The Failed Regime Has Found Refuge In Fascism -Biti
Suggestion Of New Currency Reflects Gross Incompetence -Biti
Nick Mangwana Accused Of Misleading Nation
WATCH: 5 Activists Walking Out Of Court Free For The First Time
VIDEO LOADING BELOW….
Village Head Promised To Give Me Two Goats After Having S*x With Him, Married Woman Reveals
An affair between a village head and his neighbour’s wife took an ugly turn after the village head failed to deliver two goats that he had promised his neighbour’s wife.
Tonderai Jari, the village head of Madhekwana Village in Mberengwa shocked the villagers after it emerged that he solicited for sex from his neighbour’s wife Esnat Mataruse promising her two goats.
The affair, however, took an ugly twist after Jari failed to deliver on his promises causing Mataruse to disclose the matter to her husband Raymond Chakawira.
Out of anger, Mataruse spilled the beans to her husband after realising that she had been played by Jari.
B-Metro managed to track down Mataruse and she confirmed the matter.
“Some time in February, Jari proposed me and we started dating. After some time he asked for sex and l refused but he promised to give me two goats and l gave in. However, after discovering that he lied to me l was angry and l ended up telling my husband about the matter. He was going to find out about the matter either way, so it was best that he heard about it from me,” said Mataruse.
“It was a wise move for me to confess because l wanted to save my marriage,” she said.
Jari, however, could not be drawn to comment on the issue as he professed ignorance about the matter.
“I do not know the matter that you are talking about,” he said.B-Metro
War Veterans Accuse Business Owners Of Deliberately Hiking Prices
Farai Dziva| The chairperson of the war veterans association(Bulawayo Province) Cephas Ncube has accused unscrupulous business owners of deliberately sabotaging the government.
“Regarding basic commodity prices, it has been noted with concern that there are some supermarkets and individuals that have started selling commodities at exorbitant prices.
This unabated price hike of basic commodities, especially in the past two weeks, is affecting our people in a negative way and we call upon the Government to put measures to control this,” Ncube said.
“I’m glad that our Government’s initiative to cushion consumers against high prices is being implemented as silo food shops established by the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) are now operational throughout the country.”
Youths Are The Real Agents Of Change – Hwende
Robbers Terrorize Taxi Drivers
TWO taxi drivers were attacked by robbers who boarded their vehicles under the pretext that they were passengers in separate incidences which occurred in Matabeleland South Province.
Matabeleland South provincial police spokesperson, Chief Inspector Philisani Ndebele, confirmed the incidences which occurred in Guyu and Fort Rixon on Wednesday.
Chief Insp Ndebele said investigations were underway and appealed to anyone with information on the whereabouts of the suspects to contact any police station near them.
“We recorded two robbery cases which occurred in Guyu and Fort Rixon on Wednesday where the targets were taxi drivers. In the first incident which occurred at around 6AM, the driver was travelling along the Harare-Bulawayo Road when he was stopped by three unknown men who asked for a lift.
“The men indicated that their car had broken down. When they reached the 339 kilometre peg in Fort Rixon, one of the accused persons pulled the hand brake. They harassed the driver until he fled from the car leaving behind two cellphones and US$50. The robbers fled with the car, a Honda Fit, registration number AEU 2149. The value of the stolen property is US$4 270,” he said.State media
Mnangagwa: New Currency Will Fix Zimbabwe’s Crisis Of Rising Prices
The country should expect the re-introduction of a local currency before the end of the year, President Mnangagwa said yesterday.
Addressing Southlea Park residents in Harare after taking part in this month’s clean-up campaign at Candy Shopping Centre, President Mnangagwa said no country can develop without it’s own currency.
“A currency is only printed by its owners and the only way to get it is through exports, diaspora remittances or foreign investments but as a country we should have our own currency and we have started that journey,” he said.
President Mnangagwa said the absence of a local currency was also causing the surge in prices of basic commodities.
“This is happening because we do not have our own currency. The time will come soon when it will no longer be permissible to transact using the US dollar or the pound. You will be required to use our local currency. You will be informed about that currency and that will be the currency you will be using,” he said.
The President said this, among other various Government initiatives aimed at turning around the economy, would be realised by year-end.
“We adopted austerity measures to turn around the economy and create jobs that is why we said Zimbabwe is open for business but not for abuse. No one, foreign or local, should expect to get rich at our expense,” he said.
“As Government we expect that by the end of the year most of the things I have talked about will be in place.”
President Mnangagwa had earlier said no country can develop without its own currency.
“There is no country that can develop without its own currency. South Africa has its own currency and when you go there with the US dollar or Euro you will have to convert it to the Rand before you can transact,” he said.
“The same applies to Zambia, Botswana, Mozambique and the United Kingdom. A country cannot develop using another nation’s currency.”
The President said the multi-currency regime had been adopted as a temporary measure to deal with the hyper-inflationary environment experienced between 2008 and 2009.
“Between 2008 and 2009, our country’s currency lost value and some people became billionaires or trillionaires due to high inflation,” President Mnangagwa said.
“At the time Government decided to adopt the multi-currency regime where we started using the US dollar, rand, the British pound or pula for transacting. It was a policy measure to address the challenges that were being faced then. We, however, cannot not continue going forward, without our own currency.
Finance and Economic Development Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube is on record as saying the absence of a local currency has removed the capacity of the country to craft its monetary policy impacting negatively in the fight against inflation.
Writing in The Chronicle this week, Prof Ncube said: “We must regain control of our monetary and fiscal policy. Indeed, what we did on the first of October last year was to begin the process of restoring monetary policy as an additional tool to deal with macro-economic issues.
“It is a complicated matter, but crucial to understand. As long as we were pegged to the (US) dollar, we could not respond, or manage our monetary policy; inflation was out of our control. It is quite clear that we need to move towards having our own domestic unit account (currency) and the RTGS$ is the beginning of that”.
Meanwhile, President Mnangagwa has urged Zimbabweans to remain peaceful and to desist from violence.
“What we want as Zimbabweans is unity and cordial relations among ourselves,” he said while addressing Southlea Park residents .
“What we do not want in the country is violence that causes destruction of property and deaths of people like what happened last year and in January this year. We do not want violent demonstrations.
“If there is any misguided individuals planning to engage in violent demonstrations let them know that we are ready to deal with them. We want peace, we want unity, we want love among our people, we must be united, we are one people. We must face our challenges as a people. We must a legacy, a heritage of peace to the coming generations not a heritage of violence.” – State Media
Can Warriors Break Super Eagles Jinx?
THIRTEEN years after his strike caused heartbreak to Zimbabwe at the AFCON tournament in Egypt, Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel is expected to line up against the Warriors again this afternoon in an international friendly set for the Stephen Keshi Stadium.
The former Chelsea midfielder has been absent from national team assignments for the past year, but is back in the team’s fold.
Although the current crop of Warriors were not part of that squad which was booted out of the 2006 AFCON at the group stages, memories are still fresh in the fans’ mind as two quick goals in the second-half from Christian Obodo and then a youthful Mikel won it for Nigeria.
Zimbabwe were in the same group with Senegal and Ghana.
Interestingly, the two teams meet again as they fine-tune preparations for the tournament to be hosted in Egypt again. After the game, the two teams will leave together on Sunday for Egypt where they will be camped until the Nations Cup begin.
Zimbabwe travelled with a squad of 18 and the four players, who remained in Durban for the COSAFA Cup third place playoff, will fly straight to Egypt from South Africa tomorrow.
The national team arrived yesterday in the Delta State after flying into Lagos on Thursday and completed the one-hour journey to Asaba by road.State media
Council Employee Arrested For Stealing $ 1
A Gweru City Council parking marshal has been arrested for prejudicing the local authority of $1 after he allegedly pocketed money for parking and did not issue out a receipt.
Issac Chingwende has since been arraigned before the court on theft charges.
He was not asked to plead and was not placed on remand to allow the State to gather substantial evidence.
The case will proceed by way of summons.
The State’s case is that on May 31, 2019, at around 8am, detectives received information to the effect that Chingwende, who was on duty along Main Street near Midlands Hotel, was collecting money from motorists, but was not issuing them with City of Gweru prepaid parking receipts.
The court heard that detectives proceeded to Main Street and saw him receiving $1 from a motorist, but did not issue a receipt.
The detectives arrested him and recovered the $1.
Mrs Wadzanai Shayanewako appeared before the State.State media
Muchinguri Urges Army To Counter Strategies Meant To “Cause Instability”
Defence and War Veterans Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri has applauded Zimbabweans for exhibiting maturity and discipline by ignoring the recent demonstration calls by some elements bent on destabilising the country under the guise of price hike protests.
Speaking at a graduation ceremony of Junior Staff Course (JSC) number 71 at Zimbabwe Staff College (ZSC) at Josiah Magama Tongogara Barracksin Harare yesterday, Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri hailed the masses for maintaining peace.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the people of Zimbabwe for remaining peaceful and ignoring recent frantic efforts by our detractors to foment mayhem and unnecessary loss of life and damage to property.
“It is apparent that these violent demonstrations, advocated by some opposition political parties and civic organisations that are backed by foreign forces to unconstitutionally unseat a democratically-elected Government and subvert our country’s electoral process,” she said.
She urged the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) to counter the new strategies which are now being used by the enemy to cause instability.
“In our country we have seen the use of violent demonstrations against the Government purportedly over the poor performance of the economy or to display disapproval of the national electoral process,” said Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri.State media
Minister Chasi Must Recruit Diasporans Into ZESA Board- Comment
By Farai D Hove| Some Zimbabweans have suggested that Energy Minister Fortune Chasi (who yesterday fired the entire Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority board) should recruit diasporans into the ZESA board.
This followed a suggestion by one user, Voen Strohm who wrote saying, “Quick question, are you allowed to employ foreign technocrats in the board? I feel they would deliver better coz appointing people loyal to your party, 6 months down the line they gel into a syndicate and run down ZESA again!” READ MORE
Man Steals Cellphone To Pay For S*x
A man from Lupane has been arrested after he allegedly stole a cellphone and used it to pay for sexual services.
The incident happened last week on Wednesday at Lupane Business Centre.
A court heard that Thulani Moyo was relaxing while having beer with his drinking mate Dumisani Zikhali. Later on they were joined by a sex worker.
The court heard that Moyo stole Zikhali’s Hisense cellphone worth RTGS$120. It is alleged Moyo used it to pay the sex worker.
It is said on the following day, Zikhali saw the unsuspecting sex worker using his cellphone.
Zikhali made a report at Lupane Police Station leading to Moyo’s arrest.
Moyo appeared before Lupane resident magistrate Ndumo Masuku facing a theft charge.
He pleaded guilty.
“Your Worship, I had to steal his cellphone because he owes me RTGS$80.00. I have been asking for my money for the past four months but he has been making empty promises. As a result I decided to steal his cellphone and gave it to a friend of mine who is a sex worker,”he said.
Zikhali denied that he owed Moyo that much.
“He always asks me to buy him beer and we agreed that we will subtract from the amount I owe him. As far as I know I now owe him RTGS$20. In most instances I buy him supper before we drink beer,” he said.
Masuku remanded him out of custody to next week Wednesday.B-Metro
Gvt Spokesperson Mangwana Claims Masaraure’s Bruises Are “Self-inflicted”
Farai Dziva|A Government spokesperson has claimed ARTUZ president Obert Masaraure’s bruises are self-inflicted.
In an interview yesterday, Information and Broadcasting Services permanent secretary Nick Mangagwa claimed the wounds that Masaraure had were self-inflicted.
“We have checked with the security services including the police and they do not know anything about that. There is not even a police report that was made. We believe that this was stage-managed to put Zimbabwe in very bad light since Zimbabwe and the European Union (EU) have launched a formal political dialogue process,” Mangwana told a state run publication.
“The police did not do it (abduct him), the intelligence did not do it. He inflicted the bruises on himself to give a bad picture about the Government after he had called for a strike that was not successful.
“It does not mean it’s the State that inflicted the bruises on him, the State does not have monopoly on bruises. This has nothing to do with the State, its self-inflicted.”
Comment-Instead Of Buying Medicines, Mnangagwa Purchases 4,000 Assault Rifles
MDC Youth Assembly Message To Vendors
The pace setting newly elected MDC Youth Assembly National leadership today met vendors at the party’s headquarters, Morgan Richard Tsvangirai House in Harare.
Speaking at the event which was also attended by his predecessor, Hon Happymore Chidziva, Youth Assembly National Chairman Obey Luther Sithole took the congregants down the memory when the country used to outsource labour from neighboring countries due to abundance of job opportunities.
Cde Luther, as Sithole is affectionately known bemoaned the escalating unemployment rate and the debilitating economic situation which he attributed to the corrupt,clueless and extravagant ZANU PF regime.
The supersonic MDC youth commander also highlighted the importance of the informal sector if the country is to reclaim its status as the breadbasket of the region.
Sithole said it is very critical that a pro-people and all inclusive party with sound economic policies like the MDC should steer the country going forward.
The maverick youth leader also reiterated the party’s position that the Emmerson Mnangangwa regime is illegitimate.
“We are not going to wait for 2023 and let Mnangagwa ruin our future and that of generations to come while we stand in akimbo”, charged Cde Luther.
The event was also attended by Youth Assembly National members, Vice Chair Cecelia Chimbiri, Secretary General Gift Siziba, Spokesperson Stephen Chuma, Deputy Spokesperson, Womberai Nhende and Deputy Organ Netsai Marova.
Stephen Sarkozy Chuma
MDC Youth Assembly National Spokesperson
Be Honest, Is President Mnangagwa Taking Zimbabwe in the Right Direction?
Mnangagwa Buys 4,000 Killer Rifles
Police have acquired an assortment of weapons — including 3 343 AK-47 assault rifles and about 600 sniper rifles — as they prepare to quell looming street protests against President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government over the fast deteriorating political and socio-economic conditions.
The arms acquisitions and police paramilitary retraining activities demonstrate government’s growing fears of looming civil unrest and riots which could rock the Mnangagwa regime to its foundations and throw the country into turmoil. Security forces are on high alert to guard against a potential popular uprising due to government’s failures to fix the economy and social service delivery.
Official documents seen by the Zimbabwe Independent — which first reported the story of government fears of an uprising and secret plans to combat unrest — show that the weapons acquired by the police include 3 343 AK-47 rifles, 2 000 CZ pistols, 500 P1 pistols, 500 223 Steyrs, 500 UZI, 500 mossbergs, 500 riot guns, 300 mortar tubes, 500 MAG, 300 SSG sniper rifles, 300 Dragnov, 100 RPG7, 1 500 tokarev and 22 948 AK magazines.
This comes as the Independent last week uncovered that police had also acquired water cannons and teargas canisters to suppress protests that could explode over a wave of price increases and skyrocketing cost of living amid plunging incomes.
Besides purchasing arms, a large number of police officers have been undergoing rigorous para-military-style training, as government prepares to face riots, amid swelling public discontent over the rising cost of living and general economic collapse.
The security manoeuvres come as the country is engulfed in a tense and explosive mood due to worsening economic problems. People are now generally worse off since President Emmerson Mnangagwa seized power through a military coup, ousting his mentor Robert Mugabe in November 2017.
Salaries are now eight times lower in real terms than they were when Mugabe, who drove the country into ruins working with the core of the current leadership, was ousted.
Among the arms is the deadly AK-47, which is considered to be some of the most lethal guns on earth.
The AK rifle has killed more people than any other gun. It is the weapon of choice for guerrillas, rebels and terrorists — and 75 million are reportedly in circulation around the world. It fires a 7.62 by 39mm bullet and although it travels slower than most modern assault rifles, its power is undisputed. The reason for its massive damage is the weight of the bullet. Modern assault rifles bullets are less than half the weight of the AK bullet and even though modern assault rifle bullets travel faster its weight makes it super powerful.
The police also ordered sniper rifles which are high-precision weapons designed for killing missions. They serve to fulfil the tactical need for long range surveillance, with a high hit probability. The Dragnov is considered the world’s best army self-loading sniper rifle. The 7.62mm Dragunov SVD and 7.62mm Dragunov SVDS sniper rifles with folding stock are designed to engage various fleeting, moving, open and masked single targets. The SSG are produced for high accuracy, with the SSG 69 being the first ever sniper rifle with compound stock produced especially for the needs of a modern army. It has set standards for sniper rifles for decades. Among the arms is also the Uzi, which is a family of Israeli open-bolt, blowback-operated submachine guns. The Tokarev is a semi-automatic Russian rifle, while the CZ is a semi-automatic pistol.
The P1 pistol is one of the model guns that were used by the German military during the World War.
The police will also be using the mortar tubes, which, according to online content, are huge tubes, closed on the bottom side and mounted on a base plate that allows for some adjustment. At the bottom of the barrel there is a fixed firing pin. If a mortar shell is dropped into the barrel and hits the pin, the propelling charge is ignited.
They launch explosive shells in high-arching ballistic trajectories. Mortars are typically used as indirect fire weapons for close fire support with a variety of ammunition. Security sources said last week three batches of police officers numbering 350 had so far undergone gruelling para-military training at Shamva Battle Camp as part of the programme to capacitate the police and prepare them to combat riots.
The fourth group is scheduled to start training today.
“This means about 1 050 regular police officers have received the training so far. In the event of civil unrest, they will be deployed alongside officers from the Support Unit which specialises in crowd control. There is a plan to extend the programme to other provinces because most of the trainees have been from Harare,” a senior security officer said.
“The officers are receiving month-long para-military training, which is gruelling in nature and has a lot of emphasis on physical fitness. They are being trained in the use of baton sticks, shields and helmets as well as crowd control and crowd dispersal. They are also being trained to use new weaponry which has been acquired, including Mossberg shot guns, which can be used even within a range of 10 metres unlike the previous ones which could only be used at a range of 75 metres and above, for fear of causing fatalities.”
The Mossberg 500 and 590 models are shotguns usually used in riot situations. Officers receiving training are from the rank of constable up to chief inspector.
Officials also told the Independent that government had acquired new teargas canisters which become too hot to handle on hitting the ground when the safety pin is released. This means protestors will not be able to pick up the canisters and return fire by throwing them back at the police. Apart from the Shamva Battle Camp, another programme concentrating on officers who were doing mostly office work is being done at the Police Updating Centre at Morris Depot in Harare, sources said. The officers are being taken through their paces by personnel trained in Russia — where they underwent a train-the-trainer programme.
Security officials revealed that as part of a strategy to ensure preparedness, a reaction team is stationed at Harare Central Police Station ready for deployment.
Police Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga, in a speech this week read on his behalf this week by Deputy Commissioner-General Learn Ncube during a ceremony to mark of the training courses for 64 officers from the Midlands and Masvingo provinces at Ntabazinduna Depot in Matabeleland North, said the courses were meant to empower police officers with skills that help to ensure peace and security in the country. He said the programme seeks to equip police officers with the latest policing trends and public order management systems that include crowd control skills.
“This, therefore, bids us to effectively complement this noble thrust by facilitating a safe and secure Zimbabwe where all citizens and visitors will be free to pursue their business activities of their choice without any hindrances,” Matanga said.
South Africa in March during the Zimbabwe-South Africa Bi-National Commission in Harare provided R55 million (US$3,7 million) to the local police to improve their capacity to deal with riots to avoid military deployment.
After soldiers shot six people during election-related protests on August 1 last year and 17 people were killed during the January demonstrations, there was global outrage against Mnangagwa’s regime. Many others were tortured, injured, and abducted or raped, triggering international condemnation.
Government then came under heavy pressure to retrain and equip the police to stop deploying the military to deal with civic unrest and protests.
Officials say government, still rattled by the January protests and concerned by the international condemnation in the aftermath of the deployment of the military in January and on August 1, 2018, as well as the attendant killings of civilians, had resolved to equip and capacitate the police to deal with demonstrations.
The move is meant to ensure government attracts less international scrutiny given the condemnation received after the previous deployment of the military. This is also in line with recommendations of the Kgalema Motlanthe commission of inquiry which was established after the August 2018 killings.
The Motlanthe commission recommended that the use of the military to assist police in maintaining public order “should only be resorted to as a last measure in extraordinary situations”.
“The commission recommends in the interests of national cohesion and the protection of all citizens, that the Police should be further trained to be professional and non-partisan,” it said. Zimbabwe Independent
Minister July Moyo Named In USD134 mln Tender Scandal
Local Government minister July Moyo has been implicated in a massive tender scandal at the Harare City Council (HCC) after he allegedly directed the local authority to award a Netherlands-based company a €120 million (US$134 million) contract for the construction of a waste-to-energy plant at the Pomona dumpsite on the outskirts of the city without following tender procedures, it has emerged.
The company — Integrated Energy B.V (IEBV) — signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with government, through the Local Government Ministry and council last month. This is despite the fact that the company did not participate in the tendering process, according to highly placed City of Harare sources. The sources said IEBV is not among three companies, which responded to a tender invitation for the project last year. Investigations by the Zimbabwe Independent also showed that IEBV was only officially registered in 2016 as a Dutch postbox company. The company is owned by a Dutch national called Klodian Zoto.
The Independent tried to find contacts of the company, but realised there are no official contact details, web address or emails except for a physical address, given as Hoogoorddreef, 15 1101 BA, Amsterdam.
According to the Procurement Act, any contracts exceeding one million dollars have to be awarded through a public tender.
Highly placed City of Harare sources said council initially issued an invitation to tender for the project in 2016, but did not award a successful bid. Documents further show that another tender invitation was issued in November last year, but before it was awarded, an MOU was signed between HCC, government and IEBV. Sources say that IEBV approached Moyo when the second invitation was issued and offered to construct the plant on a build, operate and transfer arrangement for an as yet to be specified period.
Moyo then directed council to consider IEBV for the project, notwithstanding the ongoing tendering process.
The tender scope entailed construction of a waste processing plant with energy recovery by producing electricity, which would be fed into the national grid.
“The original tender was issued by the City of Harare on the 23rd of August 2016. Twelve bidders submitted their proposals, but no award was made. Another tender invitation was issued on the 2nd of November 2018. Three bidders submitted their proposals in line with the Procurement Regulatory authority stipulations. No award has yet been made from those three companies. We were therefore surprised when we learnt that on the 7th of May, government and HCC had signed a Memorandum of Understanding with IEBV. All this came from the minister himself and we don’t know what his interests are,” the source said.
City of Harare spokesperson Michael Chideme confirmed that the tendering process was not completed.
“The 2016 tenders were adjudicated on and there was no winner. No company was successful. On the current tender, it is still under adjudication. There are investors which came through government and council management was mandated to speak to the investor regarding the proposals. Nothing has been awarded so far,” Chideme said.
Harare town clerk Hosiah Chisango said he was unaware of what transpired in the deal, but would inquire with the local authority’s supply chain manager. “I am now waiting for our supply chain manager to look at the documents so that I am able to provide the correct information,” he said.
However, according to minutes of a recent Joint Environment Management and Finance and Development Committee, Chisango persuaded councillors to approve the deal. He indicated to them that IBEV had already secured the necessary financial requirements for the project.
“Company capital of around €120 million (US$135 million), €5 million (US$5,63 million) bank loan and the rest would be financed through suppliers’ contracts and periodic payments by government,” Chisango said, according to the minutes.
The joint committee then debated the matter and enquired whether council was going to enter into a separate MoU with the proposed partner, to which Chisango said a separate agreement would be signed. He also told the committee that he would ensure that the partner adhered strictly to specific timeframes stated in the MoU.
On the strength of his recommendations, an HCC full council meeting held three weeks ago resolved that the local authority should enter into negotiations with IEBV for the development of a waste to energy plant in Harare and report to council once the deal was finalised.
Moyo told the Independent he did not know the company, although he supports the deal in principle. He also said he was not involved in awarding the company the tender.
“I do not know anything about this company and I have never had any dealings with them, neither do I know of the arrangement they had with City of Harare. However, from an environmental point of view, we do actually encourage it because it is offering a renewable source of energy that is clean and easy to manage,” Moyo said.
“I will get in touch with my people, so that they brief me on this company because we encourage such sustainable development.”
Investigations showed that IEBV was also blacklisted in Albania, where it was controversially awarded a tender to construct a waste incinerator in the country’s capital city, Tirana, in 2017, in a deal in which it would have managed the project for 30 years. Again, the deal was entered into without following tender procedures.
According to the Albanian press, IEBV was the only company which that took part in the tender, making an offer of around €128 million (US$143,4 million). The Albanian press also reported that its proposal to build the incinerator in Tirana was sent to that country’s ministry of environment just three months before it officially existed as company.
After reviewing the unrequested offer, the council of ministers decided to open a tender procedure on December 7, 2016, making sure that IEBV received a bonus of 8%, basically guaranteeing that it would receive the concession.
The deal led to huge street protests in Verri, a suburb adjacent to the waste incinerator outside the Balkan nation’s capital Tirana in January last year. The protesters were brutally assaulted by police. Protesters wanted the deal to be cancelled, arguing that the company was being paid huge amounts of money despite doing a shoddy job, according to the Albanian Daily News.
Just on December 27 last year, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama sacked half his cabinet (14 ministers) in response to the massive protests. They included the country’s former finance minister Arben Ahmetaj, who was identified by the press as having influenced the deal because he was Zoto’s friend.
The deal has since become a huge political issue in the country, with its opposition party leader, Jorida Tabaku, releasing documents indicating that IEBV was paid 33 billion Albanian Lakes, an equivalent of US$291 million, despite the fact that the incinerator is yet to be completed. – Zimbabwe Independent
Mawarire Tears Into Mnangagwa
By Talent Gondo| NPF spokesperson Jelousy Mawarire has torn into Zanu Pf and President Emmerson Mnangagwa accusing him of failing to deal with fuel cartels.
Mawarire said Mnangagwa was such a failure as “citizens’ economic, social and political standing was now worse off than it was during the reign of the former president Robert Mugabe.
Said Mawarire:
“People are poorer than they were in November 2017. The cartels that Zanu Pf are talking about about are there.
You don’t have to be a critic of government to know that the cartels are there. When Zanu Pf talks about government doing away with cartels, you wonder what they are talking about.
As long as we have people that unconstitutionally took over power in order to protect their loot, we are not going anyway in this country.
People Are poorer than they were in November 2017 and the fact that the people of Zimbabwe are not taking to the streets is only because of the threats that are being given left, right and centre by the regime.”
Zimbabwe’s New Currency, Is This A Good Move?
Shock As Human Remains Are Discovered At Flea Market
Farai Dziva|Barely two days after the grisly incident in which a Masvingo taxi driver was killed, human remains were discovered at the populous Chitima Flea Market in the ancient city.
Prominent taxi driver Josiah Rimayi was brutally killed and the suspects Chakanetsa Kambarami and his girlfriend Caroline Banda are assisting police with investigations.
In another incident human remains were discovered by vendors at Chitima Flea Market.
“Human remains were discovered at Chitima Flea Market.Our preliminary investigations indicate that a female adult was murdered near the flea market,” police said yesterday.
Man Arrested After Infiltrating The Army And Serving As A Soldier For Seven Years
South African police have arrested a man identified as Thapelo Makgosi who has worked as a soldier for many years even though he never had papers certifying him for a soldier.
Thapelo appeared in the Pretoria Magistrates Court yesterday on charges of falsely presenting himself as a soldier and illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition.
He was not asked to plead to both charge.
The case was postponed to 5 July, when he is expected to apply for bail.
Thapelo appeared relaxed throughout his brief appearance.
Dressed in plain clothes, he smiled and had a lengthy chat with his lawyer, Riaan du Plessis.
He seemed not to be bothered by the attention he was getting from curious onlookers.
Thapelo was arrested on 25 May in Thaba Tshwane, an army base in Tshwane.
The 29-year-old from Kagiso, on the West Rand, allegedly wore an SANDF uniform and carried a firearm.
He also allegedly sent relatives and friends pictures of himself in army uniform.
He allegedly even went to his former school, where reportedly issued application forms for army vacancies.
SANDF spokesman Brigadier-General Mafi Mgobozi alleged Thapelo had tried to join a group assigned to perform silent guarding.
“Other people are being investigated,” he said.
He said army intelligence and the police were investigating the matter.
Mgobozi would not be drawn on details of the investigation.
Meanwhile, a captain in the SANDF has been arrested for allegedly ordering a clerk to clear a suspect into the battalion.
The captain has since appeared in a military court.
ZESA Board Booted Out
By Talent Gondo- Newly-appointed Minister of Energy and Power Development, Fortune Chasi, has reportedly fired the entire ZESA board for incompetence.
A report by ZANU PF Patriots revealed that the energy minister was appalled by the board members who dwelled on trivialities while the nation was grappling with crippling power cuts.
Said Chasi:
“I looked at the minutes and discovered that the board spent much time on peripheral issues instead of dealing with real issues affecting Zesa.
There is evidence of no planning in carrying out their mandate and I found it fit to relieve the entire board of their duties.
We have a crisis and I expected the board to be handling such but instead, they dwell on none key issues.
The report added:
Chasi also said the entire board failed to deal with recommendations in the Zesa audit which exposed a lot of rot.
He reportedly added:
“The board sat on the audit and nothing was being done to implement the recommendations in the audit.
For Zesa to be transformed it requires men and women who are capable of thinking outside the box and the ministry is now busy looking for such people.”
An audit by the auditor general exposed the rot within the parastatal where senior managers milked huge allowances through shoddy procurement procedures.
The company is saddled with debt to foreign power suppliers and is not able to meet even half of the country’s electricity requirements.
Just In- Chasi Relieves ZESA Board Of Their Duties Over Incompetence
By Talent Gondo- Newly-appointed Minister of Energy and Power Development, Fortune Chasi, has reportedly fired the entire ZESA board over incompetence.
A report by ZANU PF Patriots quoted Chasi saying:
“I looked at the minutes and discovered that the board spent much time on peripheral issues instead of dealing with real issues affecting Zesa.
There is evidence of no planning in carrying out their mandate and I found it fit to relieve the entire board of their duties.
We have a crisis and I expected the board to be handling such but instead, they dwell on none key issues.
The report added:
Chasi also said the entire board failed to deal with recommendations in the Zesa audit which exposed a lot of rot.
He reportedly added:
“The board sat on the audit and nothing was being done to implement the recommendations in the audit.
For Zesa to be transformed it requires men and women who are capable of thinking outside the box and the ministry is now busy looking for such people.”
An audit by the auditor general exposed the rot within the parastatal where senior managers milked huge allowances through shoddy procurement procedures.
The company is saddled with debt to foreign power suppliers and is not able to meet even half of the country’s electricity requirements.
Masaraure Abduction Dents Zim – EU Talks
SUSPECTED security agents allegedly abducted and tortured Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) leader Obert Masaraure for leading a teachers’ strike, dealing a blow to President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s bid to re-engage with the European Union (EU).
ARTUZ yesterday alleged that Masaraure was on Wednesday abducted and tortured by security agents, who told him to stop leading a strike by disaffected teachers.
Pictures of Masaraure with evidence of torture went viral yesterday and EU’s ambassador to Zimbabwe, Timo Olkkonen, tweeted that the kidnapping and torture was “unjust and unacceptable”.
“ARTUZ has been leading a just-ended three-day nationwide strike over low salaries and high cost of living. This was a legally protected strike and a 14-day notice had been given to the State,” the union said.
“At least six men with masked faces and heavily armed with AK-47s abducted him from his Waterfalls home in view of his wife and children.
“They took all cellphones in the house. He was taken to a remote area along Seke Road, where he was stripped naked, severely assaulted and interrogated for hours about ARTUZ’s industrial action and told to stop mobilising teachers to go on strike.
“They asked him why he was still working as a teacher when they had suspended his salary. The line of questioning shows a clear link between the persecution of teachers by the employer through withholding of salaries, intimidation and torture as punishment for legitimate union activities.”
The alleged abduction has brought into question the Mnangagwa administration’s sincerity to curbing human rights abuses, with activists saying attacks had become worse than during former President Robert Mugabe’s dark era.
Zimbabwe and the EU on Wednesday kicked off their first formal dialogue in 17 years to draw a line under Mugabe’s confrontational approach to diplomacy with the West, which Harare hopes would thaw frosty relations and lead to resumption of direct aid to its battered economy.
The talks zeroed in on the regime’s poor human rights record and the need for critical political and economic reforms and development cooperation.
The EU has not directly funded Zimbabwe since the turn of the millennium, and has said any direct resumption of aid would be predicated upon Harare’s willingness to reform.
MDC spokesperson Jacob Mafume said Mnangagwa was shooting himself in the foot by allowing his security agents to abduct and torture Masaraure soon after opening a new chapter with the EU.
“He is a patriot who is demanding better public delivery of education services. It is quite clear that he is being targeted for his dissenting views,” Mafume said.
“The dark days are still with us. Even signs of goodwill from the EU are being washed down the drain by reckless and ruthless behaviour. The MDC demands an end to the terrorisation of civic society organisation’s and union leaders.”
“Abduction and torture of Obert Masaraure is strongly condemned. ZLHR [Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights] is very disturbed that suspected State agents continue to commit international crime of torture,” the rights lawyers said.
But police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said he was unaware of Masaraure’s abduction.
“Can I get back to you, say after 30 minutes. I need to check with Harare province if ever such a case was reported?” Nyathi said.
He was not answering his mobile, thereafter.
The attack on Masaraure comes as seven civil society activists are languishing in remand prison for allegedly plotting to unseat Mnangagwa after they attended a workshop in the Maldives funded by a Serbian non-governmental organisation, which authorities claim was aimed at equipping them with skills to topple the government.
The activists include George Makoni, Nyasha Mpahlo, Tatenda Mombeyarara, Gamuchirai Mukura, Farirai Gumbonzvanda, Stabile Dewa, and Rita Nyampinga.
They are in remand prison for attending a workshop organised by the Centre for Applied Non-Violent Action and Strategies (CANVAS) in Maldives.
In a statement issued yesterday, CANVAS said the arrest of the seven was illegal.
“CANVAS would like to inform Zimbabweans and the international community that the charges against these activists are blatantly false. The charges include: ‘Subversion’, ‘counterintelligence’ and ‘being trained in use of small arms’,” read the statement.
CANVAS said its mission was building strong societies through non-violence.
Mnangagwa Adamant Zim Will Never Adopt Use Of The SA Rand
Zimbabwean will do away with the multiple currency regime – which includes the rand, US Dollar and other units – currently accepted as legal tender alongside the RTGS$ consisting of bond notes and electronic balances, President Emerson Mnangagwa said on Friday.
The state broadcaster, Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) also reported that Zimbabwe would introduce its own currency before the end of the year.
At an environment clean-up campaign in Harare South constituency Mnangagwa said: “We are getting to the point where we say even if you have US dollars or British pounds in your pocket it’s yours but when u want to buy you exchange it and use our currency, you will be informed more about that.”
He it was difficult for Zimbabwe to progress economically while using foreign currency as legal tender.
Zimbabwe was only getting forex earnings after export sales, diaspora remittances and from limited investments inflows. Companies and investors have been limiting exposure to Zimbabwe as the financial crisis in the country occasion challenges in remitting dividends and moving other funds from local markets.
“We have started that journey to have our own currency. We are seeing a lot of fluctuations in the local rate of forex. As a consequence of that, we are witnessing price increases,” Mnangagwa said.
The president, whose economic reform measures have been criticized and are now being monitored by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), defended the country’s austerity measures, highlighting that these would help fix the ailing economy.
“I said we were instituting austerity measures to help our economy stabilise. That’s why we said Zimbabwe is open for business, but Zimbabwe is not open for abuse,” he said.
Analysts at IH Securities said in an economic note on Zimbabwe on Friday that Mnangagwa’s administration was faced with “an implementation risk of its austerity measures due to its traditional temperament for populism and tolerance towards corrupt interest groups”.
The analysts noted that subsidies for specific goods or sectors such as fuel or medicine had to be channeled through the fiscal budget. The IMF is supportive of Zimbabwe’s social safety nets measures aimed at ring-fencing the poor against inflation and the current austerity measures.
SAPS Probes Murder Of Zim Journalist
By Own Correspondent- South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Western Cape are investigating the murder of a Zimbabwean journalist, Mike Chimombe.
Chimombe lived in Cape Town, and though he was trained as a journalist at the Harare Polytechnic, he was working as a taxi driver at the time of his demise.
In an interview with a local publication, Western Cape provincial police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Andrè Traut said:
On Sunday at 20:10 a man, who is believed to be a taxi driver, was shot and killed in Tsaris Street, in Delft [Cape Town] by an unknown suspect who is yet to be arrested. His body was discovered next to his Toyota Corolla.
The circumstances surrounding the incident are being investigated. The motive is unknown, however, robbery is not ruled out.
Zimbabweans based in South Africa are dismayed over the murder of Chimombe, who was son to veteran journalist Emilia Zindi.
Secretary general of the Zimbabwe Migrant Support Network Shelton Chiyangwa said:
Here we have lost a renowned journo and a family man, one who has been adding value to the republic by providing a service to the people.
We call upon the SA Police Service to expedite their investigation and bring the murderers to book as this will deter many from doing such crimes.-ANA
Justice Chitapi Ends Detention Of #Zimbabwe7 Accused Of Plotting To Overthrow Mnangagwa
HIGH Court Judge Justice Tawanda Chitapi on Friday 7 June 2019 set
free four human rights campaigners, who had spent more than two weeks
in prison after they were arrested last month and charged with
subverting constitutional government.
The four human rights defenders namely George Makoni, Tatenda
Mombeyarara, Gamuchirai Mukura and Frank Nyasha Mpahlo had been
detained at Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison after they were arrested
on Monday 20 May 2019 and charged with subverting constitutional
government as defined in section 22(2)(a)(iii) of the Criminal Law
(Codification and Reform) Act.
Prosecutors accused the quartet of travelling to Maldives on 13 May
2019, where they allegedly attended a training workshop organised by
Centre for Applied Non Violent Action and Strategies (CANVAS), a
Serbian non-governmental organisation, with the intention of
subverting a constitutionally elected government.
The State claimed that during the training workshop, the four human
rights campaigners, who are represented by Jeremiah Bamu and Godfrey
Mupanga of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, were trained on how to
mobilise citizens to turn against the government and to engage in acts
of civil disobedience and or resistance to any law during some
anticipated national protests organised by some anti-government
movements.
The law enforcements agents charged that Makoni, Mombeyarara, Mukura
and Mpahlo were also trained on how to operate small arms and to evade
arrest during civil unrest and on counter-intelligence and acts of
terrorism.
But Justice Chitapi on Friday 7 June 2019 ordered that Makoni,
Mombeyarara, Mukura and Mpahlo be released from prison upon payment of
$1 000 RTGS as bail money after ruling that it is in the interest of
justice that the quartet be set free.
The High Court Judge also imposed some stringent bail conditions for
the four human rights campaigners after ordering them to report
everyday at various Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) stations including
continuing to reside at their given residential addresses until the
case is finalised and not to interfere with witnesses and police
investigations.
Justice Chitapi advised Makoni, Mombeyarara, Mukura and Mpahlo that
they could petition the High Court seeking a variation of their
stringent reporting conditions.
The Judge castigated the practice and conduct of some members of ZRP,
who apprehended the human rights defenders saying it was clear that
the law enforcement agents had arrested Makoni, Mombeyarara, Mukura
and Mpahlo in order to investigate and did not conduct investigations
first as should be the case.
Justice Chitapi implored Zimbabwean authorities to uphold the
provisions of the Bill of Rights outlined in Chapter 4 of the
Constitution, which provides for respect of citizens’ fundamental
rights and freedoms.
The Judge stated that during the bail hearing, the State did not show
that Makoni, Mombeyarara, Mpahlo and Mukura were involved in
organising or participating in any violent anti-government protests in
the past so as to warrant curtailment of their freedoms and that the
programme of activity for the workshop which they allegedly attended
does not show elements of subversion.
Mnangagwa Reinforces New Currency By End Year Message
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has told stakeholders who attended the national clean-up campaign held in Southlea Park, Harare that Zimbabwe is working to introduce its own currency before the end of the year.
Mnangagwa said the country will never will have its currency before the end of the year adding that the country will not develop while using currencies of other countries.
“As a country, we are obligated to have our currency and we have started that journey (to having a currency) because the exchange rate (on the black market) is constantly changing and this is because we don’t have our own currency.
“We will get to a point where the US dollar will be there on the market, you will have it your pockets but when you want to then buy, you will have to change it. You will take our money Which we are in the process of making, you will be told about it,” Mnangagwa said.
He reiterated that Zimbabwe is open for business but is not open for abuse while warning those sabotaging the economy that the law will soon visit them.
This comes as the country is reeling from an unstable surrogate currency, the bond note, which has failed to ease the current cash crisis.
The announcement is likely to worsen the already high rate on the black market and will trigger panic to cash barons on the streets.
Already, prices of basic commodities have been spiralling on a daily basis as the black market rates continue to tumble.
Although the government introduced an interbank rate, it has failed to keep up with the black market.
To this end, Mnangagwa said the austerity measures introduced last year will stay and will bear the intended fruits.
“I said for us to be out of this economic crisis, we will have austerity measures which will help us to have a better economy which will create jobs and investment opportunities,” he said.
-263Chat
Journalist Arrested For Taking Photos At Police Roadblock
263chat|Police in Kadoma today arrested journalist Nunurai Jena for defying details who ordered him to stop taking pictures at a mounted roadblock.
He has been detained at Rimuka Police Station where the law enforcement agents are preferring charges of ‘disorderly conduct’.
This comes barely two months after police threw tear gas at 263Chat newsroom and injured a photojournalist after the police ordered him to stop taking pictures of them chasing vendors.
Journalists have also sought an audience with the police in the past over the continued ill-treatment of journalists and the law enforcement agents have agreed to uphold media freedoms.
However, the recent conduct by the police is a spat in the face of media freedom which is enshrined int he constitution and comes at a time when President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government has been promising reforms in the media sector.
In recent week, there has also been a crackdown on civil society leaders who have been arrested on subversion charges which further puts a dent on Mnangagwa’s reforms rhetoric.
“Criticism Will Never Solve Our Problems As A Nation”
MDC Remembers Victims Of Wankie Disaster
The MDC comemorates the passing of 427 compatriots who passed in the “Wankie Disaster” of 1972.
Gas explosions which resulted in the loss of lives resulted in what remains the biggest mining disaster in the history of our country.
Rescue efforts were abandoned after further explosions in the tunnels.
5000 citizens gathered at a nearby stadium for a mass memorial.
Forty seven years later mining disasters are still happening and lives are lost.
Half the times there is no disaster preparedness, rescue efforts are messy, the State is disinterested and lives are lost.
Beyond the recent disasters no relief funds are set up to at least take care of the families of those who died.
As we commemorate the Wankie Disaster, the MDC urges authorities to prioritize safety of miners including artisanal miners, look into the welfare of those who lost loved ones in recent mining disasters and more importantly strengthen disaster response capacity.
MDC: Defining A New Course in Zimbabwe!
MDC COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT
State Security Agents Hunt Newly Elected MDC Leaders
By Talent Gondo| Zimbabwe’s main opposition party, MDC led by Nelson Chamisa is increasingly becoming wary of the safety of its members after it emerged that members of the Police Internal Security Intelligence (PISI) are looking for details of their newly-elected leadership in every province throughout the country.
The director in the MDC’s organising department, Farai Chinobva has since written to all party provincial chairpersons warning them of the ongoing exercise being carried out by PISI.
Part of the internal circular dated June 4, 2019, gleaned by a local publicationreads:
Reference: confidentiality of party information
“It has come to our attention that members of the police force specifically from PISI are moving around requesting details of our elected leadership and party structures.
“Kindly be advised that no such information must be given to anyone, except if only requested by the national organising department. Be guided accordingly.”
MDC national organiser, Amos Chibaya admitted that the circular sent to all provincial chairpersons was generated from MDC, saying it was meant to keep their party members alert.
“Yes, that circular was generated from our office, but what they (police) are doing is very wrong. They want to harass our members because of fear of the unknown.
“Obviously the situation in the country is unmanageable, especially when you talk of the economy itself yet, it is not about the MDC, but it is about the people of Zimbabwe.
“If the people of Zimbabwe are not happy about how the country is being run, they have the right to demonstrate peacefully. That right is actually enshrined in the Constitution.
“I am sure you are aware that Section 59 of the Constitution allows the people to demonstrate peacefully, and also gives them the right to petition. So, there is no need for the police to actually target MDC members.
“Prices have been rising on a daily basis and are now beyond the reach of every Zimbabwean and now they fear that people might demonstrate. So, by taking the details of our structures they want to harass them,” Chibaya said.
However, national police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyati, said he could not comment on another organisation’s internal communication.
“I haven’t seen the circular. I am sure it was their internal communication. So, I cannot comment on another organisation’s internal communication,” Nyathi said.-Newsday
Sweden Concerned About Abduction, Abuse Of ARTUZ Leader
Highlanders Rests Key Players This Weekend For Dynamos Tie Next Week
HIGHLANDERS will rest key players carrying two yellow cards each for tomorrow’s away Castle Lager Premier Soccer League game against Yadah for next week’s blockbuster clash against Dynamos.
Bosso coach, Madinda Ndlovu said he will not compromise the strength of his team for tomorrow’s encounter even though he wants a strong unit for the DeMbare game.
Speaking at the club’s weekly press conference yesterday, Ndlovu indicated that he will make changes to have a full strength side for domestic football’s top-drawer clash against Dynamos.
Players likely to miss the trip to Yadah tomorrow include defensive midfielders, Nqobizitha Masuku and Adrian Silla, who picked up their first yellow cards on the opening match of the season against Black Rhinos.
Silla collected his second yellow card in the 0-0 draw against Hwange, while Masuku was booked for the second time this season last weekend when Highlanders beat ZPC Kariba 2-0.
Striker Prince Dube also sits on two yellow cards, picked from the 1-3 defeat by Harare City and the 0-0 against Hwange.
“We’re going to look for that important win against Yadah. We’re not going to weaken our team, but we’re going to make changes. We’re going to play Dynamos after Yadah and if we have key players sitting on two yellow cards, we cannot sacrifice them because we really need to be as strong as possible. I’m not saying Yadah is less important, but the sentimental values that are there when you play Dynamos have to be kept. The traditional kind of war that is there between the two teams has to be kept and therefore we will try and save our key players for the Dynamos game, should need be,” said Ndlovu.
Yadah are reeling in the relegation zone and will be searching for their second win of the season.
Bosso have not been good travellers this season, only managing two points from a possible nine in their three visits to Harare. They drew 1-1 against Black Rhinos in Harare, lost 3-1 to Harare City at Rufaro Stadium and drew 0-0 with Mushowani Stars.
Meanwhile, Chicken Inn welcome Harare City at Luveve Stadium tomorrow, with defending champions, FC Platinum, facing Ngezi Platinum Stars at Baobab.
“The Belief That Zim Is In A New Dispensation Is Foolish And Tragic”
Mnangagwa Announces Introduction Of Zim Dollar
President Emmerson Emmerson Mnangagwa said that Zimbabwe will have its own currency by the end of this year.
President Mnangagwa said this while addressing Southlea Park residents in Harare after taking part in this month’s clean-up campaign at Candy Shopping Centre.
He said the multi-currency regime had been adopted to deal with the hyper-inflation experienced between 2008 and 2009 but should not be maintained going into the future.
“Between 2008 and 2009 our country’s currency lost value and some people became billionaires or trillionaires due to high inflation,” President Mnangagwa said.
“At the time Government decided to adopt the multi-currency regime where we started using, the US dollar, Rand, the British Pound or Pula for transacting. It was a policy measure to address the challenges that were being faced then. We however, cannot not continue going forward without our own currency. South Africa has its own currency and when you go there with the US dollar or Euro you would have to convert it to the Rand before you can transact.
“The same applies to Zambia, Botswana, Mozambique and the UK. A country cannot develop using other nations’ currency. A currency is only printed by its owners and the only way to get it is through exports, Diaspora remittances or foreign investments but as a country we should have our own currency and we have embarked on that journey (to have a local currency).
He added that when the local currency is re-introduced it would no longer be possible to use foreign currency while transacting locally
He added that the multi-currency regime is problematic in that it causes the value of the local RTGS Dollar to collapse as people chase the greenback. He said:
South Africa has its own currency and when you go there with the US dollar or Euro you would have to convert it to the Rand before you can transact.
We Will Not Rest Until Our Grievances Are Addressed-Masaraure
Farai Dziva|ARTUZ president Obert Masaraure says he will continue to fight the fundamental rights of civil servants in spite of being brutalized by suspected state security agents.
Masaraure was abducted by men in masks and (he) was brutally assaulted and left for dead.
He saluted all Zimbweans who supported him during the time of persecution and harassment.
“I was abducted and brutalized by state security agents but I am saying there is no going back.
We will not rest until our grievances are addressed,”said Masaraure.
Can Mugabe Be A Threat To National Security At 95?
“Can You Classify Mnangagwa Gvt?”
Jonathan Moyo Threatens To Divulge V11s On Mnangagwa “Brutality”
Mutodi Claims Masaraure Is A School Dropout Who Wants To Earn The Salary Of An Accountant
Farai Dziva|Controversial Deputy Information Minister Energy Mutodi has stunned all and sundry after claiming ARTUZ leader Obert Masaraure is a school dropout.
Surprisingly Mutodi chose to ignore the state brutality unleashed on a hapless Masaraure – for merely expressing the views of thousands of hard-pressed civil servants.
“This morning I was going through the CV of ARTUZ president Obert Masaraure and I was shocked realising he is a school dropout yet he wants to earn the salary of a chartered accountant,” claimed Mutodi.
Masaraure was brutally assaulted by suspected state security agents for allegedly inciting teachers to protest against the government.
Mnangagwa Accused Of Using “Selous Scouts” Tactics To Brutalize Citizens
Farai Dziva|Political analyst Dr Pedzisai Ruhanya has accused Emmerson Mnangagwa of using Sealous Scouts tactics to brutalize citizens:
Mukupe Urges Mthuli Ncube To Take Great Care Of Soldiers Who Brought About Second Republic
LATEST – Mnangagwa Says Zimbabwe To Have Its Own Currency By December 2019
ZANU PF President Emmerson Emmerson Mnangagwa has announced that Zimbabwe will have its own currency by the end of 2019.
Mnangagwa was speaking in Southlea Park on Friday morning where he was leading a national Clean Up campaign, Mnangagwa said the country cannot develop economically whilst using other countries’ currencies.
He added that the multi-currency regime is problematic in that it causes the value of the local RTGS Dollar to collapse as people chase the greenback. He said:
Between 2008 and 2009 our country’s currency lost value and some people became billionaires or trillionaires due to high inflation.
At the time Government decided to adopt the multi-currency regime where we started using, the US dollar, Rand, the British Pound or Pula for transacting.
It was a policy measure to address the challenges that were being faced then. We, however, cannot continue going forward without our own currency.
South Africa has its own currency and when you go there with the US dollar or Euro you would have to convert it to the Rand before you can transact.
The same applies to Zambia, Botswana, Mozambique and the UK. A country cannot develop using other nations’ currency.
A currency is only printed by its owners and the only way to get it is through exports, Diaspora remittances or foreign investments but as a country, we should have our own currency and we have embarked on that journey (to have a local currency).
Mnangagwa revealed that the introduction of the new currency will mean that foreign currency will no longer be used in local transactions.
More: The Herald
Mtawarira Lands Tourism Ambassador Role
By Rumbidzai Madhibha| Government in partnership with the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority have named Zimbabwe-born Springbok star Tendai Mtawarira as the new Tourism Ambassador for Zimbabwe.
The rugby player well known as ‘The Beast’, received the tourism ambassador honorary role at a Harare hotel at an event graced by the Minister of Environment, Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Priscah Mupfumira.
In his acceptance speech, Mtawarira who has been on the spotlight as one of the best rugby players internationally said as the new tourism ambassador it will be easier for him to take Zimbabwean tourism to greater heights considering he has always been on the spotlight in promoting brand Zimbabwe through rugby.
“When I am done with my games out there I am going to talk and bring my friends and their families here. I think a lot of people out there, a lot of young men who have left the country should also come back and be hands-on in building brand Zimbabwe.
And I am so excited to be part and parcel of the country’s tourism and I promise I am going to get involved in any tourism initiative be it on social media because I am prepared to give 110 percent effort on this job. “
Journalist Arrested For Taking Pictures At Roadblock | UPDATED
By Talent Gondo| A correspondent for a local media house, Nunurai Jena has been arrested.
Jena was arrested by police details in Kadoma for taking pictures.
The journalist was reportedly arrested for allegedly defying orders by police details to stop taking pictures at the mounted roadblock.
At the time of writing, Jena was detained at Rimuka Police Station where the law enforcement agents are yet to charge him.
There are however indications that he will be charged “with disorderly conduct.”
This is a developing story. Refresh this page for latest updates.
Chigowe To Join Real?
Farai Dziva|Former Dynamos coach Lloyd Chigowe is likely to return to football management anytime soon as he is linked with a Zifa Central Region Division One side.
According to the Herald, Chigowe is a hot favourite to take over Real BVM, and his arrival could be announced in the next few days as they are still working on their budget before hiring the former Dynamos gaffer.
“The president wants Chigowe to take over this week. He has been committed with other businesses, and it was difficult for the deal to be negotiated, but very soon negotiations will start with Chigowe,” an unnamed source told the newspaper.
Chigowe was sacked at Dynamos in April after taking charge of just four league games of which three were defeats.
CAF Boss Released Without Charges
Farai Dziva|CAF President Ahmad Ahmad was released by French investigators on Thursday evening without charge against him.
Ahmad was picked by the police at the Berri Hotel in Paris on Thursday morning for questioning following accusations corruption which rose from a contract dispute with Puma.
CAF terminated their contract with the German sportswear manufacturer in favour of Technical Steel. Ahmad is accused of having influenced this decision, standing to be rewarded with up to $830,000.
FIFA confirmed the detention but refused to comment further on the issues saying they were still waiting to get more information.
Bail Conditions For Human Rights Activists
Farai Dziva| The human rights activists who were arrested for allegedly plotting to overthrow the government have been granted bail.
The activists will pay RTGS $ 1000 as part of their bail conditions and they will reside at their given addresses.
In addition they have been ordered not to interfere with state witnesses and they will report to police stations near their respective residential areas.
LIVE: Free At Last…5 Activists Walk Out High Court As Lawyers Speak
VIDEO LOADING BELOW…
BREAKING- 7 Detained Activists Granted $1k Bail
Seven activists who have been languishing behind bars over charges of planning to topple President Emmerson Mnangagwa have been granted bail.
Justice Tawanda Chitapi released the 7 granting them $1 000 bail each.
This is a developing story.Refresh this page for latest updates.
Breaking News:Seven Human Rights Activists Granted Bail
Farai Dziva|The seven human rights activists who were arrested for allegedly plotting to topple Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government have been granted bail by High Court Judge Justice Tawanda Chitapi.
The activists are George Makoni, Tatenda Mombeyarara, Gamuchirai Mukura Nyasha Mpahlo, Farirai Gumbonzvanda, Rita Nyamupinga, and Stabile Dewa.
The seven were charged with allegedly violating section 22 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act [Chapter 9:23].More to follow. ..
BREAKING: High Court Grant’s Bail To Five Of The Seven Activists Arrested For Attempting To Subvert ED Govt
Jane Mlambo| High court Judge Tawanda Chitapi has granted bail to five of the seven activists arrested in connection with attempting to subvert a constitutional government.
In passing his ruling Chitapi said the state had erred in arresting them without investigations.
He added that they were not informed of their crimes when they were arrested which is against their rights.
Chitapi also said there was no compelling evidence that they will interfere with state witness considering that the state had told the court its evidence was in their confiscated gadgets.
More to follow…
BREAKING NEWS: 5 Activists Granted Bail
Warriors Squad For High Profile Match Against Nigeria
Farai Dziva|An 18-member Warriors team has left South Africa for Nigeria ahead of a high profile international friendly on Saturday.
Coach Sunday Chidzambwa is part of the Warriors contingent, having missed Wednesday’s Cosafa clash against Zambia following the death of his father.
The travelling squad is made up of several players that featured in the qualifiers with Nyasha Mushekwi making his return to the selection.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: George Chigova, Edmore Sibanda.
Defenders: Tendayi Darikwa, Jimmy Dzingai, Divine Lunga, Teenage Hadebe, Alec Mudimu.
Midfielders: Marshall Munetsi, Marvelous Nakamba, Danny Phiri, Ovidy Karuru, Kuda Mahachi, Talent Chawapihwa, Khama Billiat, Knowledge Musona.
Strikers: Nyasha Mushekwi, Tino Kadewere, Evans Rusike.
Man Bashes Mother-In-Law Over Lizard Tail In Relish
Farai Dziva|A Zvishavane man ran amok and severely assaulted his mother-in-law whom he accused of witchcraft.
Dickson Chatsauka (34) assaulted his 71-year-old mother-in- law Sarah Hadebe alleging that she advised his wife Kudzai Hadebe to lace his relish with a love potion meant to “tame him”.
Chatsuka had gone out with a friend to drink and he returned home late at night.He then discovered a lizard tail in his relish.
Chatsauka proceeded to her in-laws’ homestead and assaulted his mother-in-law using a switch that he plucked from a tree.
“Chatsauka returned from Matenda Growth Point and was offered supper by his wife. While enjoying the meal, he came across a lizard tail in his plate,” a local villager told a weekly publication.
“He interrogated his wife over the issue and she didn’t give him a satisfactory answer. Chatsauka threatened to kill her and that is when she admitted that she had been instructed by her mother to put the lizard tail as it was a strong love potion,” said the villager.
MDC Slams “Barbaric” State Security Agents
Farai Dziva|The main opposition party in Zimbabwe, MDC has described the conduct of state security agents as “barbaric.”
This follows the abduction of MDC members in Midlands Province.
Below is a statement written by the MDC Midlands Information and Publicity Department:
As a legitimate party that has chosen to change government through the ballot box, MDC is perturbed by the abduction and harassment of its members who are not in any way a security threat.
Midlands Province would like to remind the rogue Central Intelligence operatives that the operations of intelligence in the 21st century have shifted from use of force to intellect, and that our activists must be immediately released from unlawful detention and harassment.
Zimbabwe is at crossroads at this critical historical juncture and we do not need such unpalatable violations of the rights of innocent citizens but respect of the dignity and inalienable rights of law abiding citizens.
MDC: Defining a New Course for Zimbabwe!
Dr Takavafira M. Zhou
Midlands Secretary for Information and Publicity.
Tajamuka Confronts Mnangagwa Over “Heinous Crimes”
Farai Dziva|Tajamuka leader Promise Mkwananzi has said Emmerson Mnangagwa is solely responsible for the “heinous crimes” against human rights defenders.
See Mkwananzi’s statement below :
The leader of the Teachers movement Obert Masaraure was abducted and severely tortured by state agents at midnight.
Our resolve for a better Zimbabwe is and remains unshaken. Our search for justice against those who perpetrate these dastardly acts remain very solid. We will continue to use peaceful and non-violent methods to pursue a better and greater Zimbabwe and to search for more democratic and compassionate leaders who will treat the citizens of this country with respect and humanity.
We hold President Mnangagwa and his illegal illegitimate and criminal government directly responsible for these heinous crimes. We continue to insist on the urgent need for an all inclusive national dialogue to resolve the escalating economic and political crisis and we hope and pray that the regional and international community will exercise their duty to protect unarmed and defenceless citizens and human rights activists in Zimbabwe.
Promise Mkwananzi
Tajamuka Leader
Richard Tsvangirai Blasts Zanu PF For Monopolizing State Resources
Farai Dziva|Richard Tsvangirai, the son of the late iconic MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai, has accused Zanu PF of monopolizing state resources.
“In South Africa there is white monopoly capital, in Zimbabwe, we have Zanu PF monopoly capital.
All factors of production excluding labor are owned by Zanu PF,” said Richard Tsvangirai on Facebook.
International Human Rights Body Calls For Immediate Release Of Detained Activists
Farai Dziva|An International Human Rights body ICJ has called for the immediate release of seven Human Rights Defenders who were arrested by Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government.
“The ICJ today is calling on the Zimbabwe government to stop using the highly criticized offence of “subverting a constitutional government” to punish human rights defenders for the exercise of fundamental freedoms protected under international and Zimbabwe Law.
George Makoni, Tatenda Mombeyarara, Gamuchirai Mukura Nyasha Mpahlo, Farirai Gumbonzvanda, Rita Nyamupinga, and Stabile Dewa, referred to by the media as the “Zimbabwe 7”, have been charged under section 22 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act [Chapter 9:23] and will face a bail hearing, due to be heard at the High Court in Harare on 6 and 7 June 2019.
The Zimbabwean authorities need to desist from the growing practice of abusing the offence of subverting a constitutional government as an instrument to persecute human rights defenders through abuse of the legal system,” said Arnold Tsunga, ICJ’s Africa Director.
“The oppressive and retaliatory use of law by government violates the rule of law and human rights as guaranteed in the Zimbabwean Constitution as well as in regional and global human rights treaties to which Zimbabwe is a State party,” he added.
“Your Spooks Are Your Enermies”
By Stanley Goreraza| We all remember the historical convergence of Zimbabweans of all backgrounds in the streets of Harare in the month of November 2017.
MDC and Zanupf held hands as Blacks and Whites partook from the same bottles of strong drink. It was so beautiful and for the first time in a very long time, the whole world cast it’s glance on Zimbabwe with beaming pride, sharing the joy of a nation emerging from 37 years of everything being about one man and what he and he alone wanted.
Zimbabweans celebrated thinking this marked the end of the mist of fear that covered their entire country. Fear of midnight abductions and disappearances! Fear of upsetting Mr Mugabe which carried severe consequences.
For 37 years Zimbabweans were terrified of Mr Mugabe and the spooks who acted on his behalf. His forced departure brought great relief to a terrified and traumatised population who viewed him as the seven headed Dragon which was cast from heaven.
I don’t know whom exactly President Mnangagwa thinks is his enemy, but those who recently abducted a teachers union leader and brutally assaulted him, are his enemies.
Such people will precipitate his downfall because in the end the buck stops with him. Fingers will be pointed at him and not those behind the criminal act and vile human rights violation.
There is law enforcement and then there are crimes against humanity. A fine line separates the two and if one is careless they can step out of line without noticing it. It is inexcusable and completely unacceptable.
The dream of a new start Zimbabwe cannot be betrayed by a few individuals carrying on the shameful legacy of Mr Mugabe which brought political and economic desolation.
President Mnangagwa, the people carrying out these satanic acts do so in your name. It is your name that gets associated with crimes against citizens blurring distinction between yourself and your predecessor. There has to be a difference between the Zimbabwe of now and the Zimbabwe before November 15 2017.
You do not preserve or bring peace and security through crimes and human rights violations. When citizens are terrified of security agents it means the security agents are armed criminals. Citizens should be made to feel safe by law enforcement authorities and not be afraid of them.
“Chiwenga Will Never Run Zim”
Passport Office Official Hauled To Court For Assault
By Talent Gondo| An official from the Ministry of Home Affairs on Monday appeared before a magistrate facing indecent assault charges involving a woman who had visited his offices.
Wilbert Mugoni (41) allegedly fondled 29-year-old Netsai Chigodora of Marondera in Paradise Park in the town.
The incident allegedly happened on May 22 this year after the accused had obtained the complainant’s number and called her for a rendezvous after working hours.
Chigodora had earlier been to the offices to inquire about the delay in the processing of her travel document.
Mugoni pleaded not guilty to the charge when he appeared before magistrate Rumbidzai Munemo.
He was remanded out of custody on free bail and is expected to appear in court on Friday (today).-Newsday
CAAZ Stage Salaries, Working Conditions Protest
By Talent Gondo- Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ) workers reportedly embarked on a strike on Thursday citing poor working conditions.
The workers allegedly gathered in the committee room at the RGMI Airport the whole day.
However, the management refused to address the workers, reports indicate.
CAAZ spokesperson Anna Hungwe dismissed the claims that workers are on strike, saying:
There is nothing like that. Of course, we had a normal meeting like any other company, but all of our staff reported for duty today (yesterday).
An employee who spoke to a local publication said that the strike is in the form of a sit-in.
Said the disgruntled worker:
We are staging a sit-in, demanding long overdue issues to be addressed by the management and the minister.
The agreed cost of living adjustment starting from March has not been implemented after executive management included, were trying to ride on employee agreements.
The workers say that they are now incapacitated and can no longer afford to travel to work. They also accuse the human resources director of practising nepotism.-Newsday
Pictures- Mnangagwa Cleaning Up Southlea Park, Where Is Chiwenga?
Zim Referees Fail To Make It For 2019 AFCON
LIVE: Why Is Everything Crumbling Under Mnangagwa?
Be honest, Is President Mnangagwa taking Zimbabwe in the right direction?
— ZimEye (@ZimEye) June 7, 2019
Telecel Suspends Board Member Who Leaked Letter To The Media
The decision came a few days after Francis Mawindi’s letter to the board recommending the firing of CEO Angeline Vere, recently leaked out to the media. The letter from Telecel Zimbabwe Board read:
Telecel Zimbabwe board has suspended Mr Francis Mawindi, their Board member with immediate effect over breach of the common law fiduciary duty of confidentiality, ZimTechreview reported.
“The Telecel Zimbabwe Board of Directors wishes to inform all stakeholders that a resolution has been passed for the suspension of Mr. Francis Mawindi from holding office of Telecel Zimbabwe Board Director effective the 6th of June 2019, pending final Resolution by the Shareholders in terms of the Companies Act.
This is following Francis Mawindi’s serious breach of the common law fiduciary duty of confidentiality and to act in the best interests of the company through communicating and misrepresenting confidential company information.”
Vere was appointed CEO in 2015 to steer the ship but at that time the majority shareholder was a foreign company. Under her watch, the mobile network operator was relegated to third from second in terms of subscriber base with its numbers dwindling ever since.
According to industry statistics, Telecel’s subscriber base dipped 12,3 percent in the fourth quarter of 2018 whereas its competitors Econet and NetOne recorded gains of 1,9 percent and 5,2 percent respectively.
Mawindi said he was unhappy with the performance of the company.
“On my part my position is very clear and that I’m not happy with the performance of the company and I’m of the opinion that the CEO is not competent enough to lead the company and has reneged on her responsibilities to inform the board of critical and important resolutions which have a material impact on the financial position of the company including re-authorisation of annual service contracts with key vendors and awarding salary increases of 20% to employees without full board authorisation,” Mawindi said.
“She has also failed to demonstrate her capacity and capability to lead by struggling to lead the charge in coming up with a turnaround plan which only materialised after the intervention of the board.”
Mawindi said under normal circumstances failure to adhere to company policy and procedures on such things as salary increases for employees, contracts and purchase order approvals in accordance with the existing schedule of authorisation “leads to automatic termination since this is a serious breach.”
-Online
Soldier Uses Up $262k Mistakenly Deposited Into His Bank Account, Surprisingly No Criminal Charges Laid Against Him
The Central African Building Society (CABS) has dragged Air Force of Zimbabwe operations officer Arnold Lethale Pullen to the High Court seeking to recover the US$262 000 which Pullen allegedly stole. The banking is seeking a garnishee order which will allow it to automatically deduct the money from Pullen’s salary.
The money was stolen when the bank mistakenly credited his account with $262 000 in September 2017 when the bank’s system failed. Pullen allegedly transferred the money to his friends and family’s accounts before asking them to transfer the money back to his Steward Bank account where CABS could not touch it. The error was discovered when the bank was carrying out a system upgrade at a later date.
In its court papers, the bank says,
On April 2, 2019, the applicant (CABS) obtained an order against the third respondent (Pullen) in the sum of US$262 208 together with interest thereon calculated at the rate of 20% per annum and costs of suit on a legal practitioner and client scale.
The judgment debt arises from unauthorised overdrafts utilised by the third respondent which debt remains outstanding and unsatisfied. The applicant is aware that the third respondent is a member of the Air Force and is employed by the first respondent (Defence minister).
The applicant prays for an order compelling the first and second respondents to pay the sum of US$1 000 per month to it until the judgment debt is paid in full.
It is not clear why Pullen is not facing criminal charges because a student nurse who took advantage of the same system error at CABS was sentenced to 12 years in prison last year. The student had stolen, $54 000.
The nurse, Kelvin Kutadza was sentenced to 12 years in prison a few days before he could graduate after he was convicted on 54 counts of theft.In mitigation, Kutadza claimed that he was a devout Christian who honestly believed that he had received miracle money. Said Kutadza,
When I checked my account and saw the money, I thought it was miracle money. I’m a Christian and thought that my prayers had been answered and I regret using the money. I’m a final year student nurse at Gweru Provincial Hospital and I am supposed to graduate on May 5. May the court pardon me.
Blow For Huawei, As Facebook Stops Pre Installation Of Its Apps On Phones
Facebook is no longer allowing pre-installation of its apps on Huawei phones, the latest blow for the Chinese tech giant as it struggles to keep its business afloat in the face of a US ban on its purchase of American parts and software.
Customers who already have Huawei phones will still be able to use its apps and receive updates, Facebook told Reuters. But new Huawei phones will no longer be able to have Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram apps pre-installed.
Smartphone vendors often enter business deals to pre-install popular apps such as Facebook. Apps including Twitter and Booking.com also come pre-installed on Huawei phones in many markets. Twitter declined to comment and Booking Holdings did not respond to a request.
The move by Facebook dampens the sales outlook for Huawei Technologies, whose smartphone business became its biggest revenue generator in 2018, powered by strong growth in Europe and Asia.
Huawei declined to comment.
Alphabet’s Google said earlier that it would no longer provide Android software for Huawei phones after a 90-day reprieve granted by the US government expires in August. But Google’s Playstore and all Google apps will still be available for current models of Huawei phones including those which have not yet shipped or even been built.
The Facebook ban, by contrast, applies to any Huawei phone that has not yet left the factory, according to a person familiar with the matter. Facebook declined to comment on when the suspension took place.
In May, Washington banned US companies from supplying technology to Huawei, part of a long-running campaign against the company. The US alleges that Huawei is too close to the Chinese government and that its telecom network gear and other products could be a conduit for espionage, which Huawei denies.
Buyers of Huawei phone models that do not have Facebook pre-installed would still be able to download it from the Google Playstore. Future versions of Huawei phones, however, will not have access to the Google Playstore and its apps unless the US government changes course.
Huawei has said it was prepared for the US action and vowed to work around any disruptions. But some customers at stores in Europe and Asia have told Reuters that they are reluctant to buy Huawei phones in the face of uncertainties, and analysts expect a dramatic drop in Huawei smartphone sales.-Reuters
Zim 7 Arrest: Mnangagwa Has Just Pressed The Reset Button To Go Back To Mugabe Era.
Opinion By Hillary Jephat Musarurwa|Barely a year into office, the 2nd Republic of Zimbabwe has pressed the reset button and returned to authoritarianism by arresting and harassing human rights defenders and civic society leaders.
This is something that I had hoped would never be witnessed under President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s rule given the political mantras that they sold us during his campaigns. The current leader of Zimbabwe famously declared himself to be, “as soft as wool.” Posturing himself as a listening president, he proclaimed that, “the voice of the people is the voice of God.” However, events over the past months seem to show that the leader has grown deaf to the voices he vowed to serve. The arrest of seven civil society leaders and practitioners between 20 and 27 May 2019 on their return from a capacity building workshop in the Maldives raises questions as to whether the new dispensation is prepared to open up space for civic organisations to operate; or behave in the very way that the regime it replaced used to.
The seven that were arrested are: Tatenda Mombeyarara of the Citizens Manifesto: George Makoni of the Centre for Community Development in Zimbabwe (CCDZ); Nyasha Frank Mpahlo of Transparency International Zimbabwe; Gamuchirai Mukura of Community Tolerance Reconciliation and Development Trust (COTRAD); Farirai Gumbonzvanda of Rozaria Memorial Trust; Sitabile Dewa of Women’s Academy for Leadership and Political Excellence and Rita Nyampinga of the Female Prisoners Support Trust. Ironically the three ladies that were arrested, Farirai, Sitabile and Rita shared the same space with Zimbabwean government officials, led by the Minister of Information, Monica Mutsvangwa, at the annual UN Women Activists Summit held in March 2019.
As a peacebuilding scholar, who was privileged to learn about nonviolent action from the likes of Prof Geoff Harris, Dr Sylvia Kaye, Ela Gandhi (Mahatma Gandhi’s granddaughter) and Paddy Kearney, I find it perturbing that violence and nonviolence resistance should be put in the same sentence as given in the allegations levelled against the #Zimbabwe7. Given the events of the past few weeks it begs that we briefly unpack what civil resistance is.
Civil resistance is the sustained use of nonviolent action by civilians. Civil resistance is a powerful way for people to fight for their rights, freedom, and justice – without directly harming (or threatening to harm) an opponent. Nonviolent civil resistance is far more successful in creating broad-based change than violent campaigns are (Stephan and Chenoweth 2008). This organized civic pressure approach, usually done through strikes, protests, demonstrations, boycotts, amongst many other tactics, has been used in many successful settings that had nothing to do with regime change, but empowering citizens to self-organise and participate more in issues to do with their welfare. It has been used to:
- advance women’s and minority rights indigenous rights, labour rights, and democratic rights.
- improve transparency and good governance through anti-corruption and transparency campaigns
- hold governments, corporations and other non-state actors accountable
- struggle for self-determination
- resist foreign occupation
- campaign for public and community safety and reduce deadly violence in conflict zones
- protect the environment
- land reform
Civil resistance is driven by people power and the cooperation of different stakeholders (Ackerman and Duvall 2005). It is therefore key to promoting social cohesion. It can pull political power away from governments or traditional power brokers. Civil resistance takes place outside traditional political channels, making it distinct from other nonviolent political processes such as lobbying, electioneering, and legislating (Chenoweth and Stephan 2011). Tending to be more open and participatory than secretive and hierarchical, nonviolent resistance is conducive to the diffusion of power and democratic relations (Bond 1994; Randle 1994). Civil resistance focuses on achieving civic goals, has widespread civil society involvement and is distinct from civil disobedience. Civil disobedience thrives on intentionally breaking the law to achieve civic goals, which is not what civil resistance pushes for. Most, if not all civil resistance methods follow the prescriptions of the law.
Civil resistance has the capacity to address the root causes of conflict, such as the suppression of rights, rather than merely dealing with symptoms or containing a conflict. And it is powerful precisely because community-based resistance speaks to the root of the suffering that Zimbabweans have endured for decades. Perhaps this is why the Regime has arrested leading civil society actors who share knowledge with fellow citizens.
Repressing non-violent resistances can easily backfire as it can quickly galvanize more support to the cause that is being pushed for. It has been documented that internally, members of a regime—including civil servants, security forces, and members of the judiciary—are more likely to shift loyalty toward nonviolent opposition groups than toward violent opposition groups (Chenoweth 2014). Indeed, the international community is more likely to denounce and sanction states for repressing nonviolent campaigns than it is violent campaigns. Zimbabwe therefore needs to reconsider its actions, lest it dig itself deeper into international isolation at a time when it badly needs support to reverse the socio-economic mess it is in.
There is need to follow up on this article in order to understand why the #Zimbabwe7 travelled to the Maldives for the Centre for Applied Nonviolent Action and Strategies (CANVAS) workshop. What exactly are the civil rights they were or are planning to push for? Can the goals of the civil movements they belong to be achieved under a regime led by Mnangagwa that has clearly shown its unreadiness to share space with civil leaders? If their story is not told and shared, we will always remain sold to the narrative that these seven community leaders were getting trained on how to violently overthrow a constitutional government.
Hillary Jephat Musarurwa is a Peacebuilding scholar and writes in his own capacity.
In- Law Bashed After Man Discovers Lizard Tail In Relish
By Own Correspondent- A Zvishavane man went berserk and bashed his mother-in-law after he stumbled on a lizard tail in his relish.
Dickson Chatsauka (34) of Whande Village under Headman Matenda assaulted 71-year-old Sarah Hadebe alleging that she advised his wife Kudzai Hadebe to lace his relish with a love potion meant to “tame him”.
A source, Ndabenhle Sibanda, said Chatsuka had gone out with a friend to drink and he returned home late at night.
“Chatsauka returned from Matenda Growth Point and was offered supper by his wife. While enjoying the meal, he came across a lizard tail in his plate,” said Sibanda.
“He interrogated his wife over the issue and she didn’t give him a satisfactory answer. Chatsauka threatened to kill her and that is when she admitted that she had been instructed by her mother to put the lizard tail as it was a strong love potion,” he said.
Raging with anger, Chatsauka proceeded to her in-laws’ homestead and assaulted his mother-in-law using a switch that he plucked from a tree.
“Seething with anger, he went to his in-laws homestead that same night and confronted his mother-in-law over the issue. There was a heated argument and Chatsauka assaulted his mother-in-law with a switch before slapping her countless times on the face. He was restrained by neighbours who came after hearing Hadebe scream for help,” said Ndlovu.
Chatsauka appeared before Chief Masunda’s traditional court on Friday. Chief Masunda, however, said he would still meet them again on Friday as the matter was not finalised.
“I summoned Chatsauka after receiving a report that he assaulted his mother-in-law. However, after hearing his side of the story l summoned his mother-in-law together with Chatsauka’s wife and l am yet to hear their side of the story,” said Masunda.
ED Tells Local Businesses How To Survive In The Economic Mess He Created
Government is committed to supporting turnaround efforts by entities through the creation of a conducive investment climate which ensures viability and guarantees security of investment, President Mnangagwa has said.
He implored firms to pursue capital injection through internally-mobilised resources instead of focusing on borrowing as the only option.
President Mnangagwa said this yesterday while commissioning a US$125 000 state-of-the-art production plant at Allied Timbers.
“Credit finance is not the only option for capital injection. Business models and strategies must be developed and interest-free capital internally generated for expansion and growth of our entities. As Government, we will continue to support turnaround efforts through the creation of a favourable trade and investment climate which steers profitability while guaranteeing security of investment and ensuring sustainable jobs,” said President Mnangagwa.
-State Media
Unbelievable!! 56 Tonne Bridge Stolen Over Night In Russia
Own Correspondent|We have heard of cars, bikes, laptops even ATM machines being stolen, but have you ever heard of a bridge being stolen? Weird, isn’t it?
The disappearance of a 56-tonne bridge in Russia has sparked controversy, and prompted the police to start an investigation into the incident. In Russia’s Murmansk region, this bizarre incident has sent the local residents into a tizzy.
According to the Daily Mail, the bridge is roughly 75 feet in length and weighs over 50 tonnes. It is located on the Umba river in the Arctic region.
Another bizarre thing is that the bridge has disappeared without a trace. Some 10 days ago, pictures of the bridge were again shared on VK, which showed that a part of the bridge had broken down and the debris was lying in the water below.
Now, a few days later, there is absolutely no sign of the broken bridge. In fact, the debris also disappeared. This triggered a detailed investigation which revealed that the bridge had not sunk to the bottom of the river.
‘It was taken away by unknowns. At the bottom, too, there are no large debris. Natural phenomena could not bring down the bridge’, wrote the page, where aerial shots of the bridge that disappeared were posted.
Locals believe that the bridge was torn down and then stolen by scrap metal thieves. Its disappearance has been reported to Kirovsk Police.
‘Most likely, metalworkers pulled the structure down into the water, and there they slowly took it apart into scrap pieces’, the VK page also speculated.
There is a reason everyone believes that it’s the doing of metal thieves – it wasn’t the first episode of scrap metal thieves damaging infrastructure in the region. There were attempts to steal transmission towers in the nearby Apatity in summer 2018.
In 2008, Russian police hunted scrap metal thieves who stole an even larger 200-tonne metal bridge in a night-time raid.
According to The Independent, Kirovsk Prosecutor’s Office confirmed an investigation was underway, regarding the bridge’s disappearance. Police say that thieves may have acted to sell scrap metal, but their identity and the way they operated is still unknown.
Police said in their statement that the bridge belonged to a company operating in the area, and estimated material losses of about 600,000 Russian rubles had been incurred, according to The Independent.
Just when we thought the world couldn’t possibly get more bizarre, people start stealing bridges, of all things!
Source: News agents
Motor Scheme For Civil Servants, Gvnt Clarifies Conditions
By Own Correspondent- Civil servants who have benefited from the Government’s motor vehicle scheme will not be eligible to benefit again for the next five years, the Public Service Commission (PSC) has said.
In Circular number 6 of 2019 to all Government departments, PSC Secretary, Ambassador Jonathan Wutawunashe said in addition, beneficiaries should have served the public service or service commissions for at least 10 continuous years.
In addition interested members must also have a valid driver’s licence and must not be subject to any disciplinary hearing.
Ambassador Wutawunashe said members that meet this criteria, should submit an application to the head of their ministry requesting authority to import a vehicle under this scheme.
“If the member satisfies the above criteria, the head of ministry shall forward the recommendations together with the relevant copies of driver’s licence and current pay slip (original) to the PSC for clearance,” said Ambassador Wutawunashe.
He said once clearance has been granted, the PSC will forward the recommendations to Treasury for concurrence after which the member will proceed to import a suitable vehicle with the stipulated specifications.
“The vehicle should not be older than 10 years from the date of manufacture at the time of importation. The Government shall grant rebate of duty on a motor vehicle with a maximum import value of US$10 000. The vehicle must meet the specifications under the Customs Tariff Codes,” said Ambassador Wutawunashe.
The specifications under the Customs Tariffs Codes include motor vehicles principally designed to carry passengers with specific cylinder and engine capacities as well as propulsion specifications.
Ambassador Wutawunashe said for the rebate on import of a motor vehicle to be processed, a member must submit clearance from the PSC, Treasury concurrence, copy of a driver’s licence and in the case of a member living with a disability, a valid driver’s licence of a designated driver must be submitted.
An applicant must also submit proof of residence and a copy of identity card.
Ambassador Wutawunashe, however, said once a member resigns from service before expiry of five years, the grant of rebate will be revoked immediately.-StateMedia
Masaraure Abduction, Nick Mangwana Says His Pictures Are Old Scars
PERMANENT Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Nick Mangwana, has dismissed the alleged abduction and torture of a teachers’ union leader as stage-managed.
In a hard-hitting response to news that Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union (ARTUZ) president Obert Masaraure was abducted and tortured on Wednesday evening, Mangwana dismissed the attack as stage-managed, saying even the injury scars do not look fresh at all.
Masaraure said some assailants who are yet to be identified dragged him out of his Waterfalls home on Wednesday night in full view of his wife and kids, kidnapped him to some place he could not identify, and tortured him before dumping him in the chilly cold of Thursday morning.
Pictures circulated on Thursday showed Masaraure with whip marks on his back, arms and buttocks.
He says he has has been targeted by suspected State security agents because of his vocal stance in pushing for a salary increase.
Teachers want a salary review, citing the increase in the price of basics and has called for a strike by teachers.
Pictures circulated on Thursday showed Masaraure with whip marks on his back, arms and buttocks.
On Monday, Masaraure’s ARTUZ pushed for a three-day stay away which flopped after teachers largely ignored the call.
The main labour body, the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) has also ignored calls for a stay away, as its leader Peter Mutasa attendd the launch of the Tripartite Negotiating Forum (TNF) by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in the capital city on Wednesday.
More on ZOOMZimbabwe… Rwanda genocide reminds us of the Gukurahundi: Chamisa
The International Labour Organisation (ILO) is reportedly been pushing for the TNF, saying it is the best way forward to address Zimbabwe’s labour-to-government relations, hence the attendance by the ZCTU.
Meanwhile, EU Ambassador to Harare, Timo Olkkonen tweeted that the assault of Mr. Obert Masaraure was unjust and unacceptable.
Opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) leader Nelson Chamisa said Masaraure’s kidnap, coming hot on the heels of the detention of his deputy Godfrey Chanda in Gweru on Tuesday, pointed to the deterioration of the political situation in Zimbabwe.
“Zimbabwe has turned into a pariah state and banana republic,” Chamisa said on Twitter.
Masaraure and other unionists say they have of late been targeted for urging their members to go on strike for three days starting on Monday this week.
On Tuesday, ARTUZ reported that two of its officials were arrested in Gweru by CID officers and warned to desist from calling for a stay away.
Masaraure’s wife reportedly raised the alarm after six men wearing masks stormed their home and grabbed her husband in front of their terrified children before driving away into the night.
-Online
Tsvangirai’s Strathaven Mansion Goes Under The Hammer To Pay Middleman Who Facilitated Election Coalition
Own Correspondent|Reports just received indicate that Moreprecision Muzadzi the man who has been involved in a long legal battle with the late MDC founding leader Morgan Tsvangirai has pushed for Tsvangirai’s estate executors to sell the former Prime Minister’s Strathaven house to recover $204 000 money he is owed by Tsvangirai.
Muzadzi approached the High Court applying for a judgement to be passed according to the offer.
Tsvangirai allegedly engaged Voice of People leader Muzadzi and Zimbabwe Development Party leader Mr Kisnot Mukwazhi to facilitate fellow opposition parties to throw their support behind him to avoid splitting votes during the 2013 harmonised elections.
Muzadzi is claiming the money for the role he says he played in setting up the coalition arrangement.
Initially, Muzadzi had cited Tsvangirai, his brother Manasa as well as former MDC vice president Morgen Komichi as respondents.
However, the High Court has since granted an order by consent allowing Tsvangirai to be replaced by his estate executors Innocent Chagonda and Charles Maunga.
Following the changes, on April 9, Mazadzi met with Manasa and agreed to a final offer as in US$84 000 granted by High Court judge Justice Owen Tagu on December 4 2017, breach of contract US$50 000, perjury US$40 000 and libel US$30 000.
No cent was paid and in his application, Muzadzi wrote that he was told that Tsvangirai’s estate has no money.
“The third defendant went to the executors with plaintiff to get funds but they said the estate had no ready funds but just the Strathaven house and cars.
In his founding affidavit, Muzadzi alleged that in January 2013, Tsvangirai agreed to engage him and his partner, Kisinoti Mukwazhe, to negotiate with opposition party leaders not to contest the 2013 Zimbabwe general elections, but support the now late leader’s presidential bid.
“Plaintiff and partner successfully negotiated with Simba Makoni, Dumiso Dabengwa, Margaret Dongo and 15 others to support Tsvangirai’s presidential candidature,” the High Court heard.
Muzadzi once told the High Court that when he asked for the payment, he was physically abused.
Source: allafrica.com
Bail Ruling For Zimbabwe 7 Deferred To 12pm
Bail ruling for human rights campaigners charged with subverting constitutional government deferred to 12pm at High Court.
More to follow…
Major Blow For China As Govt Mulls Ban On Export Of Raw Granite
Government will soon ban unprocessed granite exports as part of efforts to enhance foreign currency generation.
This was said by President Mnangagwa yesterday after touring Southern Granites (PVT) Ltd in Chitungwiza.
The company is into processing of granite and the President said he was impressed by its operations.
“This has been an eye-opener. I am told that this factory has been in existence for quite some time, but all that I knew was our rocks were being extracted and depleted in Mutoko and sent in big blocks to Beira on their way to Europe,” he said.
-State Media
Zim Expects Only 770k Tonnes Of Maize From 2018-19 Cropping Season
The country is expecting 776 635 tonnes of maize from the 2018-2019 summer cropping season due to a poor rainfall season characterised by long dry spells, the second round crop and livestock assessment report reveals.
The output represents a 54 percent decline from the 2017-2018 cropping season, which yielded 1 700 702 tonnes.
According to the report, 1 623 757 hectares were put under maize last season.
The report also notes that the 2018-2019 season was characterised by late rains across the country.
-State Media
Maize Production Slumps By 54%
By Own Correspondent- The country is expecting 776 635 tonnes of maize from the 2018-2019 summer cropping season due to a poor rainfall season characterised by long dry spells, the second round crop and livestock assessment report reveals.
The output represents a 54 percent decline from the 2017-2018 cropping season, which yielded 1 700 702 tonnes.
According to the report, 1 623 757 hectares were put under maize last season.
The report also notes that the 2018-2019 season was characterised by late rains across the country.
“The false starts in the southern and south-eastern parts of the country affected the crop establishment,” reads the report in part.
“Long dry spells in January and February negatively affected the planted crop. Cyclone Idai, which hit the country in mid-February, caused severe damage to crops and agriculture infrastructure in Manicaland and Masvingo provinces.
“However, it improved crop condition in Mashonaland East and Central.”
Mashonaland West is leading in maize production with 228 073 tonnes while Mashonaland Central is second with 159 184 tonnes, with Mashonaland East on third place with 153 831 tonnes.
Midlands is expected to harvest 93 703 tonnes while Masvingo will get 60 962, Matabeleland South 16 781 tonnes and Matabeleland North 13 031 tonnes.
The reports shows that Mashonaland West and Central provinces have substantial surplus cereal production while Masvingo and the Matabeleland provinces have a deficit
“Out of the 60 percent administrative rural districts in the country, 11 (18 percent) have enough cereal to last until the next harvest and the rest (49 districts) will last between two and 11 months,” reads the report.
Sorghum production is expected to be 40 215 tonnes, finger millet (6 947 tonnes) and pearl millet 28 047 tonnes.
The combined small grains production decreased by 44 percent compared to 2017/2018.
According to the report, several dry spells experienced this year affected the regions where significant areas are put under small grains.
Groundnuts production declined by 44 percent from 127 202 tonnes in the 2017/18 season to 70 902 tonnes this season.
Production of pulses and tubers remain low.
Sugar bean production also decreased by 55 percent from 21 320 tonnes to 9 528 tonnes while cowpeas decreased by 23 percent to 12 655 tonnes while sweet potatoes declined 73 percent to 88 248 tonnes.
The huge decrease in the production of tubers and legumes is a result of erratic rains at the start of the season and long dry spells in January when the crops are normally planted.
Climate change is affecting rainfall patterns.-StateMedia
Mnangagwa Blows Thousands On Lethal Weapons To Quell Protests: Report
By Talent Gondo- President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government is reported to have bought an assortment of lethal weapons for the police as it prepares itself to crush anticipated protests over the deteriorating economy and living conditions in the country, a local publication has reported.
The publication reports that some of the weapons which have been purchased are as follows,
3 343 AK-47 Rifles
2 000 CZ Pistols
500 Pl Pistols
500 Steyrs
500 UZI Submachine guns,
500 Mossberg Shotguns
500 Riot Guns
300 Mortar Tubes
500 MAG
300 SSG Sniper Rifles
300 Dragnov Sniper Rifles
100 RPG7
1 500 Tokarev
22 948 AK Magazines
According to the report the authorities are still shaken by the #Shutdown Zimbabwe protests which took place in January and degenerated into violence.-ZimIndependent
Husband Beater Deserted, Hauled To Court For Abuse
By Talent Gondo- WHEN love goes sour it leaves a bitter taste in the mouth and can cause damages if not handled with caution.
Such bitter taste is what a Bulawayo woman, Memory Ndabalime, is experiencing following chilling revelations by her ex-husband Costa Mhazha that she threatened to hire thugs to “deal” with him as punishment for dumping her.
Mhazha claimed to be living in fear following the disturbing threats. He said he deserted the matrimonial home because of Ndabalime’s abusive behaviour.
He said during the subsistence of their customary marriage, his ex-wife was always beating him up at the slightest provocation.
Mhazha said Ndabalime would descend on him with various dangerous weapons such as a knife and cooking stick anytime they had a disagreement.
“Memory Ndabalime is my ex-wife and we separated on 4 May this year. During the subsistence of our customary marriage she was threatening me with various and dangerous weapons to an extent that I had to vacate our matrimonial home. She even promised to poison me and hire thugs to beat me up. She is coming to where I am staying now while threatening to stab me with a knife,” said a devastated Mhazha.
He tearfully said he dumped Ndabalime because of her violent behaviour and threats to end his life in a grisly manner.
“Every time she gets angry she would take a knife and threaten to stab me with it. She was also assaulting me with a cooking stick and publicly insulting me with obscene language. As a result of that I am now seeking a protection order against her so that she stops harassing me and coming to where I am staying now.”
In response, Ndabalime shot down her ex-husband’s abuse allegations and that she threatened to hire thugs to teach him a lesson he would never forget in his life.
“He is lying that I was abusing and threatening him and visiting his place. He no longer loves me because he now has a girlfriend and that is the reason why he moved out of our matrimonial home,” said Ndabalime.
In her ruling the presiding magistrate Racheal Mukanga ordered Ndabalime not to verbally and physically abuse her ex-husband or threaten him in any way.
Share This:
Village Head Beds Neighbour’s Wife, Fails To Honor Promised Payment Of Two Goats
By Own Correspondent- An affair between a village head and his neighbour’s wife took an ugly turn after the village head failed to deliver two goats that he had promised to give his neighbour’s wife as payment.
Tonderai Jari, the village head of Madhekwana Village in Mberengwa shocked the villagers after it emerged that he solicited for sex from his neighbour’s wife Esnat Mataruse promising her two goats.
The affair, however, took an ugly twist after Jari failed to deliver on his promises causing Mataruse to disclose the matter to her husband Raymond Chakawira.
Out of anger, Mataruse spilled the beans to her husband after realising that she had been played by Jari.
B-Metro managed to track down Mataruse and she confirmed the matter.
“Some time in February, Jari proposed me and we started dating. After some time he asked for sex and l refused but he promised to give me two goats and l gave in. However, after discovering that he lied to me l was angry and l ended up telling my husband about the matter. He was going to find out about the matter either way, so it was best that he heard about it from me,” said Mataruse.
“It was a wise move for me to confess because l wanted to save my marriage,” she said.
Jari, however, could not be drawn to comment on the issue as he professed ignorance about the matter.
“I do not know the matter that you are talking about,” he said.
Upon hearing about the embarrassing incident, Chakawira took the matter to Chief Maziofa.
Jari initially denied having an affair but he had to admit after Mataruse produced their WhatsApp conversations before the court as evidence.
Due to overwhelming evidence against him, Jari was ordered to pay six cows for disrespecting Chakawira and for tarnishing his image.
Chief Maziofa castigated Jari, labelling him as a hypocrite who steals other peoples’ wives.
“As a village head, Jari should know better than to sleep with a married woman. What will the villagers learn from him if he behaves in such a way. He is supposed to be of good character,” said Chief Maziofa
SA Based Singer King 88 Makes History
By Own Correspondent- The South Africa-based singer has launched his career in a foreign land. To many local music followers, the name sounds foreign.
Despite having a few stage appearances back home, King 98 seems to be building a good brand in the region. Recently he reportedly thrilled Zambians when he performed at the Phoenix Rising Teen Awards and Music Festival at the Polo Arena in Lusaka.
King 98 is said to have stunned Zambian music followers with his performance and earned praises from music critics of that country. He shared the stage with Nasty C and Ammara Brown.
This Saturday King 98 has another regional assignment. The 21-year-old singer will perform at the “Castle Lite Unlocks” gig at the Campo do Maxaquene in Maputo, Mozambique. He will go to the event with Nasty C and Mozambican star Edson Abel Jeremias Tchamo, aka Laylizzy.
After the Mozambican tour, King 98 is expected to travel to Nigeria where he is set to have a number of shows. This could be a unique entry into the hip-hop music scene for King 98. He has started with rubbing shoulders with the likes of Davido and Nasty C when local hip-hop fans are still to get to know more about him.
He could be writing a story similar to Mokoomba’s script. Mokoomba is known on European stages and has risen the country’s flag at many prestigious festival, yet their activity is less back home.
For King 98, it is a different story because he is based in South Africa where he is studying. After building a big regional brand, the young singer is likely to stamp his authority on the local scene when he is able to stage more shows in the country.
His manager DJ Simms believes their journey will take them miles on the continent and they plan to have more shows back home to reach out to their hip-hop fans in the country.
“We were happy with the reception we got in Zambia. We did not expect such a response and we are hopeful that everything will go according to plan as we leave for Mozambique this week,” said DJ Simms.
“Performing in the region means a lot to us. King 98 is building a good fan base in the region. He has a perfect working relationship with Nasty C and they have big plans together.
“His collaboration with Davido titled ‘No Bad Vibes’ has introduced him to the Nigerian market and we are confident he will also leave a huge mark when he goes to perform in West Africa.”
PICTURES: Marlborough Terror Gang Apprehended
Lizard Tail In Relish, Man Bashes Mother- In Law
By Own Correspondent- A Zvishavane man went berserk and bashed his mother-in-law after he stumbled on a lizard tail in his relish.
Dickson Chatsauka (34) of Whande Village under Headman Matenda assaulted 71-year-old Sarah Hadebe alleging that she advised his wife Kudzai Hadebe to lace his relish with a love potion meant to “tame him”.
A source, Ndabenhle Sibanda, said Chatsuka had gone out with a friend to drink and he returned home late at night.
“Chatsauka returned from Matenda Growth Point and was offered supper by his wife. While enjoying the meal, he came across a lizard tail in his plate,” said Sibanda.
“He interrogated his wife over the issue and she didn’t give him a satisfactory answer. Chatsauka threatened to kill her and that is when she admitted that she had been instructed by her mother to put the lizard tail as it was a strong love potion,” he said.
Raging with anger, Chatsauka proceeded to her in-laws’ homestead and assaulted his mother-in-law using a switch that he plucked from a tree.
“Seething with anger, he went to his in-laws homestead that same night and confronted his mother-in-law over the issue. There was a heated argument and Chatsauka assaulted his mother-in-law with a switch before slapping her countless times on the face. He was restrained by neighbours who came after hearing Hadebe scream for help,” said Ndlovu.
Chatsauka appeared before Chief Masunda’s traditional court on Friday. Chief Masunda, however, said he would still meet them again on Friday as the matter was not finalised.
“I summoned Chatsauka after receiving a report that he assaulted his mother-in-law. However, after hearing his side of the story l summoned his mother-in-law together with Chatsauka’s wife and l am yet to hear their side of the story,” said Masunda.
PICTURES: Alick Macheso Returns Back To Former School, Pays Fees For 109 Kids
By Alick Macheso|June is my birth month and because I value my roots and love all, I decided to celebrate my birthday by giving back to my former school, Enterprise Primary in Shamva.
We will be paying full tuition for 109 underprivileged students that are not covered under BEAM and we are also building an ECD block for kids that were learning under trees.
Various other projects are also coming up to support the school.
Thank you all for supporting Orchestra Mberikwazvo. Your support and every dollar you give goes a long way. Ndihwo huchenjeri hwaMwari ihwohwo.
Robber Overpowers Police Officer Gets Away With An AK47 Rifle At Tollgate
A POLICE officer stationed at Lion’s Den tollgate outside Chinhoyi was last week robbed of her AK-47 assault rifle while on duty.
Mashonaland West police spokesperson Inspector Clemence Mabgweazara confirmed the incident and said police were hunting for the suspected robber.
“Police are hunting for the culprit who robbed our officer of her gun at Lion’s Den tollgate last week. That’s all I can say for now concerning the issue. It is not unusual as people would want to believe,” he said
Mabgweazara said this was the second time an officer had been dispossessed of a gun in the province.
“This is not the first time an officer on duty had the gun forcibly taken away, as this happened in Norton, but we managed to apprehend the culprits and recovered our FN rifle,” he said.
Such robberies are happening at the backdrop of increasing armed robbery cases in the country.
African Football Thrown Into Turmoil As Esperance Refuse To Play Champions League Replay
Own Correspondent|Esperance De Tunis have rejected the decision by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to replay the 2nd leg of the CAF Champions League final.
The Tunisian club was crowned on Saturday, 31 May as Champions of Africa but the crown was rescinded following a CAF Emergency meeting ordering for a return of the winner’s medals and trophy for a replay of the 2ndleg.
Esperance are however not interested in returning their prized assets and are set to hold a meeting to appeal to the Court of
Arbitration for Sports (CAS).
“Esperance will organise an emergency meeting in the coming days to challenge this decision to the competent international authorities and take all necessary measures to legally defend its rights,” a released on the club’s twitter account read.
A release by CAF cited safety reasons as one of the factors resulting in why the game could not travel the stipulated 90 minutes but the Prime Minister of Tunisia Youssef Chamed has hailed the country’s security force stating they remain loyal to Esperance and Tunisia.
”Our security forces are an example in the world and those who question Tunisia’s security. It bears responsibility to the audience of Esperance on its discipline in the last game. We recognize the right of
Esperance and the right of any Tunisian association”
The Champions League final replay is scheduled to take place in a neutral venue after the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.
LIVE: Be Honest, Is President Mnangagwa Taking Zimbabwe In The Right Direction?
OTP-CR-174/19 Updated| International Criminal Court On Zimbabwe
– ICC reference number is: OTP-CR-174/19. –
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT – We the supporters and trustees of ZimEye Media, combined, have a special announcement to make concerning efforts by victims of military violence to obtain legal remedies outside Zimbabwe.
This development follows our successful public advocacy for victims of the 1 August shootings, that is, the pressure we put on the Motlanthe Commissioners to force military generals to testify on what they did to end the lives of many in August last year.
We got the Bar Standards Association to investigate the activities of one of the Motlanthe Commissioners, Rodney Dixon.
The latest of these efforts have seen the International Criminal Court finally becoming seized with the report and as at this time, we now have an official reference number and also direct access to the ICC prosecutor. This is special and crucial.
This development means for the first time victims of violence in Zimbabwe can file their complaints and we are glad to facilitate that.
The ICC reference number is: OTP-CR-174/19.
During consultations with several legal experts, the matter of jurisdiction came up but we are pleased that clarification has been passed beyond the bottleneck of Zimbabwe’s not being a -signatory to the Rome Statute.
Just as a summary- evidence submitted to date include ZBC broadcast video in which it was the clearly declared that civilians were going to come under state military terrorism just so that election results are altered and those fake results maintained afterwards.
It is encouraging that for the first time, the ICC are now going through this evidence.
From today henceforth we shall also be giving regular updates as and when they are available. – Trustees And Supporters
Mthwakazi Block Cassava From Bringing Jah Prayzah And Winky To Perform In Bulawayo
Own Correspondent|Mthwakazi Republic Party, MRP, has ordered giant mobiles phone service provider, Econet, to reverse the decision to bring Harare based top Zimbabwean musicians Jah Prayzah and Winky D to perform at a a corporate event in Bulawayo at the weekend.
The two crowd pulling musicians are set to be in the city this Saturday where they are billed to perform at the “Ziyawa kuEcoCash” promotion first monthly draw at the Bulawayo City Hall free of charge to the public.
Below is the letter to Econet which the company has not yet formally responded to.
To: Econet Wireless Zimbabwe
CC Marketing Manager
Regional Manager
Branch Manager
06 June 2019
The Director
It is with great concern to note your bizarre decision to import labour into Bulawayo in the form of artists,when Bulawayo and the region at large has great artists. For a big corporate which is well supported by people in the region,this is a big disappointment and will not be condoned.
The society is already poisoned,skewed and destroyed by such unholy tendencies that seek to undermine a certain group of people,which is a divisive measure stinking to high heavens. We have Bulawayo crowd pullers amongst them are Jeys Marabini, Sandra Ndebele, Khaya Arts, Khuxman, Hwabaraty, Martin and Ndolwane Super Sounds , Clement Magwaza, Calvin, Gazi Elimnyama, Ezimnyama the list is endless.
On that note, we request that you immediately withdraw and reconsider your decision to import artistes from Harare for your event to be held at the Bulawayo City Hall Car Park on Saturday 08 June 2019.
Speaking ahead of the draw, Winky D urged fans to attend the draw in their numbers.
“Gafa rapindira. I’ll be back in Bulawayo this weekend with a bang for the EcoCash promotion. A lot of prizes including a house, stands, cows and goats will be won so come in your numbers on Saturday,” he said in a video drop.
Telecel Board Member Fired “For Disclosing Confidential Information”
Own Correspondent|The Telecel Board has sent out a press release to the effect that Francis Mawindi has been suspended from the Telecel Board of Directors with immediate effect.
The Telecel Zimbabwe Board of Directors wishes to inform all stakeholders that a resolution has been passed for the suspension of Mr Francis Mawindi from holding office of Telecel Zimbabwe Board of Director effective the 6th of June 2019, pending final Resolution by the Shareholders in terms of the Companies Act.
This is following Francis Mawindi’s serious breach of the common law fiduciary duty of confidentiality and to act in the best interests of the company through communicating and misrepresenting confidential company information
By order of the BoardDr J. Makamba
“People Just Want To Safeguard Their Right To Demonstrate,” Mwonzora
VOA Poll Result Says Mnangagwa Is Taking Zimbabwe In The Right Direction | DO YOU AGREE?
A Voice of America poll has so far claimed in it results that Emmerson Mnangagwa is taking Zimbabwe in the right direction. Do you agree with this?
FULL TEXT: Mnangagwa’s Dialogue Youths’ Statement
Youth Dialogue Forum
_Press Statement_
VIDEO LOADING BELOW…
On the 14th of February 2019, the leadership of youth wings from various political parties and independent candidates who participated in the last harmonized elections came under one banner and launched the youth dialogue forum (YODIF;) whose main thrust is hinged on having youths from all political persuasions coming together to promote peace, unity and cohesion towards socio-economic transformation in the country.
It is from this background that YODIF wishes to further notify all relevant stakeholders of its existence.
Zimbabwean Youths, from all political persuasions have for long been victims of isolation with regards to various pertinent issues of the nation. This brings us to the issue of POLAD. YODIF would like to make it categorically clear that as youths we are behind the dialogue process by our principals and we hope and pray that eventually all political players will eventually participate in order to make Zimbabwe reclaim her role as the Jewel of Africa. It has become clear that the problems affecting our nation are stemming from politics and can be best addressed through political avenues. Henceforth; political players should not utilize these problems as leverage to gain political mileage, but should rather consider the plight of the masses as top priority and be prompted to unite towards the socio-economic transformation of our nation.
As youths we are tired of being exploited as objects to achieve individuals� selfish goals. We are tired of being tricked; being divided along political lines; to pave way for selfish agendas. We are tired of being manipulated to fight one another, destroying property and killing each other to settle political scores. We now come, united as one to claim our space and realize our mandate of developing our Nation as well as to enjoy all the milk and honey that our Nation is blessed with.
To our Principals, we appeal to you to treat this dialogue as a life transforming initiative; one that seeks to secure the future of Zimbabweans and not to treat this as a mere power sharing arrangement. We also want to highlight that the negotiations are incomplete without the participation of youths who constitute the majority of the population of the Nation and the most affected group, pertaining to the current socio economic situation in our country. At our levels as youths, through our convener, we have already taken steps to involve youths� from the political players whose Principals are yet to join the National dialogue.
YODIF is now fully functional and will keep updating the Nation, through the fourth estate of all its programs.