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.”

Divisions have rocked the Apex Council with the Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) yesterday boycotting a feedback meeting following deliberations between representatives of Government workers and the employer.

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), a platform that negotiates conditions of service for Government employees.

PTUZ secretary-general Mr Raymond Majongwe confirmed that they did not attend a feedback meeting saying they had lost confidence in the body. But Zimbabwe Teachers Association (Zimta) president Mr Richard Gundani said there was need for members to remain focussed.

“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,” said Mr Gundani.

“At the moment we have no choice because Apex Council and NJNC are the legal body that provides a platform for bargaining.”

Mr Gundani said there was need to strengthen the NJNC and Apex council and constitute into a Civil Service Council that would create a strong platform for negotiations and ensure resolutions were binding.

“What we are doing are more of consultations, we need a Civil Service Council that will make decisions, but at the moment the NJNC is what we have as the only body to discuss our concerns,” said Mr Gundani.

The NJNC held a meeting on Tuesday about conditions of service before the parties agreed to return to their constituency to make further consultations.

This was after the Apex Council felt that the offer from Government was lower than what they expected.

This came as some civil servants started receiving cushioning allowances this week. Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Dr Sekai Nzenza said an agreement would be reached by end of this week.

Government on Tuesday offered its workers 180 million Zimbabwe dollars ($21 million) additional pay for the July to December period, which unions rejected as inadequate in the face of soaring inflation, a public sector union official said.

The amount, to be shared by 309,000 civil servants, would see each worker receiving only an additional $11.28 a month, Thomas Muzondo, the deputy chairman of public sector union Apex Council revealed after a meeting with government negotiators.

The MDC condemns in the strongest terms the brazen and wanton violation of the Constitutional and Human Rights of our vice Chairman Honourable Job Sikhala. What happened this afternoon has no place in any civilized and democratic society.

Honourable Job Sikhala is not only a Member of Parliament but also a legal practitioner who in our view has not committed any crime and on receiving information that the police wanted to interview him promptly went to the police station accompanied by his lawyers.

In any country properly upholding the Rule of Law the recording of a warned and cautioned statement would have sufficed to bear in mind the innocuous nature of the allegations.

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However, in Zimbabwe, things are done differently and he was detained overnight and it was indicated that he would appear in court today.

Indeed the team of lawyers representing him had an audience with the National Prosecuting Authority and arrangements were made for his court appearance.

What happened next is like a script from a horror movie. While most of the Lawyers had gone to Rotten Row I remained behind and on enquiry, I was assured that the paperwork was complete and he would be taken to Rotten Row.

Alas, there were sinister plans and as we were leaving the Law and Order section the barriers were closed and I was physically barred from leaving and it was indicated that only the Accused was to leave and I could not leave for some 20 minutes.

Honourable Sikhala was not taken to Rotten Row and I have no idea where he is. This amounts to abduction and a violation of his Constitutional and Human Rights.

He is entitled to legal representation and there was and is no need for this subterfuge and chicanery.

It vindicates our position that far from being in a new dispensation this is worse than what used to happen under the old regime. All the talk of political reforms ii nothing but cheap talk

This is reinforced by the fact that while Honourable Sikhala was being whisked away from the MDC Youth Assembly Secretary-General Gift Ostallos Siziba who also went to the police on his own and he is facing spurious charges of incitement to commit public violence and he has been detained.

Our Constitution guarantees the people various rights such as Freedom of Speech and political rights and it is not a crime to advocate for the exercise of these fundamental freedoms and rights.

We remain resolute and determined to fight for the completion of the unfinished business of the liberation struggle and Zimbabwe shall become a free and prosperous country under the able leadership of Advocate Nelson Chamisa.

Secretary for Justice and Legal Affairs.

President Mnangagwa is today expected to officially open Tariro Clinic and Youth Centre in Hopley, Harare, which were visited by opposition leader Nelson Chamisa yesterday.

The facility was built through a skills development project supported by the United Nations Population Fund (UNPF), the International Labour Organisation (ILO), Harare City Health Department and Larfarge Cement.

A total of 100 young people were part of the skills development project.

They were trained in areas such as plumbing, building and cobblestone technology.

The youths were engaged as apprentices to build the facility and a road connecting the clinic to the main road.

Over half of the youths were young women who also received reproductive health education.

City health director Dr Prosper Chonzi said the clinic is expected to provide comprehensive health care to residents of Hopley and surrounding areas.

“We want to make this clinic our prototype and it is the biggest satellite clinic in the City and we want to make it a replica to other areas such that people will get full services.

“There were no maternity services in the area and most people would go to Hutsanana in Glen Norah and Highfield Maternity Clinic for delivery,” he said.

Dr Chonzi said they are working on increasing the scope of services to be provided at the clinic.

The clinic is fully solar-powered, has a functional borehole and a solar-powered water supply back up.

The Youth Centre, which will also be officially opened tomorrow, is expected to provide entertainment for hundreds of youths in the area.

It will also have a library and Internet services.

On Tuesday, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) announced Mnangagwa will Thursday officially open Tariro Clinic at Hopley as part of celebrations to mark World Population Day.

Chamisa chided Mnangagwa for accepting the invitation to officiate at a council clinic. The Harare City Council is run by the opposition.

“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 local level,” Chamisa told journalists after the visit.

Chamisa added that he was shocked Mnangagwa was recognising success at local authorities run by the opposition but does not see failures by central government he is in charge of.

The opposition leader cited the rot at parastatals like the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA), Zesa and the roads that he described as “death traps.”

“That’s the problem. Success has many parents and failure seems to be orphaned, there is failure at ZESA, ZINWA, there is 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 problems faced in government,” said Chamisa.

MDC deputy national chairperson Job Sikhala, who was arrested on Monday for allegedly subverting a constitutionally-elected Government, is expected to appear before a Bikita magistrate today.

Sikhala was yesterday taken to Bikita by the police, where he will appear before a Magistrates’ Court.

Rumour that the politician had “gone missing”, had circulated yesterday before the police communicated the correct position.

National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the transfer of the suspect to Bikita, where the offence was allegedly committed.

“Job Sikhala is not missing. He is safe. He allegedly committed the offence in Bikita and he has been taken there to appear before a court of law,” he said.

Asst-Comm Nyathi however, also condemned the behaviour by some MDC youths who reportedly besieged the Harare Magistrates’ Courts protesting the arrest.

They expected him to appear before that court.

“We also condemn the actions by some youths who interfered with business at court,” Asst-Comm Nyathi said.

The Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services also confirmed the developments yesterday in a tweet.

“We have noted media reports alleging that Hon Sikhala is missing. Those reports are inaccurate. The courts have directed that his case should be tried in Bikita. Hon Sikhala is being transported by the police to Bikita where the alleged crime was committed.”

Addressing a rally in Bikita over the weekend, Sikhala said his party would overthrow the Government before 2023.

“We are a committed leadership that will give Zanu-PF headaches and (Amos) Chibaya was not lying or joking about the war and fight we are going to take to the doorstep of Emmerson Mnangagwa. We are going to overthrow him before 2023, that is not a joke,” he said.

Sikhala was arrested for contravening Section 22 (2) (a) of the Criminal law (Codification and Reform) Act (Chapter 9:23).

State Media|President Mnangagwa yesterday met the newly-appointed ambassadors-designate at State House and blessed them with his final marching orders before departure to their various countries of deployment.

The ambassadors are the first crop to be appointed by the President under the new dispensation.

Foreign Affairs and International Trade acting minister Professor Amon Murwira introduced the ambassadors to President Mnangagwa at the brief ceremony.

He informed the President that the ambassadors had completed a six-week gruelling training in diplomacy and foreign policy. This, he said, has made them ready to assume the task of representing the country in their various countries of deployment.

“The ambassadors are deeply aware of your and our country’s most urgent national priorities and overall aspirations, as clearly encapsulated in both the Transitional Stabilisation Plan and national Vision 2030 of creating a middle upper income economy by 2030,” he said.

Prof Murwira also told President Mnangagwa that the ambassadors had been made aware of their intrinsic roles of forging tangible mutually beneficial cooperation and friendship with all countries including erstwhile foes in furtherance of the President’s cardinal guiding policy framework of engagement and re-engagement.

“As your frontline troops, the ambassadors have been grounded on the pivotal roles they are expected to play as your key agents in extracting the country from the present circumstances, to new economic prosperity that addresses the high hopes of our people,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the ambassadors-designate, Rwanda-bound ambassador Professor Charity Manyeruke expressed gratitude to President Mnangagwa for appointing them as ambassadors to the countries of their deployment. She said they were aware of the expectation of them and assured the President that they will certainly work towards the realisation of the Vision 2030, which he articulated at his inauguration in November 2017.

“We are keenly aware of the momentous tasks that lie ahead in forging the country’s foreign policy path predicated on transactional economic diplomacy guided by your mantra of business unusual and Zimbabwe is open for business,” she said.

“We shall leave no stone unturned in our efforts of ensuring that we carry forward the goals that you have set out before us and most importantly of furthering Zimbabwe’s national interests.

“We shall endeavour to outreach to all critical international partners to attract important investors and foreign direct investments.”

The 18 ambassadors are drawn from different sectors to replace those who have either died, been recalled or retired. These are Mr Crispen Toga Mavodza (Kuwait), Mr Gideon Gapare (Brazil), Mrs Abigail Shonhiwa (France), Professor Charity Manyeruke (Rwanda), Mr Joel Tapera Mhishi (Australia), Ms Sophia Nyamudeza (Indonesia), Dr Emmanuel Gumbo (Sudan), Mr James Maridadi (Senegal), Mr Jetro Ndlovu (United Arab Emirates), Major General (Rtd) Ansleem Sanyatwe (Tanzania), Major General (Rtd) Martin Chedondo (China), Major General (Rtd) Douglas Nyikayaramba (Mozambique), Mr Vusumuzi Ntonga (Algeria).

Ambassadors-designate yet to be granted a nod by their respective receiving states: Mrs Alice Mashingaidze, Mr Heneri Batiraishe Mukonoweshuro, Major General (Rtd) Tando Madzvamuse and Air Vice Marshal (Rtd) Shebba Shumbayawonda.

JOHANNESBURG – Zimbabwean expatriates from the Matabeleland region have identified a new leader to take over as their chief, filling the void left by Albert Zwelibanzi Gumede, who died earlier this year.

Zimbabwean businessman, Matabeleland culturalist and philanthropist, Gumede, who assumed the inaugural position of Mthwakazi chief few years ago, died on March 5, leaving his flock leaderless, but that will not be for long.

The Mthwakazi nation has now identified another businessman and ardent believer in culture, Thulani Mgoqo Jubane, as the man suitable enough to play the active role of reviving Ndebele culture and uniting Mthwakazi people, especially those in South Africa.

Chief Jubane, originally from Ntshamathe area, under Chief Sigola in the Umzingwane district of Zimbabwe’s Matabeleland South Province, has already been unanimously endorsed by Mthwakazi culturalists, business leaders and other stakeholders in South Africa, where his chiefdom is rooted.

The new chief will soon be officially anointed as per Ndebele culture, but has already been accepted by cultural opinion leaders and much of the Ndebele society, who have bestowed on him the duty to start working for the community, which remains torn apart and in need of uniting.

He has already hit the ground running.

“The main aim is to provide guidance to our people – under the overall leadership of our King Bulelani Khumalo, as we seek to rediscover ourselves as the people of Mthwakazi,” said the new Chief.

“We are a nation that is intent on getting back its real value that had nearly been eroded by a number of challenges we have come across as a people and the first point of getting to do that is for us to know who we are and how we can progress going forward. A lot will be done to help our people redefine themselves culturally, societally and progressively going forward. We are a great nation that needs to claim back its place in the modern world.”

A 42-year-old man from Mberengwa reportedly fatally axed his 93-year-old grandmother over a cockerel that she sold at a “give away” price.

Trymore Sibanda allegedly killed his grandmother Nyamazana Sibanda of Chekwa Village, Chief Mapiravana.

Midlands provincial police spokesperson Inspector Joel Goko confirmed the incident which occurred on July 2 at around 6pm.

Insp Goko said Trymore was angered by the price that the cockerel was sold for by his grandmother.

“Trymore heard that his grandmother Nyamazana sold a cockerel for $15 and he confronted her arguing that it was too little for the cockerel,” he said.

Insp Goko said Trymore armed himself with an axe and killed Nyamazana.

“It is said that an argument started, which resulted in Trymore getting armed with an axe from the kitchen hut and struck her with it several times all over her body,” he said.
The police heard that Nyamazana succumbed to the injuries she sustained.

“Nyamazana collapsed and died on the spot and Trymore ran away to an unknown destination,” said Insp Goko.

The matter was reported to the police by their neighbours and Nyamazana’s body was taken to Zvishavane District Hospital.

Police in Midlands have launched a manhunt for Trymore and are appealing to members of public who might have information on his whereabouts to contact any nearest police station.State media

Farai Dziva|Civil Servants have flatly rejected a $ 97 cushioning allowance dangled to them by government.

The government has awarded workers $180 million which when shared among the 309 000 civil servants translates to $97 per month.

Members of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) have reportedly received adjusted salaries – with the cushioning allowance, while other civil servants will get theirs on their respective pay dates.

However, the Apex Council, the umbrella body for all the unions representing civil servants has rejected the increment.

Apex Council deputy chairperson Thomas Muzondo said:

“We totally reject that offer so they (government negotiators) will go back to their principals for further consultations.”

Farai Dziva|MDC Supporters have castigated Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government for persecuting Job Sikhala.

See below the MDC Supporters and Friends statement:

The time has come for us in the broader democratic movement to confront the Junta regime presided over by septuagenarian EDiot.

Charging our Vice President with ‘treason’ for exercising his fundamental right to freedom of expression as enshrined in the supreme law of the land is just sickening though not surprising.

It’s typical of a leopard that will not change its spots.We will not be intimidated.We seek to remove you ED from power!That’s not a secret.

Why arrest one for expressing something you know? Arrest us all!!We are coming for you!!

By A Correspondent- A Harare woman who lives on the streets gave birth to a baby in full glare of pedestrians including other street children after receiving assistance from a colleague.

Medical personnel arrived at the scene minutes after the woman had already given birth.

By A Correspondent- The water crisis in Bulawayo is set to continue after Bulawayo City Council failed to finish the rehabilitation of key water infrastructure within the scheduled timeframe.

All residential areas were again cut off this Tuesday while other areas did not get a drop since Tuesday last week.

In a statement on Tuesday (yesterday), Bulawayo Town Clerk Mr Christopher Dube revealed that the situation will only be restored to normalcy when water capacity in its reservoirs has improved.

Said, Dube:

The City of Bulawayo would like to advise members of the public that we will be closing the whole City until the system stabilises.

Water supplies were re-opened on Sunday, 7 July 2019 and Monday, 8 July 2019 to allow for temporary relief following the shutdown to facilitate rehabilitation of the Criterion Water Works.

The City of Bulawayo advises residents that the works are still ongoing and we are currently operating at 50 per cent capacity, with efforts to finalise the current works as a matter of urgency.

The very high water demand of 157 ML vis a vis production of 105 ML has resulted in key Reservoirs dropping to a below critical level that is Criterion and Magwegwe Reservoirs.

It is anticipated that this shutdown will allow for the system to stabilise after which we will resume the 48-hour water-shedding programme.

We are aware of all the areas which have not yet received water and we will be supplying these with water bowsers. Residents are encouraged to liaise with their councillors as well as the City of Bulawayo Call Centre.

Meanwhile, hospitals, industry, mines and the Central Business District have been exempted from the blanket shutdown.-Chronicle

By A Correspondent- Water and power cuts in the country’s second-largest city, Bulawayo, are hampering activities at learning institutions.

Bulawayo Provincial Education Director Mrs Olicah Kaira said that thousands of pupils are being affected.

Practical subjects which require electricity to be conducted, such as food and nutrition, Fashion and Fabrics, Woodwork, Metal Work, Computer Science, Biology, Physics and Chemistry have been negatively impacted.

Evening lessons have also been disrupted as ZESA normally restore power close to midnight.

Kaira bemoaned the effects of electricity and water cuts.

She said:

Agricultural projects, poultry rearing, school feeding and general health care is compromised. The weekly cuts are having a toll on institutions in general.

Operations are compromised especially with power cuts when schools need to run the mid-year exams. Computers and printers are not working. Schools need water and electricity to be fully functional.

By A Correspondent- The deputy chairman of the Apex Council, a group of public sector unions, Thomas Muzondo, has said that public sector workers have rejected a government offer of ZW$180 million (US$21 million) in added pay for the July-December period. The workers are saying that the money is inadequate given the soaring inflation.

If the deal was accepted, each of about 309,000 civil servants would be receiving an additional ZW$97, approximately US$11.28) a month. The lowest paid government worker earns 430 Zimbabwe dollars a month.

Speaking to Reuters, Muzondo said:

We totally rejected that offer so they (government negotiators) will go back to their principals for further consultations.

It was a total waste of time.

He said the full Apex Council would meet in the capital Harare on Wednesday (today) to decide its next step.

This comes at a time when the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions last month threatened to take it to the streets in protest of the reintroduction of the Zimbabwe dollar and ban of all foreign currencies for domestic transactions through Statutory Instrument 142 of 2019.

The government has since January been boasting of recording a budget surplus. Finance Minister, Mthuli Ncube, today (10/07/2019) told guests and chairman of Alpha Media Holdings, Trevor Ncube, that the surplus was being channelled towards other social and economic needs including importation of grain (wheat and maize), fuel and electricity which are currently scarce.-Reuters

By Own Correspondent- Hwange power station has been hit by a technical challenge putting load shedding back to stage 2, spokesperson of the ZESA Fullard Gwasira has said.

Said Gwasira:

“Depressed generation at Hwange since two hours ago due to a technical challenge. Load shedding is now back to stage 2.”

By A Correspondent- Finance Minister, Professor Mthuli Ncube, has said that when he got appointed as the Minister of Finance, he thought his job was purely financial and detached from politics.

He said that it has however since dawned to him that he had to balance between politics and finance.

Speaking during an interview with the chairman of Alpha Media Holdings, Trevor Ncube, the minister said:

Initially, I thought it’s a finance job. Very quickly, it became a finance-political job and most of the times it’s a political job.

He also said that it was imperative to recognise that finance in government follow politics and certain devices are political.

The Minister added that the manifesto of the party in power has to be in sync with the policies of the finance ministry or vice versa.

He added that sometimes he would implement some projects which sound very political in nature. For him, what matters is that the development initiatives in question address the issues affecting the people.-Newsday

CRANBORNE Boys High School staged a demonstration earlier today against the school head Mr Dennis Masenga who is being accused of mismanagement and misappropriation of funds at the school.

Mr Masenga is also accused of allegedly forcing students to secure their own stationery for examination purposes, turning the students’ bathrooms into a fowl run for his personal use and victimising students and teachers at the school.

The Cranborne Boys High School students also raised concern on school’s failure to participate at national sporting events and failure to maintain sporting facilities such as the rugby field which is an eye sore. The dysfunctional toilets are a health time bomb as burst sewer systems are left unattended.

The students have threatened to continue with the demonstrations until their concerns are addressed