MDC and affiliate unions I join you in solidarity with MDC Vice Chair Hon. Job Sikhala and Youth SG Gift Ostalos Siziba.

We must continue to fight for what we believe is right. Freedom must come in our lifetime.

I am currently not around on work business but my heart and thoughts are with Hon. Sikhala and Gift Ostalos Siziba.

These incomprehensible selective arrests and detention of leaders of the opposition members fills us all with deep pain. But we are reminded again that acts like this only strengthen us. Together to the end. In God we trust.

I thank you all who are in solidarity with our leaders

Lynette Karenyi-Kore
MDC Vice-President

Back from college: In turmoil and tenacity, we continue to fight.

Fellow Zimbabweans, members of the democratic change, Africans and the world at large, You have afforded me, yet again the opportunity to be alive and post on this platform.

In 2016 l spent more than a month in Chikurubi Maximum Prison and with your solidarity and support l managed to survive Robert Mugabe’s house of terror.

Today, l got a glimpse of Mnangagwa’ s new dispensation having been accused of inciting public violence.

I thank you all fellow countrymen and country women for the unprecedented act of Solidarity and revolutionary love.

We are all committed to the establishment of a democratic Zimbabwe. A society whose key values are Justice, Freedom, Solidarity, Openness and Transparency.

Painful as it might be, we continue to fight!

Until victory, Aluta Contra
Moi!

Cde Ostallos
Secretary General (MDC Youth Assembly)

By A Correspondent- MDC-Alliance president, advocate Nelson Chamisa, has said that party supporters must not be confused by the party’s inaction saying that they have a solid plan to rescue the country from political and economic crises.

His remarks come at a time when MDC supporters are demanding party leadership to nod to protests against arrests of party members.

He said:

We are thought leaders, but beyond being thought leaders we are actors. So when we think, we also act. We have two courages, the courage to think and the courage to act. So when you have seen us not acting, it’s because acting, its moment has not come. But when it comes, we will act.

I say this because i know … eeh takamirira signal, eeh takamirira signal. No! there will be no signal, you’re the signal. (I say this because I know some are saying we’re waiting for the signal. No! there will be no signal, you’re the signal).

The youthful leader said that giving a signal will only alert the ZANU PF party. He also said that the MDC will implement democratic measures in its endeavour to take power away from the ZANU PF. He said that peaceful demonstrations were constitutional.

He warned however that a democratic and peaceful process was painful but necessary. He said he was convinced that Zimbabwe was heading for disaster, but, a paradigm shift was the only way forward.

He observed that the removal of Mnangagwa was not enough if the system remained the same.

The South African National Defence Force will be deployed in violence-riddled communities in Cape Town, the office of Police Minister Bheki Cele said on Thursday.

The areas include Bonteheuwel, Delft, Hanover Park and Philippi East.

On the weekend at least 11 people were shot dead in Philippi East.

There were seven murders in Delft and two in Hanover Park since last Friday.-EWN

By A Correspondent- The Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) on Wednesday boycotted a feedback meeting following a meeting held on Tuesday between the Apex Council and government representatives.

PTUZ secretary-general, Raymond Majongwe, confirmed that his union did not attend the feedback meeting saying that they have lost confidence in the Apex Council.

However, the Zimbabwe Teachers Association (ZIMTA) president, Richard Gundani said that unions should speak with one voice.

He said:

The issues that PTUZ are raising have always been raised.

We should be able to find a way that is acceptable so that we have a strong body that will not be challenged.

It is important that we speak with one voice. There are these small things that end up dividing workers.

At the moment we have no choice because Apex Council and NJNC are the legal bodies that provide a platform for bargaining.

The Apex Council is a body comprising of 15 trade unions representing civil servants from across Government departments and only nine sit in the National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC).

The NJNC is the platform that brings together trade unions under the Apex Council and government representatives to negotiate conditions of service for civil servants.-StateMedia

Twitter users are currently experiencing challenges logging into the microblogging site. 

Twitter has confirmed the issue on their page and said:

[Investigating] We are currently investigating issues people are having accessing Twitter. We will keep you updated on whats happening.

By A Correspondent- Bulawayo residents have expressed fears over the possibility of a cholera outbreak with the city going for more than 8 days without water.

The council shut down its Criterion water treatment plant for refurbishment last week and residential areas have largely been dry since then.

Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association (BPRA) acting co-ordinator Emmanuel Ndlovu called for the powers that be to declare a State of Emergency in the city.

He said:

Bulawayo is, therefore, in the utmost danger of cholera and typhoid outbreak. This reflects poor planning and management of water resources by BCC.

Given the continued failure to finalise the project and scanty information from BCC and the failure by BCC to provide Plan B, BPRA is calling for a shutdown of schools until the situation returns to normalcy.

BPRA is further calling for heads to roll in council and for relevant powers to declare the State of Emergency in Bulawayo.

Meanwhile, Bulawayo mayor, Councillor Solomon Mguni has apologised to residents and stakeholders over the water situation.

He said:

The rehabilitation of water treatment and pumping infrastructure under the African Development Bank’s BSWIP grant continues.

There are times when we must take the pain to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of water delivery to our people.

We apologise to our residents and stakeholders for the seven days of dry taps.-Newsday

By A Correspondent- A traditional court has fined six men 16 cattle and 4 goats after they were convicted of practising black magic on women.

The men, who are from Chiweshe, were hauled before Chief Makope’s traditional court on Sunday on allegations that they were using “mubobobo” after 63 women’s undergarments were found at a graveyard in Nzvimbo village in May.

Chief Makope told NewsDay that the six suspects pleaded guilty to the charge and implicated a 70-year-old man as the ring leader.

The alleged ring leader reportedly fled before the judgement was handed down.

Said the Chief:

After the prophet from Bulawayo (Madzibaba Sejiby) identifying the culprits five of them said they were initiated into the mubobobo syndicate by the villager who fled after they were given small sticks which they used when going to bed.

Five of the culprits wept in court, pleading guilty to witchcraft so I fined them 16 cattle and four goats since they were initiated unknowingly.

Chief Makope has called for prophets from outside his jurisdiction to come and “vet” the villager who pleaded not guilty to using mubobobo.

According to a report, Mubobobo is a kind of black magic whereby a man can supposedly have sex with a woman from a distance and without her consent.

In effect, it refers to a magical remote sexual intercourse, metaphorically called ‘blue tooth sex’, as it generally ‘connects’ perpetrator and victim within an eye-shot distance or even beyond.

It refers to the magic for engaging in sexual intercourse without consent and physical contact. As such one could not lose virginity or contract HIV because there is no physical contact.-Newsday

By A Correspondent- President Mnangagwa has bemoaned the high maternal mortality rate in the country, calling for investment in strengthening the skills of midwives and doctors as well as the supply of essential medical equipment to avert such deaths.

“We remain concerned with the high maternal mortality in Zimbabwe with 651 deaths for every 100 000 live births.

As government, we take note of this and we are committed to ensuring safe motherhood through a number of ways including investing in strengthening the skills of midwives and doctors, the supply of essential medical equipment to avert such deaths,” he said.

More to follow…

By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) has retrenched 38 employees, saying it is adopting a leaner, more efficient and cost effective human resource base.

The employees, from different departments and offices across the country started receiving their letters on Tuesday afternoon, it has emerged.

This retrenchment comes after a staff audit carried out by the authority, early this year.

ZTA Corporate and Communications manager Godfrey Koti said he will give details this afternoon.

This is a developing story. More details to follow

By A Correspondent- Bulawayo City Council Town Clerk, Mr Christopher Dube, has been suspended.

The state media alleges that Dube was suspended for allegedly blocking councillors’ ‘intrusive’ activities and ‘overstepping their boundaries’ in the running of council affairs.

He was suspended by Bulawayo Acting Mayor Tinashe Kambarami, a day before a meeting requested by councillors to discuss the conduct of senior managers at the local authority.

Cncllr Kambarami is reported to have handed to suspension letter to Mr Dube in person.

The Chronicle reports that Kambarami was being accompanied by another person who was recording a video while they shoved the Town Clerk out of his office.

Meanwhile, Bulawayo Mayor, Solomon Mguni, is away on study leave.

The publication further notes that there was a plot to suspend Mr Dube on Friday in the meeting after he blocked their intrusive activities and breaching their boundaries in the running of council affairs.

By Own Correspondent- One South African man died and the other was injured after being attacked by a group of women who accused them of stealing their laundry on the lines. 

“We got tired of seeing our laundry disappearing from washing lines all the time,” the angry woman told Daily Sun.

“We were forced to sit outside guarding our washing all the time or run the risk of losing it.” The women vowed they would teach the men a lesson they’d never forget once they caught them.

Stones, knobkerries and sjamboks rained down on them as the angry women from Tamboville in Wattville, Ekurhuleni, South Africa vented their anger. One man died and the other managed to run away. The women said they were frustrated because the cops weren’t helping them.

“We try to be patient, respect the law and hand them over to cops but it doesn’t work for us,” said one of the women who witnessed the beating. “The thieves are arrested but a few days later they are back on the streets. Where’s the justice?” Another woman said they were guarding their washing with their lives.

“We spend the whole day watching it and waiting for it to dry. But the washing still disappears and we end up crying,” said another woman. “It is better that their families cry as well. Not just us.” But the families of the victims are sad and angry.

Thembeka Majwete (43) said the people who killed her nephew Esethu Majwete (20) didn’t know the full story. “Esethu was mentally ill. He went around begging for food. There was no way he could steal their clothes or their bathtub.

“We are hurt, especially after learning that the people who killed my nephew were women.” Neighbour Sylvia Lekoape said the women were heartless.

“How can women who gave birth themselves beat another woman’s child as if they never raised their own?” she asked. “Instead of killing him, why didn’t they bring him here and tell their parents to pay them back?”

Captain Pheello Mothapo said a murder case was opened at Actonville Police Station but said no arrests have been made as cops are still investigating. “We’ll be making an arrest soon,” he said.

National power utility ZESA Holdings says it is seeking a government exemption to charge mining companies and other exporters in United States dollars to guarantee power supplies.

ZESA wrote to the Ministry of Finance after Professor Mthuli Ncube banned the use of foreign currency as legal tender in Zimbabwe repealing the 2009 law that introduced multi currency system in Zimbabwe.

The move by ZESA received widespread condemnation form Z8imbabweans who feel it is insensitive and exposes the folly of Mthuli Ncube’s statutory Instrument.

Professor Jonathan Moyo remarked, “What? “And other exporters”. Name them. An exemption for some must be an exemption for all. Great job in exposing the folly of Mthuli Ncube’s 142/19!”

Exiled business tycoon Mutumwa Mawere said, “Exceptions are the mother of all evil and distortions.”

Posting on Twiitter Public Policy analyst  Joseph Mhlanga said, “What’s to stop my local supermarket from seeking a government exemption to charge its customers in US$ to guarantee grocery supplies?”

Agents|MDC female Vice President Lynette Karenyi-Kore has urged MDC supporters to continue fighting for the freedom of the people of Zimbabwe regardless of the arrests that are being conducted by the state on MDC officials.

Karenyi-Kore who is out of the country said, “I am currently not around on work business but my heart and thoughts are with Hon. Sikhala and Gift Ostalos Siziba.These incomprehensible selective arrests and detention of leaders of the opposition members fill us all with deep pain. But we are reminded again that acts like this only strengthen us. Together to the end. In God we trust.”

She further urged all MDC supporters to remain in solidarity with arrested lawmaker Job Sikhala and Youth Secretary General Gift Siziba.

“To all of our sisters, brothers in the MDC and affiliate unions I join you in solidarity with MDC Vice Chair Hon. Job Sikhala and Youth SG Gift Ostalos Siziba. We must continue to fight for what we believe is right. Freedom must come in our lifetime. I thank you all who are in solidarity  with our leaders.”

Sikhala who was transported to Masvingo on Wednesday is facing a  charge of plotting to subvert a constitutionally elected government and faces up to 20 years in prison.

Bulawayo Acting Mayor Tinashe Kambarami has reportedly suspended Bulawayo City Council Town Clerk Mr Christopher Dube a day before a meeting requested by councillors to discuss the conduct of senior managers at the local authority.

Kambarami is said to have gone to Mr Dube’s office to hand the letter of suspension accompanied by another person who was recording a video while they shoved the Town Clerk out of his office.

This was done in the absence of the Bulawayo Mayor Solomon Mguni who is away on study leave and is not aware of his deputy’s actions.

This paper had reported a plot by MDC Alliance councillors to suspend Mr Dube on Friday in the meeting.

More to follow

Agents|MDC Alliance deputy president Tendai Biti who is one of the party’s vice chairperson Job Sikhala’s lawyers in his treason case has revealed that the police locked them behind a steel door so that they could not have access to him.

Sikhala was arrested on Tuesday over statements he made at a rally in Bikita, Masvingo province at the weekend threatening to overthrow President Emmerson Mnangagwa before the end of his reign.

Sikhala’s lawyers were initially told that he would appear at the Rotten Row magistrates courts in Harare on Wednesday but he was taken to Bikita.

Biti said the behavior of the police showed that the government is not sincere about rebranding the country.

“They call themselves a new dispensation but today (Wednesday) when they whisked away Job Sikhala a from Law and Order Department, they locked us (all the lawyers present ) behind a steel door to prevent us from trekking same. T his is an absolute fascist regime presided over by predatory fascists,” said Biti.

There was panic among opposition circles when Sikhala failed to appear at the Harare courts with some speculating that security agents had abducted him.

The Ministry of Information on Wednesday night issued a statement that Sikhala was being transferred to Bikita where the alleged crime was committed.

Arrested MDC Vice Chairperson Job Sikhala according to his lawyers has also indicated he wants to sue both government and specific officers who abused him while in detention.

There was confusion on Wednesday after it emerged Sikhala was initially supposed to appear in court in Harare before the jurisdiction issues were raised.

Authorities then decided the Zengeza West MP would appear in court at Bikita leaving MDC supporters who had gathered at the Rotten Row Magistrates Court Wednesday afternoon seething with anger.

Reports claim that Sikhala was blind folded as he was being transported from Harare to Bikita.

Sikhala was remanded in custody for the next two weeks on allegations that he told party supporters in Bikita that the opposition was planning to topple President Emmerson Mnangagwa before scheduled elections in 2023.

“We will overthrow Mnangagwa before 2023. This is not a joke,” Sikhala reportedly said.

MDC spokesperson Daniel Molokele said the opposition had been dismayed by the ruling.

“We are not happy with the decision and our lawyers will be appealing to the High Court,” said Molokele.

MDC President, Nelson Chamisa, has today officially launched the party’s Road to Economic Recovery, Legitimacy, Openness And Democracy (RELOAD) at Harare Gardens.

Chamisa said that the party will be guided by a five-point road map in its endeavour to dislodge the ruling ZANU PF from power. Below is the Five-point road map:

1. Diplomatic and Political pressure on this govt: Chamisa said that the party will exert both political and diplomatic pressure on the government so as to reclaim its July 30, 2018, elections victory. He said that the party will be “radically-peaceful” in terms of the constitution, that is, peaceful protests. He called upon other stakeholders including church leaders, women, political parties, and war veterans to the MDC and “reason.” Chamisa also reiterated the party’s intention to push for the Zimbabwean agenda to be discussed at regional groupings including SADC.

2. National Dialogue: Chamisa said that there must be a genuine national dialogue. He said that the party was against the use of violence to resolve issues saying that even after an armed struggle, there is still need to sit down and dialogue. He said that the MDC believes that a Civilised community resolves issues amicably. Chamisa added that the dialogue must discuss the legitimacy issue which is the source of the problems affecting the nation. He also said that a legitimate and credible dialogue needs to be facilitated by international adjudicators. He also said that the dialogue has to have timelines so as to measure achievements.

3. National Transitional mechanism: Chamisa said that the dialogue will result in the establishment of a national transitional mechanism to lift the country from the crises. He also said that another mandate of the NTM will be to usher Zimbabwe into new elections.

4. Comprehensive reform agenda: Chamisa also said that there are a number of areas that need to be reformed for democracy to prevail in the country. He, however, said that he would not preempt the party’s plan on reforms as he fears that the ZANU PF would start implementing the MDC’s ideas.

5. Free and fair elections: Chamisa also said that there is need for electoral reforms before the nation goes to the elections. He said that there won’t be elections if the current Zimbabwe Electoral Commission team is in place as it is biased towards the ZANU PF.

Chamisa concluded saying that the party will not be pushed into prematurely launching its strategic plan by the ZANU PF because it knows their rivals’ evil plans

Farai Dziva|MDC deputy spokesperson Luke Tamborinyoka has said the arbitrary arrests of opposition members confirm that Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government is a “brutal continuation of Robert Mugabe’s dispensation.”

Two MDC officials, vice chairperson Job Sikhala and youth assembly secretary general, Gift Ostallos Siziba were arrested in as many days for “plotting to overthrow the government.”

ZimEye.com asked Tamborinyoka about the selective persecution of opposition members :

Government sympathizers are attacking Hon Sikhala from all angles any response to the matter?

Tamborinyoka Luke responded: “It only confirms Mnangagwa is not in any way a new dispensation. He is a brutal continuation of Mugabe’s dispensation.

In other words there is no Second Republic. It is a continuation of the First…”

In Harare, ZLHR lawyers have secured the release on $1 000 bail of MDC Youth Assembly Secretary-General Gift Ostallos Siziba charged with incitement to commit public violence. Magistrate Elijah Makomo ordered Ostallos to report three times per week at Harare Central Police Station. Ostallos returns to court on 24 July 2019.

Farai Dziva|Lawyers representing MDC vice chairperson, Job Sikhala have filed an urgent application for bail pending trial.

“At Masvingo High Court, ZLHR lawyers have failed a bail application seeking the release of Zengeza West MP Hon. Job Sikhala after he was remanded in custody at Bikita Magistrate Court by Magistrate Marewanazvo Gofa.

Bail application was successfully filed at15:30pm.

The High Court will sit on the 15 July 2019 at 9:30am to hear Job Sikhala’s bail application,” the MDC has said in a statement.

At Masvingo High Court, ZLHR lawyers Jeremiah Bamu and Tinomuda Shoko have filed an application seeking the release of Zengeza West MP Hon. Job Sikhala on bail after he was remanded in custody at Bikita Magistrates Court by Magistrate Marewanazvo Gofa.

More to follow…

Farai Dziva|A caller from Liverpool has revealed that the Zimbabwe Netball players have been instructed to purchase their own Asics shoes for the mega tournament.

The gems’ trip to the United Kingdom has been mired in controversy as government apparatchiks abused the funds donated by well-wishers to support the team.

As ZimEye.com aptly reported, thousands of dollars were squandered by government officials leaving the players stranded.

The gems were forced to camp at a substandard hotel while the government apparatchiks were ensconced in luxurious rooms.

“The food the players are eating is pathetic.

To make matters worse, the girls have been instructed to buy shoes for the tournament,” said the Liverpool caller.

Well-wishers have pledged to raise money to purchase shoes for the netball players.

MDC Youth Assembly Secretary General Gift Ostallos Siziba has been granted ZWL$1000 bail, ZimEye has learnt.

Siziba was arrested yesterday on charges committing to incite public violence.

MDC Youth Assembly Chairperson Tererai Obey Sithole confirmed the court decision to grant Siziba bail.

Meanwhile MDC vice Chairperson Job Sikhala has been denied bail and taken to Masvingo Prison but his lawyers have indicated that they will appeal at the High Court.

Farai Dziva|MDC leader Nelson Chamisa has described the RELOAD Policy document as “pure milk” implying that it contains vibrant ideas for nation building and economic development.

Speaking at the launch of the RELOAD Document, in Harare, Chamisa said:”This is an excellent document, mukaka chaiwo…

This document consists of vibrant ideas for economic development,” said Chamisa.

“I would like to thank party leaders who crafted the document.

This shows we are very serious as a party.If we are able to come up with such a document it means we have the potential to transform the country’s economy.”

Farai Dziva|The brother of the man who allegedly murdered a university student has disclosed how the grisly offence was committed.

Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT)student Angela Dapi, was brutally murdered at the Elizabeth Hotel in Harare.

According to H-Metro the alleged killer Richard Nenohwe’s brother Munyaradzi and his two uncles Rufasi and Wellington, were well received by Angela’s family for the gesture they had undertaken.

Speaking to H-Metro, Richard’s brother Munyaradzai said:
He (Richard) informed me through a text message. He said we had an argument, and I asked why, and he said he (Richard) had cheated on his girlfriend.

I asked him again on what transpired for that argument to result in this situation, and he just typed again saying they just had an argument.

He said due to this, it was no longer necessary for him to live anymore.

…After doing what he did, he sent his workmate and friend Tinashe in Shurugwi a message saying: ‘I have killed my girlfriend and I cut myself and I’m bleeding to death’
But for myself, he once called me and I recorded that call.

He was just asking saying, ‘do you want to know?’
And I kept asking him, ‘to know what’?
And he just said, I have cut my wrist and I am bleeding to death. I asked him where he was and why he cut himself and many other questions, but he just said: ‘I will tell you when I am about to die’.
So I did not know what to do then.

After that, that’s where I got the message and I started looking for Tinashe’s uncle, their boss.
That was when we started looking for Richard. We then went to the police and told them that we were receiving disturbing calls and messages from someone who was not telling us his whereabouts.

We heard he sometimes goes to Hotel Elizabeth, but he had booked using a wrong name, so the police gave up looking for him.

Another shift manager came and checked in his hotel booking records and also confirmed that Rich ard was not booked in.

He then said to us: “There is a receipt here. Maybe they used the wrong surname during the printing.”
That was when we saw Richard’s phone number. He was booked in Room 108, Hotel Elizabeth. That was when we and the police rushed to that room, trying to open the door. The police were shouting: ‘Open the door, open the door!’
Richard was answering saying, “Mukudei ndatadze chiyi?”
So I was now just quiet wondering what was happening inside.

The police eventually opened the door and I could immediately tell that Richard was drunk.
We then saw the girl’s lifeless body on the bed and she was naked. Richard had cut his throat so he was bleeding profusely.
I did not focus on him from then as we were now hunting for the Dapi family and worried about how to approach them.

I haven’t paid much attention to him even up to today though when I last talked to him, he was talking faintly, but he seemed like he was recovering”

Farai Dziva|One of Emmerson Mnangagwa’s lawyers, Tinomuda Chinyoka, has said there is nothing treasonous about Job Sikhala’s remarks.

Chinyoka also slammed the arrest of Sikhala.

Chinyoka has also insisted that Job Sikhala should not have been arrested or charged with treason for statements he made at a rally because they are protected by free speech.

He also said that there was nothing treasonous about Sikhala as the statements were not sinister but were made in an excitable state.

VIDEO LOADING BELOW…

https://youtu.be/87vcuowiHzY

VIDEO LOADING BELOW

MBARE Magistrate Kudzai Zihove on Wednesday 10 July 2019 acquitted Kudakwashe Nyanga, who had been on trial after he was arrested in January and charged with public violence for allegedly participating in an anti-government protest.

The 21 year-old Nyanga, who was represented by Gift Mtisi and Tinashe Mundawarara of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, was arrested by Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) officers on 15 January 2019 and charged with public violence as defined in section 36(1)(a) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.

During trial, prosecutors claimed that Nyanga unlawfully and forcibly disturbed the peace, security or order of the public during an anti-government demonstration held in January to protest against the hike in fuel prices by burning tyres along Seke road in Harare and
throwing stones and other missiles at members of the public and at some police officers who were manning Mbare Police Station.

But Magistrate Zihove on Wednesday 10 July 2019 discharged and acquitted Nyanga at the close of the prosecution case after ruling that the evidence led by state witnesses during trial was discredited.

Magistrate Zihove noted that none of the Zimbabwe Republic Police officers who testified during Nyanga’s trial told the court why he was shot while the arresting officer didn’t testify in court.

By Own Correspondent-President Mnangagwa is soon expected to announce the appointment of members of the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) after Parliament submitted the list of successful candidates to his office.

The names were sent to the President by Parliament’s Committee on Standing Rules and Orders.

Speaker of the National Assembly Advocate Jacob Mudenda told The Herald (Monday) that Parliament had selected successful names from which the President could choose after interviewing several applicants that responded to their advertisement.

“We completed the task of interviews some two weeks ago. In terms of the Constitution, we have favoured His Excellency, the President, with the 12 names out of which the President will appoint eight,” said Adv Mudenda.

“He has already appointed the chairperson through the concurrence of the Committee on Standing Rules and Orders. I believe anytime from now, the President should announce the full complement of the members of the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission.”

Last month, the President swore in High Court judge Justice Loice Matanda-Moyo at State House as chairperson of ZACC and she has hit the ground running.

Justice Matanda-Moyo has laid out her vision which she says was aimed at ensuring a corrupt-free society and result in quality investigations of matters through enhancing the skills of ZACC investigators.

ZACC will be conducting training for personnel through engaging the University of Zimbabwe (UZ) to come up with a module for officers.

At least 38 candidates were interviewed last month at Parliament Building in a process that was open to members of the public.

The decision to constitute a new ZACC body followed the resignation of the previous ZACC chairperson and commissioners in January this year.

Parliament said it had received 152 nominations by the closing date of February 28, 2019 after flighting an advertisement of those interested to serve as Commissioners.

In terms of Sections 237 and 254 of the Constitution, Parliament’s Committee on Standing Rules and Orders is mandated to nominate candidates for possible appointment by the President, to serve as Commissioners on the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission as provided for in Chapter 13 of the Constitution.

After receipt of applications, the CSRO then carried out an exhaustive analysis of the nominated candidates to establish their suitability for consideration to serve on the commission, and shortlisted 38 candidates.

Some of those interviewed are Ms Jessie Majome, Mr Tongai Matutu, Mr Gabriel Chaibva, Mr James Andrew Mushore, Mr Brian Kashangura, Mr Frank Muchengwa, Retired Major Gibson Botomani, Mr Kennedy Mtombeni, Advocate Michael Majuru and Advocate Wilbert Pfungwadzashe Mandinde.-StateMedia

By A Correspondent| Impeccable sources inside the visiting delegation revealed to ZimEye that the netball team have threatened to protest over their missing allowances.

This came as the netball team, 48 hrs before their first match, endured another night eating a meal they said was below standard.

The evening meal comprised of small stashes of mince meat and some pieces of potatoes (pictured above).

Furthermore, some of the players are reportedly demoralised as they do not have appropriate shoes for playing their opening match slated for Friday with Sri Lanka.

One source told ZimEye, that as the Zim Gems do not have allowances, many do not have appropriate Netball sporting shoes.

“They can’t even afford the basic netball shoes, the basics which cost £34,99,” the source said.

Do not be surprised to see them refusing to play on Friday, since the Netball President Leticia Chipandu has refused to pay them,” added the source.

The fund for the netball team is down by over $39,000 after Zimbabwe Netball Association president, Leticia Chipandu added to the delegation, people who have nothing to do with the netball team.

When she was interviewed, Chipandu at first promised thst allowances would be paid (while at Manchester Airport last week Friday night), but she would later shift to tell donors that anyone who is requesting an account of funds diestributed should “go to hell.”

Said Chipandu:

“The girls have contracts and we are ready to show anyone who is interested once we are settled at the hotel (Ibis) where we are booked….It is not true that the girls have been paid $50 bond notes…”

President Mnangagwa is soon expected to announce the appointment of members of the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) after Parliament submitted the list of successful candidates to his office.

The names were sent to the President by Parliament’s Committee on Standing Rules and Orders.

Speaker of the National Assembly Advocate Jacob Mudenda told reporters yesterday that Parliament had selected successful names from which the President could choose after interviewing several applicants that responded to their advertisement.

“We completed the task of interviews some two weeks ago. In terms of the Constitution, we have favoured His Excellency, the President, with the 12 names out of which the President will appoint eight,” said Adv Mudenda.

“He has already appointed the chairperson through the concurrence of the Committee on Standing Rules and Orders. I believe anytime from now, the President should announce the full complement of the members of the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission.”

Last month, the President swore in High Court judge Justice Loice Matanda-Moyo at State House as chairperson of ZACC and she has hit the ground running.

Justice Matanda-Moyo has laid out her vision which she says was aimed at ensuring a corrupt-free society and result in quality investigations of matters through enhancing the skills of ZACC investigators. ZACC will be conducting training for personnel through engaging the University of Zimbabwe (UZ) to come up with a module for officers.

At least 38 candidates were interviewed last month at Parliament Building in a process that was open to members of the public.

The decision to constitute a new ZACC body followed the resignation of the previous ZACC chairperson and commissioners in January this year. Parliament said it had received 152 nominations by the closing date of February 28, 2019 after flighting an advertisement of those interested to serve as Commissioners.

In terms of Sections 237 and 254 of the Constitution, Parliament’s Committee on Standing Rules and Orders is mandated to nominate candidates for possible appointment by the President, to serve as Commissioners on the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission as provided for in Chapter 13 of the Constitution.

After receipt of applications, the CSRO then carried out an exhaustive analysis of the nominated candidates to establish their suitability for consideration to serve on the commission, and shortlisted 38 candidates.

Some of those interviewed are Ms Jessie Majome, Mr Tongai Matutu, Mr Gabriel Chaibva, Mr James Andrew Mushore, Mr Brian Kashangura, Mr Frank Muchengwa, Retired Major Gibson Botomani, Mr Kennedy Mtombeni, Advocate Michael Majuru and Advocate Wilbert Pfungwadzashe Mandinde.

Zbc|The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has warned members of the public bent on instigating violence that they will face the full wrath of the law.

ZRP castigated acts of undermining the course of justice.

Speaking to the ZBC News in Harare this Wednesday evening, ZRP National Spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi condemned acts of hooliganism and said the law will take its course.

This follows pockets of demonstration staged by members of the MDC demanding the immediate release of their Deputy Chairperson, Job Sikhala, who was arrested after he allegedly threatened to overthrow the government.

Assistant Commissioner Nyathi also dismissed claims by the MDC Secretary for Legal Affairs, Mr Innocent Gonese and some sections of social media that Sikhala is missing.

Meanwhile the trial of Sikhala is expected to kick start this Thursday in Masvingo where he is alleged to have made his utterances.

Sikhala is being charged with contravening Section 22 (2) of the Criminal Law Codification and Reform Act chapter 9.23.

State Media|BULAWAYO Mayor Councillor Solomon Mguni yesterday said the inconvenience caused by the citywide water cuts is necessary as council is replacing old pipes that were laid more than 70 years ago.

Clr Mguni said the pipes had long outlived their lifespan and there were fears the water reticulation system could collapse any time, hence the decision to replace the old pipes.

The municipality is implementing major rehabilitation works under the Bulawayo Water and Sewerage Services Improvement Project (BWSSIP) funded by the African Development Bank which has seen some suburbs going for more than a week without water.

Clr Mguni said the rehabilitation exercise was proof that the council was addressing some of the city’s shortcomings compromising service delivery.

“The rehabilitation of water treatment and pumping infrastructure under the African Development bank’s BSWIP grant continues. There are times when we must take the pain to improve efficiency of service delivery to residents and other water consumers. We apologise to some of our residents and stakeholders who have gone for seven days without water. This is the first time to undertake such a massive project since the 1940s,” posted Clr Mguni, on his Facebook page.

He said council was on a mission to be a leading smart transformative city by 2024.

The water crisis has hit most suburbs with some going for 10 days without water. Residents who spoke to the news crew said life had become unbearable.

They said water bowsers that the council had promised to avail to some areas were not enough. “The council bowser was brought at night yesterday (Tuesday) and there was chaos as residents jostled to get the precious liquid,” said Mrs Nomhle Nkomo of Pumula suburb. Bouncers are allegedly controlling boreholes and even selling the water.

Meanwhile, Bulawayo Town Clerk Mr Christopher Dube yesterday said the major rehabilitation works were still ongoing.

“Works at Criterion Water Works are still ongoing, with some of the major works now having been completed. Critical sections such as the installation of key backwash pumps and electrical control units, which are vital components in the treatment process, are yet to be completed. It is due to these outstanding works that the treatment plant continues to operate below optimum, affecting water production capacity,” said Mr Dube.

He said yesterday morning council had managed to open water supplies to high lying areas such as Emganwini, Nketa, Nguboyenja and Makokoba as a temporary relief as these suburbs are part of the areas that had gone for too long without water.

Mr Dube said water was steadily increasing at reservoirs which should improve the water situation.

“More affected areas are scheduled to be opened tomorrow (today). To this end, water will be opened and closed until the system stabilises. Council continues to monitor its distribution reservoirs so that they recover to above 80 percent of storage capacity,” said Mr Dube.

He encouraged residents to continue conserving water, report bursts and desist from vandalising infrastructure as this affects water supply.

Bulawayo Progressive Residents’ Association (BPRA) said in a statement that vandalism of council infrastructure had become rife. The residents’ association called for authorities to consider shutting down schools until the situation returns to normalcy. “Some residents have resorted to destroying council water pipes searching for water. The situation has posed a health scare at public institutions such as schools and placed a considerable burden on ordinary residents as they are forced to spend long productive hours queueing for water. Bulawayo is therefore in utmost danger of a cholera and typhoid outbreak,” said BPRA.

Only the Central Business District, mines, hospitals and industrial sites have been spared in the ongoing major rehabilitation works imposed water shedding exercise.

Former Movement for Democratic Change legislator James Maridadi, who was recently appointed Zimbabwe’s ambassador to Senegal, said he is not going to speak negatively about the country.

Maridadi, who was one of the most promising MDC members, fell out with new MDC leader Nelson Chamisa with some party insiders saying he was sidelined because he was a greater threat to Chamisa than Douglas Mwonzora and Elias Mudzuri who are still within the party but survived because of Chamisa’s generosity.

Maridadi was founding MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai’s spokesman when he was Prime Minister between 2009 and 2013.

Speaking after meeting President Emmerson Mnangagwa yesterday, Maridadi said: “I don’t think there is anybody with a brain in his head who expects me to go and speak negatively about this country.  I am a Zimbabwean first.”

The MDC has refused to recognise Mnangagwa as the President and argues that the present crisis in the country is because of Mnangagwa’s illegitimacy.

It says the only way forward is to form a transitional authority which will lead to free and fair elections.

The ruling Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front says it will not get into any transitional authority or government of national unity because it was given a wide mandate by the people.

It is, however, open for talks but the MDC must recognise Mnangagwa as President first as this was not only endorsed by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission but also by the Constitutional Court which threw out Chamisa’s election challenge.

“When I go to Senegal and surrounding countries I am basically going to tell them that Zimbabwe is a very peaceful country, there is unity in Zimbabwe, and that Zimbabwe is a very good destination for your investments,” Maridadi said.

Bulawayo City Councillors have called for a special council meeting tomorrow as part of their plot to suspend Bulawayo Town Clerk Christopher Dube.

The councillors are said to be miffed especially by the Town Clerk’s refusal to let them be part in the distribution of the $5 million ward retention fund, procurement processes and the employment of community groups and control of the subcommittee on allocation of stands and premises for development.

The subcommittee on allocation of stands and premises for development is a subcommittee of the Finance and Development Committee charged with, among other things, the allocation of premises for commercial, industrial stands and leases of council properties.

Mr Dube yesterday confirmed receiving notice of the meeting but said he was not aware that there were allegations against him.

“First and foremost I’m not aware of the allegations levelled against me. What I can confirm is that the Mayor (clr Solomon Mguni) gave me the notification of a special council meeting on the conduct of senior management in the council,” said Mr Dube.

He said if it is true that there were allegations against him, processes needed to be followed and he needed to be notified before the meeting of the things he was being accused of.

Mr Dube said while he would not stand in the way of the meeting, the meeting came with no motion.

Efforts to get a comment from Clr Mguni were fruitless.

In a memorandum to Mr Dube yesterday, Clr Mguni attached a petition signed by councillors Donaldson Mabuto (Ward 10), Felix Mhaka (Ward 5), Ernest Rafomoyo (Ward 21), Silas Chigora (Ward 4), Tawanda Ruzive (Ward 6) and Rodney Jele (Ward 23) calling for the special council meeting.

In the petition they cited the Urban Councils Act Section 84 (3) which states that, “The Mayor may, at any time, and at the request in writing of not less than one third of the total membership of the council or of six councillors, which ever is the less, shall within 14 days of such a request, call a special meeting of the council”.

The councillors stated, “We hereby request a special council meeting where we need to discuss the discipline and conduct of staff and management.”

Informed sources on the matter said the council meeting was a decoy to clamp on Mr Dube.

“There is a clique that wants the Town Clerk gone but their accusations against him are as a result of lack of understanding of council operations. They want to extend to the executive operations of the local authority which lies within the purview of the Town Clerk.

“For example one of the councillors who signed that petition wanted to meddle in the procurement process of the council where councillors should not be involved. He went as far as notifying a bidder in a tender that their bid had not been successful before council made a final decision. It came as a shock when the bidder started complaining that he was overlooked before council actually announced the winner of the tender, ” said the source.

“On the ward retention fund, they want direct access and control of the funds and control on the hiring of employees in the wards yet that is clearly the work of council departments. There is $5 million involved hence this campaign to control the funds.

“On the allocation of stands and premises for development, an investigation committee into allegations of corruption at the local authority in 2016 said councillors as policy makers should not involve themselves in the subcommittee. The local authority had a similar problem with the previous council and the issue has recurred.”

Affiliates of the anti Town clerk conspiracy leaders say that there is a bomb shell awaiting Mr Dube tomorrow.

“Initially the plan was to leak the allegations in the media through a journalist friendly to the councillors to soil the Town Clerk that would then make it easy to suspend him. However, the plan changed and it was decided to call for the special council meeting to discuss the conduct of senior members but on the day, they plan to make direct accusations against the Town Clerk then afterwards hold a subsequent meeting to suspend him in a manner similar to what their colleagues did to the Gweru Town Clerk,” said the source.

As news of the plot filtered, the Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association (BPRA) condemned the self serving move by the councillors. “A faction of corrupt councillors in the BCC who appear to have vested interest in the procurement process of the council is now planning to get the BCC top management including the Town Clerk fired. BPRA is in possession of the evidence. These councillors want to influence the tender and procurement processes and are now accusing the management of being incompetent in implementing their resolutions,” said the organisation.

“Under the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Act councillors are not supposed to play a part in procurement processes. The last group of councillors was warned against putting pressure on the management and it seems once again the management has received another corrupt group.”