By Talent Gondo- An official from the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ), Godfrey Chanda was reportedly taken by CID officers to Gweru Central Police Station for questioning.

According to ARTUZ, Chanda was detained for two hours and released without being charged.

ARTUZ said:

Police in Gweru has arrested ARTUZ leader Godfrey Chanda. Mr Chanda was picked in town by one officer Ncube who took him to CID department at Gweru Central Police for “questioning”. Our Rapid response team is working flat out to secure more details.

Chanda is now being held at a building opposite to Main Post office in Gweru. He is in a room with 8 men. One of them identified himself as Ncube but refused to share reasons for picking our leader. We are now treating this as an abduction.

… Thanks for the online support. Chanda has been released and ordered not to address teachers in Gweru district. He has not been charged but was detained for over 2 hours.

ARTUZ on Monday, June 3, 2019, embarked on a 3-day strike in a bid to force the government to address teachers’ working conditions.

By Own Correspondent- The Zimbabwean government has accused a Serbian national Srdja Popovic of training civic society activists in Zimbabwe to topple the government.

The state-controlled Herald has reported that Srdja Popovic’s CANVAS organisation has of late been involved in the mobilisation of small groups of Zimbabweans to lead Zimbabweans into a mass uprising to remove the Emmerson Mnangagwa led government.

Government has arrested some activist with the State alleging the activists received training in organising mass protests, the use of small arms and counter-intelligence in the Maldives.

Minister of Home Affairs Cain Ndabazekhaya Ginyilitshe Mathema was quoted in the media saying, “Anybody who agitates, therefore, against the Government of the President of this country illegally will be dealt with according to the dictates of our laws.

“Those who are actually here for subversion and those who are being trained outside the country, will face the full wrath of the law. I have no qualms about it. I am prepared to use the law as it stands in Zimbabwe.”

Srdja Popovic was one of the founders and key organizers of the Serbian nonviolent resistance group Otpor!

Otpor!’s campaign to unseat Serbian president Slobodan Milosovic found success in October 2000 when hundreds of thousands of protestors converged upon and took over the Serbian Parliament, effectively ending Milosevic’s rule.

After the revolution, Popovic served a term as a member of the Serbian National Assembly 2000-2003.

In 2003, Popovic and other ex-Otpor! activists started the nonprofit educational institution the Centre for Applied Nonviolent Action and Strategies (CANVAS).

CANVAS has worked with people from 37 countries, including Zimbabwe, Burma, Iran and Venezuela, spreading knowledge on nonviolent strategies and tactics that was used by the Serbian pro-democracy movement to other non-democratic countries.

CANVAS has worked with the activists responsible for successful movements such as the Georgian “Rose Revolution” of 2003 and the Ukrainian “Orange Revolution” of 2004-2005.

It also transferred knowledge to Lebanese activists in 2004 to address the crisis after the assassination of Prime Minister Harriri, and assisted participants in the Maldives’ revolution in 2008.

Recently CANVAS has worked with April 6th, a key group in the Egyptian nonviolent uprising, as well as other groups from the Middle East.-StateMedia

Daid the Amalgameted Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe:

“The teachers are now demanding an extension of the days of their successful job action, non-ARTUZ members are joining the job action and School Heads are now forced to compile statistics by the employer.

The government is engaging its sweetheart the Apex Council. Yellow Unions are mobilising teachers to go back to work.

The teachers are winning, they are boldly declaring that they will not remain under the armpits of perennial sellouts who claim to be big Unions.

Attendance has dropped to 40% and more are expected to join.

We warn the government to urgently address the salary crisis before schools totally shut down.

Meanwhile, we will confine ourselves to 3 days, evaluate after tomorrow and escalate the struggle as soon as possible.

ARTUZ Communications Department

Own Correspondent|THE Linda Masarira-led LEAD opposition has unveiled its ideology document and national executive as well as presented its strategy which will be executed by the party in the run up to the 2023 elections.

The ten-member National Executive Council has Masarira as President, the Vice President is Patrick Ndhlovu of Bulawayo Province while the Chairperson is Carol Rwafa, also from Bulawayo province.

Other officials include Vice Chairperson Morgan Ndhlovu (Matebeleland North), Secretary-General Sydney Muyambi (Matebeleland North), Vice Secretary-General Laura Mutasa (Mashonaland West) and Treasurer-General Adamson Banda (SA Diaspora).

Kevin Muzhunga (Mashonaland West) is the organising secretary and is deputized by Tapiwa Mutasva (Mashonaland Central).

The information department is headed by Musa Kapena from Matebeleland North Province.

Secretary-general Sydney Muyambi announced that a Congress will be held later this year.

“We are going to hold our first Congress in October. At that Congress, whatever is being done now will be ratified and more appointments could be made,” Muyambi said.

Linda also weighed in: “Our supporters should expect that the party should have established structures in readiness for the 2023 elections. If protests worked MDC should be in government by now.

“Since it’s formation MDC has used that method and ZANU pf with its Rhodesian experience know how to deal with protests. Our strategy is centred around winning elections not making the country ungovernable.

“We will engage government at all levels to register our dissatisfaction and advice on matters of development and governance,” said the firebrand human rights defender and former trade union leader.

South Africans have expressed their anger over the news that the money gathered for petrol attendant Nkosikho Mbele would not be paid directly to him, even though the viral campaign where funds have been allocated insists that he requested it manage the cash.

Mbele gained overnight fame after a post about his kindness went viral.

A woman named Monet van Deventer took to Facebook to share the story of how Mbele had helped her by paying for her petrol after she had forgotten her purse at home.

Van Deventer started a crowdfunding campaign for Mbele with the aim of raising R100,000. The campaign easily surpassed that target and has so far raised R400,000.

However BackaBuddy NPC, the site which hosted the campaign, tweeted that the funds raised would not go directly to him and would instead be managed by the crowdfunding platform.

According to BackaBuddy, Mbele asked for the money to be handled this way.

“NB: PLEASE NOTE
Funds raised by this campaign will be administered by BackaBuddy NPC and transferred directly to the relevant institutions for Nkosi’s children’s education.”

Funds WILL NOT be paid into Nkosi’s PERSONAL BANK ACCOUNT.

Many viewed this as a scam  – here is a snapshot of some of the reactions:

“We are acting on his express wishes and all funds are going exactly where Nkosokho has decided he wants them to go. You can contact us directly for more information and we will share Nkosokho’s response today.”

“We as http://Akeldnok.co.za , who contributed to this fundraising campaign do not condone the path you have chosen. We believed that our contribution was for the funds to reach Nkosi Mbhele with no other parties acting as conduits to the money. We are disappointed.”

So they are now dictating how the petrol attendant should spend his money?

Came across this, if its true people can be scammers

So the R100 petrol attendant dude Nkosi whom the nation donated over R200k for is told “nah dude, we can’t give you the money we’ll administer it for you” and now y’all mad? Hahahah, @backabuddy probably looking at y’all like.

Let’s get a video of Nkosi confirming his intention for using you to keep his money. I myself donated R1000 for his life to change….not u investing it and making profit from it.

A video is not solid evidence of his true intention. It will be scripted and recorded under duress.

According to BackaBuddy, it will share Mbele’s response today, adding that it is acting on his “express wishes” that were inspired by his “not living in a safe area”.

Statement By Crisis In Zim Coalition|A group of suspected security agents besieged the Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition Chairperson, Mr. Rashid Mahiya’s residence at around 5AM.

The men spent 30 minutes knocking violently at his door and refused to identify themselves. Mahiya was arrested in February following the January 2019 clampdown by the state on civil society and labour.

He is out on bail and expected to appear in court on the 26thJune 2019. The recent attack on Mahiya and his family raises suspicions of an escalation in the clampdown on CSOs as the state alleges that civil society and opposition parties are mooting a coup.

Recently the state arrested seven civil society leaders at the Robert Mugabe International Airport and charged them with subversion.

The High Court is set to pass judgement on their bail application on Friday 7 June 2019 at the High Court in Harare (Court F). Increasingly civil society and the international community have voiced their concern over the shrinking democratic space in Zimbabwe.

More details to follow….

Own Correspondent|The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has blocked all its officers from early retirement following a sudden huge resignation of officers.

In a circular sent to all stations around the country, the ZRP said that all officers who have retired should be closely watched as some of them have been linked with organising demonstrations against the government.

Below is the circular:

By ZESN| Since 1994, South Africa has undergone four national elections with remarkable success and free from the incidents that often mar elections in much of Africa. Perhaps, there are some lessons that may be drawn on how the conduct of South African electoral stakeholders contributed to the strengthening of election integrity in that country.

South Africa has a parliamentary system of government and uses a proportional representation electoral system. The President of South Africa is elected by the National Assembly after the Election and people vote for political parties and not individuals. South Africans went to the polls to choose representatives to the National Assembly and provincial legislatures on 8 May 2019.

The article highlights a few examples from the South African elections for consideration by Zimbabwean stakeholders for future elections.

Political Environment

Generally, the elections were regarded by those who observed them as a peaceful expression of South Africans’ political preferences. There were a few exceptions, which related to isolated incidents of violence in North West and Kwa-Zulu Natal provinces. South Africans must be applauded for successfully conducting an election which was regarded as free, fair and credible by both domestic and international observers, despite obvious differences, robust electioneering and the fact that 76 political parties participated in these elections, with 48 contesting the National Ballot.

The stakes were very high in the 2019 elections but the campaigns were not violent. A number of factors can be attributed to this, including the maturity of political actors and their supporters, who deliberately chose to conduct issue-based campaigns, including participating in a number of political debates at the provincial and national level.

South Africa has a robust Electoral Code of Conduct which empowers the Electoral Commission of South Africa’s (IEC) and the Electoral Court to rein into political parties and individuals who may breach the code. The Electoral Court can, among other things, impose a fine, stop a political party from campaigning in an area, de-register a political party, and impose a fine of up to ZAR200,000 or sentence and offender to serve a prison term of up to 10 years. The code serves as an effective deterrent for political mischief during the campaign season because of the clarity on conduct that is allowed/not allowed during the campaign and also because of the impartial application of the Code by the Electoral Court. In Zimbabwe the Code of Conduct for political parties exists but is not enforced. This is one of the issues cited by both local and international election Observer Missions to Zimbabwe’s 2018 Harmonized Elections.

Special Voting

On the African Continent, South Africa leads in the provision of wide range mechanisms that allow those who are unable to cast their votes on Election Day to participate in elections. Deliberate efforts to enfranchise voters were made, including allowing South Africans living abroad to vote. The IEC received a record 30 532 applications from South Africans living abroad to cast their vote at the country’s 121 foreign missions. At least 29 334 were approved and the expatriates were able to cast their ballots on April 27.

Special voting mechanisms were also available for South African citizens who could not travel to their voting stations because of infirmities, disability, or pregnancy. Two days before the General elections (6 and 7 May), those who qualified for the special vote were allowed to cast their votes at polling stations designated for this purpose. In addition, polling officials visited the homes of those who had registered for home election visits. This means pregnant women, voters in nursing homes and disabled persons who successfully applied for the home visit were able to cast their votes in the comfort of their homes. Special voting in Zimbabwe lags behind as citizens in the diaspora, in prisons, and hospitals are not able to participate in the country’s elections despite the Constitution of Zimbabwe conferring this right to all citizens who would have reached the legal age of majority.

Results Transmission

Zimbabwe can take a cue from South Africa to further improve its results transmission and collection system. Observer reports to Zimbabwe’s 2018 Harmonized Elections noted the need for a more transparent results transmission system where presidential results from each polling station are transmitted directly to the national results collations center and transmitted in real time. Furthermore, changes to results should be made in the presence of observers and party agents. The South African results transmission system conforms to open election data principles which require an Election Management Body to share election information in a manner that is timely and easy to understand. Unlike elections in Zimbabwe, South African stakeholders expressed satisfaction with their results tabulation process. In pursuit of transparency in results transmission, The Electoral Commission in South Africa established a National Results Operation Centre (ROC) where media houses, political party representatives and local, regional and international observers were granted access to observe the results collation process.

Electoral Dispute Resolution

The degree to which the Election Management Body or the State is able to effectively resolve electoral disputes has a bearing on the integrity of an election. Zimbabwe needs to strengthen the existing formal and informal electoral dispute resolution mechanisms by among other things institutionalizing Multi-Party Liaison Committees (MPLCs). Officials with the authority to make decisions, such as the ZEC Chairperson and the Commissioner-General of the Police, should attend the MPLC meetings to hear the parties’ concerns, expedite resolution for any issues raised. With regards to the Electoral Court, there is need to establish time limits for the adjudication of pre-election petitions and a framework for proceedings that are filed at the High Court and Electoral Courts. In addition, judgments should be rendered before Election Day and allegations of electoral malpractice should be investigated promptly, thoroughly, and effectively. In South Africa, Party Liaison Committees and panelist mediators were quite effective as an alternative dispute resolution mechanism. Party liaison committees were established at the national, provincial and municipal levels to deal with any low-level conflict or issues of concern that arose throughout the electoral cycle.

Conclusion

As Zimbabwe’s electoral stakeholders continue to reflect on the conduct of the 2018 harmonized elections, the lessons drawn from South Africa’s general elections serve as suggestions that may inform the ongoing efforts to further strengthen our electoral processes.

Jane Mlambo| Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe has reported that one of its members in the Midlands Province has been abducted by suspected state security agents.

According to an ARTUZ alert, the union expressed concern over the abducted of their National Red Committee Vice Chairperson Godfrey Chanda.

“ARTUZ notes with concern the abduction of our Midlands and ARTUZ National Red Commitee Vice Chairperson Cde Godfrey Chanda. We condemn the barbaric act from the State and the immediate release of Cde Godfrey Chanda.”

More to follow…

Farai Dziva| A Ruwa woman believed to be mentally challenged is being trailed by state security agents following her prediction of Emmerson Mnangagwa’s exit in the coming few weeks.

The woman is seen in a footage that has gone viral on social media saying that Mnangagwa will soon be shown the exit-door in the first two weeks of June.

The woman was seen talking about Mnangagwa’s exit along Mutare road in Ruwa.

However state security agents are closely monitoring her movements, according to Ruwa residents.

“Her message has unsettled the security agents who are keen to ascertain her mental condition,” a Ruwa resident said.

By Heal Zimbabwe| Heal Zimbabwe condemns the continued attack on Heal Zimbabwe Director, Rashid Mahiya by perceived state agents. On 4 June 2019 around 0500 hours, alleged state agents besieged the house of Mahiya, surrounded it for about an hour and continuously knocked on the doors to be allowed entry. The agents refused to identify themselves and were driving two unmarked Nissan vehicles.

This is not the first time state agents have used all sorts of tactics to threaten the security of Mahiya and his family. After the January 2019 peaceful protests, members of the security services launched a violent manhunt on Mahiya whom they accused of inciting citizens to demonstrate. While conducting the search, they heavily assaulted his brother and harassed his mother and wife.

Heal Zimbabwe notes that this continued trailing and harassment of Mahiya does not only compromise his security and that of his young family, but also violates his fundamental human rights and freedoms that are enshrined in the constitution such as the right to personal security. This latest threat on the life of Mahiya, come at a time when seven Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) are languishing in prison facing a litany of charges that include effecting regime change.

In light of this, Heal Zimbabwe implores government to create a conducive environment for the enjoyment of fundamental human rights and freedoms that are exclusively provided for in the Bill of Rights (Chapter 4 of the constitution). Added to this, the government must also stop criminalizing the work of CSOs as their contribution to the attainment of democracy in any given society is key.

Jane Mlambo| It seems the economic free-fall currently taking a toll on Zimbabwe is not ending soon with the country’s largest sugar producer Tongaat Hullets becoming the latest company to hike prices.

According to the latest price list from Tongaat 1KG of brown sugar now costs $4.99, 2KG- $9.98, 5KG- 24.95 and 10KG- $49.90

White sugar now costs $5.22 for 1KG while 2KG costs $10.44, 5KG- $26.10 while 10KG- $52.20.

Meanwhile Delta Beverages has reduced the price of beer citing the improvement in the foreign currency availability on the interbank market.

Jane Mlambo| A group of suspected security agents reportedly besieged the Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition Chairperson, Mr. Rashid Mahiya’s residence at around 5AM, the organisation has reported.

According to Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition, the men spent 30 minutes knocking violently at his door and refused to identify themselves.

Mahiya was arrested in February following the January 2019 clampdown by the state on civil society and labour.

He is out on bail and expected to appear in court on the 26thJune 2019. The recent attack on Mahiya and his family raises suspicions of an escalation in the clampdown on CSOs as the state alleges that civil society and opposition parties are mooting a coup.
 
Recently the state arrested seven civil society leaders at the Robert Mugabe International Airport and charged them with subversion. The High Court is set to pass judgement on their bail application on Friday 7 June 2019 at the High Court in Harare (Court F).

Increasingly civil society and the international community have voiced their concern over the shrinking democratic space in Zimbabwe. 

More to follow…

Jane Mlambo| Blessing Chebundo who twice defeated President Emmerson Mnangagwa in the Kwekwe Central parliamentary has been shortlisted among the 38 candidates who will be interviewed to sit on the Zimbabwe Anti Corruption Commission, raising questions if his nemesis now responsible for selecting the final names of commissioners will not use his power to snub him.

Chebundo who won the Kwekwe Central seat on an MDC ticket in the 200 and 2005 parliamentary elections forced Mnangagwa to move to Chirumhanzu-Zibagwe, a largely resettled area after it appeared he was never going to reclaim the constituency from the opposition.

The interviews set for the 21st of June will come up with a shortlist which will be forwarded to Mnangagwa to select the final list.

Should Chebundo make it to the final list, his fate will be determined by Mnangagwa whom he defeated left, right and centre in the Kwekwe parliamentary elections.

In the run-up to the July 2018 elections, Chebundo also appeared in a video in which he urged Zimbabweans to vote out Mnangagwa the Kwekwe style.

Will Mnangagwa select Chebundo?

Jane Mlambo| Former Member of Parliament for Harare West, Jessie Majome has once again thrown her hat in the ring to sit on the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) after being shortlisted for interviews set to kick off on the 21st of June.

Majome who fell out of favor with the Movement for Democratic Change after accusing party leadership of sidelining her in the parliamentary elections has previously attended interviews for the Prosecutor General post which eventually went to Kumbirai Hodzi.

Other opposition MDC members who have also been shortlisted include former Kwekwe Central legislator Blessing Chebundo, Tongai Matutu.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa sympathizer Tinomudaishe Chinyoka and banker James Mushore are also part of the 38 candidates who are set to be interviewed for the position.

President Mnangagwa has already appointed his lieutenant Sibusiso Moyo’s wife as the Chairperson of the Commission.

Correspondent|Suspected members of the dreaded Central Intelligence Organisation have besieged the home of Heal Zimbabwe Director Rashid Mahiya.

Heal Zimbabwe posted on Twitter that the men have refused to identify themselves and were knocking violently on his door.

At the time of writing Mahiya was locked inside his house with his family. The unidentified men were still at his door while some have surrounded his house

More details to follow…

A TEAM of nine international volunteers operating under a German-based non-governmental organisation called Friends of Waldorf Education (FWE) last week offered psycho-social services to a group of St Charles Lwanga High School students from Chimanimani, who are currently stationed at UMAA Institute in rural Chihota.

The volunteers, who hail from seven different countries, including Zimbabwe and Chile, are helping the 34 boys to deal with post-trauma following the devastating Cyclone Idai that destroyed their school in Manicaland province in March this year.

On March 15, a mudslide tore into the school premises, destroying infrastructure and killing two students in one of the country’s most devastating disasters, which left around 500 people dead and thousands others displaced.

The boys at the Catholic-run school could not go back to the learning institution because it is yet to be rebuilt following the disaster, prompting parents to find alternative schools.

-Newsday

Former Zanu PF Youth Secretary Kudzanai Chipanga is reported to be at risk of losing his property if he fails to settle a debt acquired in 2012 with the Agricultual Bank of Zimbabwe (Agribank).

Kukurigo reports that the ex Zanu pf bigwig received a loan from the financial institution seven years ago but has since forfeited from fulfilling the terms and conditions of the loan.

Agribank has now taken legal action against Chipanga compelling him ot settle the US$40,094 bank loan or forfeit his property which he surrendered as collateral.

“In December 2012, at Harare, the plaintiff (Agribank) and defendant (Chipanga) entered into an agreement in terms of which the plaintiff granted a loan of US$30,000 to the defendant under the Maize Facility Scheme and was supposed to be fully paid on or before October 31, 2013,” the bank said.

“The defendant failed or neglected to pay the amount owing as per the due dates for repayment in the respective loan facility agreement. Defendant tendered property as security for US$42,000 over movable property. Property belongs to the defendant; plaintiff prays that the property be specially executable.”

The matter is pending.

Zimbabwean soccer fans who are frustrated with the administration of President Emmerson Mnangagwa let their feelings known during the soccer match between the Zimbabwe Warriors and the Comoros in Durban yesterday.

The fans bastardized the popular song ‘Yave Nyama Yekugocha’, and instead sang “ED uri m****”. As the economic crisis plaguing the country continues, suffering Zimbabweans are blaming Mnangagwa who ousted former President Robert Mugabe in November 2017 promising a better future.

Please note that the videos below have explicit lyrics,

https://cy4ad5.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Zimbabweans-Sing-ED-uri.mp4

Own Correspondent|Since last week, government has maintained an unusually heavy police presence in Harare’s central business district in readiness for possible mass protests.

In Bulawayo yesterday, police accompanied by water cannons went around various suburbs in the city early morning, using hailers to plead with residents to ignore social media calls for protests and report for work.

Senior Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi told NewsDay that the police actions were not particular to Bulawayo, but to all citizens across the country.

“We are doing that across the country urging members of the public to continue with their activities in a peaceful environment. We are assuring residents that police are there to ensure that they are safe, and that their security is guaranteed,” he said.

Their campaign in Bulawayo cut across most western suburbs and began shortly after 5AM.

“Good morning Bulawayo residents, we hereby inform you that you are all safe and should feel free to go about your daily business as we have capable police officers deployed around the city for your safety. Those that work, you may go to work and all children must be in school, ignore Whatsapp messages instructing people to stay at home,” said Bulawayo acting spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube during the campaign in Tshabalala suburb.

In an interview, Insp Ncube said there was nothing amiss with police conducting the campaign early in the morning.

He said it was part of police duties to ensure the public are advised of their security in light of malicious social media messages designed to threaten public peace.

“We are calling on the people of Bulawayo to retain the culture of Bulawayo. In Bulawayo we are known for ubuntu and peace. But as police we are worried that there are inflammatory messages that are designed to disturb public peace and intimidate residents. The messages are causing unnecessary panic to members of the public. These messages are mainly circulating on WhatsApp. Residents are no longer informed but misinformed on what is really happening in the country due to these fake media messages,” Insp Ncube said.

He said the public should be on guard as some communication coming from social media has become destructive.

Insp Ncube said police have increased visibility to ensure public safety.

“We want to assure the public that their security is guaranteed as police are on high alert for anything that might threaten their security. Our officers are strategically deployed to deal with anything that threatens public peace,” he said.

NewsDay|LABOUR minister Sekai Nzenza has told Senate that the Tripartite Negotiating Forum Bill, which she says will be signed into law tomorrow by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, will outlaw stayaways or strikes before exhausting negotiation channels with government and other stakeholders.

This comes as government is facing a restive workforce, with the Zimbabwe Nurses Association (Zina) declaring a deadlock with government over salaries and issuing a 14-day notice to their employer, Health Services Board (HSB), for industrial action.

The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions also issued similar threats, demanding solutions to the worsening economic crisis that seen inflation rise to its highest in a decade at 75,86% in April, eroding incomes and savings.

“There is a new Bill that is going to be introduced soon known as the Tripartite Negotiation Forum Bill, which will assist government in ensuring that there are no stayaways before negotiations between government and its workers,” Nzenza said, responding to a question last week by Senator Langton Chikukwa, who wanted to know how government was dealing with threats on labour unrest by teachers.

“This Bill will be signed by the President on Wednesday, and it is a new initiative that was introduced that workers and government engage in negotiations and also with the Apex Council, and workers can no longer engage in stayaways before engaging the TNF stakeholders.”

While ZCTU has been calling for the TNF Bill to be signed into law, it is unlikely to be impressed by the move by government to outlaw industrial action, as the country faces a myriad of problems.

The southern African nation’s local RTGS currency is sliding fast, falling by 91% on the black market and 121% on the official interbank market since its introduction in February this year.

A second fuel price increase, by nearly 50% last month following a 150% rise in January, has led to more price increases and increased anger against Mnangagwa’s administration.

Shortages of hard currency and medicines continue to bite an economy struggling to recover from a drought-induced poor harvest and effects of the devastating Cyclone Idai that ravaged the country’s eastern parts and killed 347 people.

But ZCTU president Peter Mutasa said if the TNF Bill did outlaw stayaways, it would be in violation of the Constitution.

“The Constitution provides for the right to strike and petition, and no other law, including the TNF Bill, can be ultra vires the Constitution — and besides, there is no such clause in the TNF Bill,” Mutasa said.

“I hope that the minister did not mean to pre-empt that the Bill will take away workers’ rights to strike. Maybe she was saying the enactment of TNF will only persuade parties to dialogue before action like stay aways.”

He said currently, workers affiliated to the ZCTU and the Apex Council were engaging employers and other stakeholders in discussions about wage increases and if no satisfactory answers are yielded, then workers would engage in job action.

“Our general council’s resolutions are that we are calling government to the table, but it seems there is no movement and we are already calling workers with a view of engaging in stayaways or sit-ins, or any other concerted action,” Mutasa said.

National Consumer Rights Association (Nacora) advocacy and campaign manager Effie Ncube said the police actions betrayed a panicked government.

“It is a clear sign of panic to see the police on the streets urging people not to enjoy their right to protest as rightly enshrined in the constitution,” Ncube said.

“The State, instead of panicking, should be aiding citizens to enjoy their right to demonstrate. The only way citizens can communicate with the state to express their displeasure in between elections is through petitions, strikes and any other show of public displeasure.”

When the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Labour conducted public hearings on the TNF Bill, stakeholders noted that the platform would deal with socio-economic issues and minimise strikes.

Stakeholders also suggested that the TNF should not be chaired by government only but must be chaired on a rotational basis by the three social partners, or chaired by a retired Supreme Court judge or an individual appointed by Parliament.

State Media|The Zanu-PF Youth League yesterday said it will defend peace in the country and will not allow people’s rights to be infringed upon through coercing them to participate in violent demonstrations.

Addressing the media yesterday at the party’s headquarters in Harare, secretary for Youth Affairs Pupurai Togarepi called upon organisations involved in planning demonstrations to desist from creating an environment of anarchy, violence and destruction of property.

“We have noted with concern messages purportedly on a five-day shutdown attributed to some unscrupulous organisations (in which) they are threatening people to stay home, not go to work, close shops, border posts and block all roads.

“These people must be told and warned now that the freedom to demonstrate is not an absolute right and when you want to demonstrate you should not interfere or infringe upon other people’s rights. You can demonstrate as enshrined in the constitution, but do not do it in a way that will stop others from going about their business.

“There are various organisations listed under that message, some have distanced themselves, some have not. These are criminal people who are trying to destabilise our country,’’ he said.

Togarepi reaffirmed the Youth League’s full support for President Mnangagwa’s efforts to create a peaceful country and environment which anchors his “Zimbabwe Is Open for Business” mantra.

“As the Youth League we stand by His Excellency in promoting peace, unity and progressiveness within the nation.

“We defend peace and we stand by our President who has been preaching peace since the beginning of the new dispensation, but we realise there are characters who are eager on creating disharmony, chaos in our country in the name of democracy or freedom.

“It is very important that we support development in our country, run our activities freely, work and participate in the development of our country, but if there are characters who want to see the people fighting and destroying property they should realise that we will not allow them to disturb the peace,’’ said Togarepi.

Togarepi urged all peace-loving organisations to distance themselves from such fake news and association lest they be declared enemies of the people.

THE United Kingdom branch of the Zanu-PF Youth League has slammed MDC Alliance leader Mr Nelson Chamisa for inciting violence in the country saying acts of destruction will not help solve the country’s problems.

The branch also condemned the invitation of illegal sanctions to Zimbabwe by the opposition and Mr Chamisa’s unwillingness to engage in dialogue to promote peace and economic transformation.

President Mnangagwa has initiated dialogue among political parties that participated in last year’s elections.
The Political Actors Dialogue, which brings together all parties to participate in national development, was launched last month but Mr Chamisa and his party have distanced themselves from the nation building agenda.

Speaking to The Chronicle from his United Kingdom base on Sunday, Zanu-PF UK branch youth league member Kudzai Makuku said:
“The fundamental problem is the ideology of MDC. It was built on creating poverty and suffering so that the people can revolt against the Zanu-PF Government. This is reflected by the constant calling for sanctions and unwillingness to dialogue. Our call to our brothers and sisters in the opposition is that threats of violent demonstrations and strikes will not help improve Zimbabwe’s economy.”

“Such actions — whatever their motivations – will in fact deepen our economic challenges and the perception that the country is affected by political turmoil, which in turn negatively impacts prospects for investment and growth of the economy”.State Media

State Media|GOVERNMENT has invited the Apex Council for fresh civil servants’ salary talks tomorrow after indicating that salaries would be adjusted against the prevailing inflation levels, not the foreign currency exchange rate.

In March, civil servants received a salary increase of $400 million as part of their cost of living adjustment, with Government promising another review this month.

In an interview yesterday, Apex Council president Mrs Cecilia Alexander confirmed that the National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC) would sit tomorrow to discuss an adjustment of civil servants’ salaries.

She said the Apex Council would sit today to agree on proposals they will present to the Government as requested by the workers.

“The Government has written to the Apex Council inviting us for a meeting on Wednesday. The main issue on the agenda is reviewing civil servants’ salaries. Apex Council will sit on Tuesday to discuss and agree on the salary increment that the civil servants want.

“Previously, we had set the minimum salary at $1 700. We’ll definitely demand more than that because it’s no longer adequate due to the prevailing situation,” said Mrs Alexander.

Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Dr Sekai Nzenza could not be reached for comment yesterday on her mobile phone.

State Media|The Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) plans to venture into commercial production of mbanje at Chiredzi Prison to raise revenue to stave off pressure and over-reliance on the fiscus.

ZPCS has since formally applied to the Government for a licence to grow mbanje, among other projects earmarked for Masvingo Province.

Officer Commanding ZPCS Masvingo Senior Assistant Commissioner Social Ndanga last week said his organisation was conducting feasibility studies to establish the efficacy of mbanje production in the Lowveld.

“We are carrying out feasibility studies at the moment to see whether we can commercially grow cannabis in the Lowveld because our target is to reduce our reliance on the national fiscus by generating our own revenue as an organisation.

“Cannabis production is just but one of several income-generating projects that we are considering in line with devolution.

“We are also identifying potential income-generating projects within our province so that we go for them instead of just folding our hands and waiting for Government to do everything for us. What we are doing is out of the realisation that Government has a lot of responsibilities, we need to think outside the box as Zimbabweans and device methods of revenue generation and remove pressure from the national purse.’’

Snr Asst Comm Ndanga said cannabis production was potentially lucrative because of the herb’s proven medicinal use.

“We do not intend to produce cannabis for prisoners, but one of the requirements of the Ministry of Health and Child Care is that for a mbanje growing licence to be issued, there has to be guarantees of security and availability of land and Chiredzi Prison is secure enough for the herb to be grown while land is also available,” he said.

Besides mbanje, Snr Asst Comm Ndanga said his organisation had applied for land to grow sugar cane in the Lowveld to generate revenue.

GOVERNMENT has warned civil organisations, individuals and foreign forces engaging in nefarious activities seeking to unseat President Mnangagwa and his constitutionally-elected Government that they will face the full wrath of the law.

 The Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Cde Cain Mathema, yesterday said the police would arrest anyone seeking to subvert the Government to effect regime change.

 He was reacting to reports in the state media that exposed a group of shady organisations and anti-government activists with strong links to the opposition MDC-Alliance—for plotting to remove President Mnangagwa from power. 

The US sponsored Belgrade-based Centre for Applied Non-Violent Action and Strategies (CANVAS) has in recent months been laying the groundwork for civil unrest set to be unleashed in the country this month.

 Minister Mathema said the security sector, particularly the police, were ready to confront anybody who seeks to destabilise and execute regime change.

“Anybody who goes against any laws of Zimbabwe will be arrested,” he said. “Any organisation, foreign or local, as long as they are here, the law will be enforced. We do not want any destabilisation from anybody.” 

Serbian national Srdja Popovic and head of CANVAS has been at the centre of training anti-government activists from his native Serbia to Sudan, Swaziland, Venezuela, Libya, Egypt, Tunisia, Burma, Vietnam, Belarus, Syria, Somalia and Zimbabwe.

Minister Mathema said Zimbabwe had held its harmonised elections last year, whose dispute was settled at the Constitutional Court, which declared President Mnangagwa as the winner. 

“Anybody who agitates, therefore, against the Government or the President of this country legally, will be dealt with according to the dictates of our laws,” he said.

“Those who are actually here for subversion and those who are being trained outside the country, will face the full wrath of the law. I have no qualms about it. I am prepared to use the law as it stands in Zimbabwe.”

Minister Mathema warned local and foreign Non-Governmental Organisations to stay away from politics saying they will have themselves to blame once found on the wrong side of the law.

 Foreign organisations are reportedly co-ordinating workshops and training in the country, the region and overseas to effect regime change against President Mnangagwa’s Government.

The starring role of Popovic, who according to a Reuters story, “repeatedly preaches to groups from Myanmar, Vietnam, Zimbabwe, Belarus and elsewhere” about overthrow tactics, has not escaped notice.

Recently, a number of activists were arrested and appeared in court on charges of subversion, with leaders of civil unrest having received training in the Czech Republic and the Maldives.

The trainings have been linked to the January 14 to 16 violent protests.

 According to the organisation, CANVAS has confirmed that in Southern Africa, Zimbabwe and Swaziland are part of its projects under the banner of “Ongoing Struggles” where it categorically states that there are ongoing projects with a coalition of opposition supporters and the NGO sector.

 It is understood that with the help of CANVAS, activists linked to the opposition have been seeking to be the cogwheel in mayhem slated for this month.

Organisations identified in the plot include Women’s Academy for Leadership and Political Excellency, Centre for Community Development, Trust Africa, Rosaria Memorial Trust, and Community Tolerance and Reconciliation Trust.

Five activists were arrested on returning home last month and charged with plotting to unseat President Mnangagwa.-StateMedia

The Meteorological Services Department (MSD) has confirmed that a moderate earthquake measuring 3,9 in magnitude was experienced in Kariba, Mashonaland West, on Saturday and no injuries were recorded.

Responding to questions from the state media yesterday, a seismologist at the Bulawayo MSD, Mr Kwangwari Marimira, said most of the earth tremors which occur in the mid-Zambezi basin under which Lake Kariba falls, are called reservoir-induced earthquakes.

“An earthquake of magnitude 3,9 was experienced in Kariba on the 1st of June 2019 at 10:28 UTC and the local time was 12:28PM. The reports that we obtained from our personnel at Kariba Meteorological Office indicate that there were no casualties or injuries that were recorded. This was a moderate earthquake,” he said.

The earth tremor was felt in Kariba and surrounding areas.

“The epicentre of the earthquake was determined to be about: Longitude 16,770S and latitude 28,633E. The personnel at our Kariba Meteorological Office confirmed the shaking in Kariba as well as surrounding areas,” he said.

Mr Marimira said a number of people in Kariba felt the shaking and rumbling that occurred.

He said this was not the first time for Kariba to register earth tremors.

“The impoundment of Kariba Dam also contributes to seismicity in the area. The largest earthquake to be recorded in Zimbabwe occurred at Kariba Dam in 1963 and had a magnitude of 6,3.

“It occurred after the impoundment of the dam and most earthquakes that occur in this area are attributed to the dam (reservoir). There have been several other earthquakes that were recorded and some of them were felt in and around the area of Kariba,” said Mr Marimira.

He said during an earthquake people should move as little as possible to avoid injuries.

“If indoors, watch for falling plaster, bricks, light fixtures, high bookcases, and other furniture. Stay away from windows, mirrors and chimneys. If in danger, get under a table, desk, or bed; in a corner away from windows; or in a strong doorway. And if in a high-rise office building, get under a desk and do not dash for exits,” he said.

After the earthquake, victims are required to apply first aid or seek medical help for injured people as well as avoiding fallen power lines or objects that would have come in contact with fallen wires.-StateMedia

By Own Correspondent- Addressing hundreds of congregants at the Zion Christian Church’s (ZCC) “Zuva Romweya” annual conference in Chegutu recently, First lady Auxilia Mnangagwa urged women to embrace entrepreneurship to better their lives.

Said Mnangagwa:

“This year is the year of entrepreneurship. The theme applies to the whole church across the board. Students must be made to appreciate the essence of entrepreneurship.

“Church women must learn from many examples in the Bible where some women were as enterprising as they were prayerful. There is great potential for income generation through the castor bean oil seed production, fish farming, poultry projects, market gardening among others to be undertaken by women and youth clubs in many ZCC parishes.

“There are Government structures in every community which can offer technical assistance to all people who need help. If women can get sufficient support, they can be cornerstones of their households.

The saying ‘Mushamukadzi’ is an apt description of women who are organised, they will be enterprising and productive. I am confident that all women will not fail if given enough support in their projects.”-StateMedia

By A Correspondent| The Local Government Minister Cain Mathema yesterday passed comments seen to confirm an official Zimbabwe Republic Police communique which says that the full breadth of the Zimbabwe Defences Forces and the entire Joint Operations Command were on Monday deployed to quell what the ZANU PF government alleges is a looming coup. Adding to comments by the Police spokesperson Paul Nyathi, Minister Matema said Zimbabwe had held its harmonised elections last year, whose dispute was settled at the Constitutional Court, which declared President Mnangagwa as the winner. “Anybody who agitates, therefore, against the Government of the President of this country illegally will be dealt with according to the dictates of our laws,” he said. He continued saying, “those who are actually here for subversion and those who are being trained outside the country, will face the full wrath of the law. I have no qualms about it. I am prepared to use the law as it stands in Zimbabwe.” His comments come after the police spokesperson attempted to deny the ZRP communique dated the 31st May 2019. The internal ZRP memo reveals that Emmerson Mnangagwa has deployed the military to use LIVE ammunition as from today. The lengthy document alleges that there is a coup being launched from the 3rd June, today. The opening paragraph blames the alleged “looming coup” on the MDC Alliance party.

Although a comment from State House was fruitless, in Zimbabwe only the President can deploy the military. The document is addressed to all wings of the Joint Operations Command. In the interview with ZimEye.com Monday afternoon, the police spokesman Paul Nyathi disowned the state-security document while however declaring more than the ear can hear. (ZimEye will go LIVE shortly) – CONTINUE READING –

ED Deploys Military – the below is an excerpt of the briefing pic.twitter.com/K4pxDAlIWc

— Simba Chikanza (@schikanza) June 3, 2019

https://twitter.com/schikanza/status/1135530687954661382?s=19

Commissioner Nyathi told ZimEye, “things to do with security as far as I am concerned, they cannot just be discussed in the public arena and above all, the maybe this source who gave you this document could be in a better position to shed more light.”

https://twitter.com/schikanza/status/1135495501791551488

Are things normal though?, ZimEye asked and he replied saying, “as far as we are concerned police officers are doing their normal duties and police normal duties include conducting patrols, include conducting stop and searches, it includes ensuring that there is law and order in the country. So, this is what precisely police are doing and remember we have a constitutional mandate to ensure that we protect property, we preserve life, and above all there is security, in whatever members of the public will be doing.” THE FULL BRIEFING IS BELOW –

https://twitter.com/schikanza/status/1135543109486567426?s=19

SECURITY BRIEFING – FULL TEXT Copy No………………..of 08 Copies

                    Police Protection Unit 
                    P. O. Box CY 1321
                    Causeway

                    Harare 776 402

                    31 May 2019

See Dist OpO 40/2019 Ref: A. Map HARARE Scale 1: 30 000 B. Map ZIMBABWE Scale 1: 250 000 Time zone used throughout the Order : BRAVO OPERATIONAL ORDER: INTENDED DEMOSTRATIONS BY MOVEMENT FOR DEMOCRATIC CHANGE [MDC] ALLIANCE FROM 03 JUNE 2019. Relevant Legislations Constitution of Zimbabwe Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act (Chapter 9:23) Priviledges and Immunities Act (Chapter 3:03) Road Traffic Act (Chapter 13:11) Public Order and Security Act (Chapter 11:17) Task Organisation PPU Escorts District PPU Tomlinson District PPU Southern District PPU Northern District PPU Sections Friendly Forces ZNA Presidential Guard President’s department Airforce of Zimbabwe Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services External Stakeholders/ Organisations Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Diplomatic Corps Print and Electronic Media Central Intelligence Organisation BACKGROUND In January 2019, a nationwide civil unrest was experienced in the country which saw properties being damaged, supermarkets and shops looted, buildings burnt, roads barricaded and innocent lives lost. Police and other Government institutions were not spared as they were also targets for attacks. The opposition political party, MDC (Alliance) and various Civic Organisations are planning to unseat a democratically elected Government through demonstrations and national civil unrests. A disruption to the normal day to day activities and possible destruction of property and smooth flow of vehicular traffic especially within major towns and cities is expected. As such, the Unit shall heighten security service provision to the VVIPs, VIPs, their properties, Police Stations, Posts, Bases and Government institutions. 1.0 SITUATION The country anticipates nationwide demonstrations by the MDC ( Alliance), opposition political parties and other Civic Society Organisations. Their nefarious effort is to cause immense disturbances by shutting down the nation through barricading roads, burn ZUPCO buses, attack people who go about their daily business and destroy any institutions or buildings that open doors to do business commencing Monday 03 June 2019. As a Unit mandated to provide motorised mobile escort services to His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe and the Commander In Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces as well as maximum armed Police security to V.V.I.Ps, V.I.Ps, Key and Vital Installations, maximum vigilance is therefore being called for from all the Units personnel during the intended demonstrations. Police Protection Unit intelligence teams shall be firm on the ground gathering intelligence on criminal or political activities with the aim of ensuring the uncompromised safety and security to the lives and properties of VVIPs and VIPs. In addition, all members shall gather and analyse criminal and political intelligence during their tour of duty. 2.0 MISSION To provide efficient and effective armed Police security services to VVIPs, VIPs, their families and properties during the intended nationwide demonstrations. To provide motorised mobile escort security services to His Excellency, President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Head of State and Government and Commander-In-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, Comrade E.D. MNANGAGWA and other VIPs as may be directed during the operation. To maintain law and order. 3.0 EXECUTION

Concept of the Operation

The heightening of security in the provision of armed Police security services and motorised mobile escort services to the VVIPs and VIPs, including Key and Vital installations manned by the Unit. Specified Tasks a) Command Centre

Police Protection Unit will have its Command Centre at the Units  
      Headquarters where all activities will be coordinated. The      
      Command Centre will be headed by the Assistant      
      Commissioner Police Protection Unit. 

b) Static Deployments Since Police Stations and Government buildings are the primary targets, Police Protection Unit shall ensure that each Police Station is guarded by armed guards at each entry or exit point. Persons or vehicles entering such buildings or establishments will be thoroughly searched for dangerous weapons. Districts commanders shall ensure that all vital and key points within their areas of policing are guarded. The deployment ratio shall be 10% administration and 90% operational to cover the identified hotspots. Due to the nature of the Units operation, deployments shall be carried out as per normal day to day duties during the operation. However, security provision shall be heightened at all guarded places and strategic Government buildings. Members shall be briefed and debriefed on parades before and after completion of duty by their respective commanders on the need to be always alert taking into cognisance the prevailing security situation. All government buildings, key and vital installations and possible hot spots shall be manned by at least two armed members at each given time. Police Protection Unit Escorts District shall provide security at all points of guard under the Districts jurisdiction. The District shall also provide motorised mobile escort security and ushers to the Presidium. Police Protection Unit Tomlinson District shall provide security at all points of guard under its jurisdiction and ensure that VOs and Spot checks are carried out by all commanders so as to maintain maximum alertness of members on duty at all points of guard throughout the operation. Police Protection Unit Southern District shall provide security at all points of guard under its jurisdiction and ensure that no crimes are committed at the points of guard. VOs and Spot checks shall be carried out to ensure maximum vigilance of deployed members. Police Protection Unit Northern District shall provide security at all points of guard under its jurisdiction and ensure that VOs and Spot checks are conducted by all commanders so as to maintain maximum alertness of members deployed at points of guard. Police Protection Unit Provincial Transport section shall be responsible for the fuelling and maintenance of motor vehicles and motorcycles which shall be used during the operation. c) Camp Security Police Protection Unit Camps and Hostels shall carry out deployments for the camp security. Armed camp patrols consisting of five members per team shall be carried out both during the day and night to ensure the security of the camp and its premises. The camps main entrances shall be manned by at least three armed members at each given time. Vehicles entering and exiting the camp shall be screened and searched for dangerous weapons at the points of entry and exit. VOs and Spot checks shall be conducted to ensure maximum vigilance of deployed members. Police Protection Unit Provincial Operations shall be responsible for compiling memoranda, SITREPs and returns during and after the operation. d) Police intelligence Police Protection Unit Intelligence shall be on the ground gathering intelligence. It shall activate Ferret teams who shall be firm on the ground to sniff out malcontents aimed at destabilizing peace and security and ensure that ring- leaders are apprehended. Intelligence gathering shall be increased so that police responses are not reactive but proactive. e) Communication Commanders shall brief/debrief all members before and after deployment. Operational orders shall be generated and distributed to all concerned departments. All commanders shall be responsible for the supervision of deployed members in their respective areas of responsibility. Increased managerial visibility through VOs and regular spot checks on deployed personnel by commanders shall be heightened during the operation to ensure alertness of members on duty. f) Armouries Officers-In-Charge stations to ensure that armouries are well secured and that sufficient public order equipment, arms and stocks of ammunition are available. g) Reaction team Provincial and District Commanders shall activate Joint Operations Command with other security forces such as Zimbabwe National Army, Presidents Department and Zimbabwe Prison and Correctional Services. ADMINISTRATION The operation shall commence on the 3rd of June 2019 until the situation normalises. 4.1 Resources

a)  Manpower 

The Assistant Commissioner Police Protection Unit shall ensure that enough manpower is provided to successfully conduct the operation. All members shall be punctual for parades. All members shall remain sober throughout the entire period of the operation. The highest standard of discipline and turnout shall be maintained throughout the operation. b) Briefing

    All commanders shall ensure that their subordinates are 

adequately briefed and debriefed. c) Supervision

    Commanders shall ensure that the highest standard of  
      supervision is exercised. 

d) Transport and fuel Commanders shall ensure that sufficient transport and logistics are provided for the operation through liaison with relevant offices. All B cars and ambulances shall be driven only by graded drivers who shall be accompanied by armed observers. Members on duty shall be armed with AK and FN rifles as well as pistols. Drivers and riders shall ensure that their vehicles and motorcycles have serviceable beacon lights and sirens at all times during the operation. The Units Transport Officer shall provide transport to ferry members assigned to static guard duties. Transtech and fuel attendants shall be readily available for the speedy repair of vehicles and issuance of fuel respectively. f) Finance Travelling and subsistence allowances shall not be paid to officers and members. g) Dress order Dress order number 5 shall be worn by all members during the period of the operation except for PPU Escorts drivers, observers and ushers who shall wear dress order number 2. Riders shall put on riders’ kit. Police Intelligence members shall wear civilian clothes. COMMAND AND CONTROL The overall commander of the operation shall be the Assistant Commissioner Police Protection Unit, Assistant Commissioner E. MUSWITA, contactable on cellphone number 0712 236 679. He shall be deputised by Chief Superintendent A. DAHWA who is contactable on cellphone number 0716 800 205. Chief Superintendent L. MASARAURE shall be the ground Commander for Police Protection Unit Escorts District and shall be contactable on cellphone number 0712 831 593 or 0773 021 302. Chief Superintendent E. MAINGIRE shall be the ground Commander for Police Protection Unit Tomlinson District and shall be contactable on cellphone number 0772 293 402. Chief Superintendent E. NYAHANANA shall be the ground commander for Police Protection Unit Northern District and shall be contactable on cellphone number 0717 591 071. Chief Superintendent P.R.J MPOFU shall be the ground commander for Police Protection Unit Southern District and shall be contactable on cellphone number 0712 921 007. Superintendent E. MUTEVANI shall be the ground commander for Police Protection Unit ICT and Signals sections and shall be contactable on cellphone number 0772 919 660. Superintendent A. NYAKU shall be the ground commander for the Units Sections and shall be contactable on cellphone number 0713 972 113. Superintended I. CHAPETA shall be responsible for the coordination of all Police Protection Unit operational activities and shall be contactable on cellphone number 0712 921 585 and 0777 209 495 All call signs including those for commanders shall remain the same as per normal routine duties. All call signs under this operation shall operate on channel 9. b) Communication The Units Signals Officers shall provide sufficient radios for use during the operation. Besides Police two-way communication radios and due to the nature of our duties telephones and cell phones shall be used as well during the operation. Members shall be briefed at the commencement of the operation and debriefed at the end of tour of duty by their respective ground commanders. 5.3 General All members shall be sober and punctual throughout the operation. A high degree of turnout and discipline is expected from every member involved in this operation for the successful execution of the operation. All forms of indiscipline shall be dealt with accordingly.

[E. MUSWITA] Assistant Commissioner 
    Officer Commanding Police
    POLICE PROTECTION UNIT 

DIST Copy No Info CGP 01 CSO Ops 02 Action Dispol PPU Southern 03 Dispol PPU Northern 04 Dispol PPU Tomlinson 05 Dispol PPU Escorts 06 Prov Ops Coordinator PPU 07 File 08

By Own Correspondent|ZANU PF Youth league’s 55 year old leader, Pupurai Togarepi has issued a stern warning to those planning to protest against government saying the party’s youth wing will not watch the country’s detractors create anarchy.

Togarepi said this in a televised interview with the state media.

He said:

“The youth league has noted with concern messages purportedly meant to advise or coerce people from going to work or engaging in violent demonstration coming from various organisations.

Listed under that message some have distanced themselves some have not. These are criminal people, who are trying to destabilise our country.

As ZANU PF youth league, we hereby tell them to desist from creating an environment of anarchy, violence, destruction of property, stopping people from doing what they wish to do freely in a free country.

“Errm, we would want to tell such kind of people that as zanu PF Youth League we will defend peace.

“We stand with our president who has been preaching peace since the beginning of the new dispensation. But we realise that they are characters who are bent on creating disharmony, chaos in our country, in the name of democracy or freedom.

“These people must be told and warned that the freedom to demonstrate is not an absolute right. If you want to demonstrate you should not then interfere or infringe on other people’s rights.”

ZANU PF youths appeared on ZTV newshour (dressed in regalia) threatening civilians against rioting. This follows the other presser of ZANU PF activists who threatened MDC directly saying there will be a repeat of1Aug and Jan military crackdown. – @InfoMinZW @ZLHRLawyers pic.twitter.com/tWthK93nNr

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) June 3, 2019

Said the ZANU PF Youth league’s 55 year old leader, Pupurai Togarepi, “the youth league has noted with concern messages purportedly meant to advise or coerce people from going to work or engaging in violent demonstration coming from various organisations listed under that message some have distanced themselves some have not. These are criminal people, who are trying to distabilise our country. “As ZANU PF youth league, we hereby tell them to desist from creating an environment of Anarchy violence destruction of property stopping people from doing what they wish to do freely in a free country.

“Errm, we would want to tell such kind of people that is zanu PF Youth League we will defend peace.

“We stand with our president who has been preaching peace since the beginning of the new dispensation. But we realise that they are characters who are bent on creating disharmony, chaos in our country, in the name of democracy or freedom.

“These people must be told and warned that the freedom to demonstrate is not an absolute right. If you want to demonstrate you should not then interfere or infringe on other people’s rights.”

– EARLIER ORIGINAL ARTICLE BELOW –

By Staff Correspondent| An internal ZRP memo dated the 31st May reveals that Emmerson Mnangagwa has deployed the military to use LIVE ammunition as from today. The lengthy document alleges that there is a coup being launched from the 3rd June, today. The opening paragraph blames the alleged “looming coup” on the MDC Alliance party.

https://www.facebook.com/ZimEye/videos/463994504374754/

Although a comment from State House was fruitless, in Zimbabwe only the President can deploy the military. The document is addressed to all wings of the Joint Operations Command.

In an interview with ZimEye.com Monday afternoon, the police spokesman Paul Nyathi disowned the state-security document while however declaring more than the ear can hear. (ZimEye will go LIVE shortly) – CONTINUE READING –

ED Deploys Military – the below is an excerpt of the briefing pic.twitter.com/K4pxDAlIWc

— Simba Chikanza (@schikanza) June 3, 2019

Commissioner Nyathi told ZimEye, “things to do with security as far as I am concerned, they cannot just be discussed in the public arena and above all, the maybe this source who gave you this document could be in a better position to shed more light.”

Riot police through Bulawayo this morning pic.twitter.com/g69mqmObmL

— Simba Chikanza (@schikanza) June 3, 2019

Are things normal though?, ZimEye asked and he replied saying, “as far as we are concerned police officers are doing their normal duties and police normal duties include conducting patrols, include conducting stop and searches, it includes ensuring that there is law and order in the country. So, this is what precisely police are doing and remember we have a constitutional mandate to ensure that we protect property, we preserve life, and above all there is security, in whatever members of the public will be doing.”

THE FULL BRIEFING IS BELOW –

A police briefing shows ED has deployed the military, today 3rd June, as he blames the MDC for a coup plot.. I have just talked to the Police Spokesman, while he denies the doc, he says more than the ear can hear pic.twitter.com/svg93lBrdK

— Simba Chikanza (@schikanza) June 3, 2019

SECURITY BRIEFING – FULL TEXT

Copy No………………..of 08 Copies

                    Police Protection Unit 
                    P. O. Box CY 1321
                    Causeway

                    Harare 776 402

                    31 May 2019

See Dist

OpO 40/2019

Ref:

A. Map HARARE Scale 1: 30 000
B. Map ZIMBABWE Scale 1: 250 000

Time zone used throughout the Order : BRAVO
OPERATIONAL ORDER: INTENDED DEMOSTRATIONS BY MOVEMENT FOR DEMOCRATIC CHANGE [MDC] ALLIANCE FROM 03 JUNE 2019.

Relevant Legislations

Constitution of Zimbabwe
Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act (Chapter 9:23)
Priviledges and Immunities Act (Chapter 3:03)
Road Traffic Act (Chapter 13:11)
Public Order and Security Act (Chapter 11:17)

Task Organisation

PPU Escorts District
PPU Tomlinson District
PPU Southern District
PPU Northern District
PPU Sections

Friendly Forces

ZNA Presidential Guard
President’s department
Airforce of Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services

External Stakeholders/ Organisations

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage
Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs
Diplomatic Corps
Print and Electronic Media
Central Intelligence Organisation

BACKGROUND
In January 2019, a nationwide civil unrest was experienced in the country which saw properties being damaged, supermarkets and shops looted, buildings burnt, roads barricaded and innocent lives lost. Police and other Government institutions were not spared as they were also targets for attacks.
The opposition political party, MDC (Alliance) and various Civic Organisations are planning to unseat a democratically elected Government through demonstrations and national civil unrests.
A disruption to the normal day to day activities and possible destruction of property and smooth flow of vehicular traffic especially within major towns and cities is expected. As such, the Unit shall heighten security service provision to the VVIPs, VIPs, their properties, Police Stations, Posts, Bases and Government institutions.

1.0 SITUATION

The country anticipates nationwide demonstrations by the MDC ( Alliance), opposition political parties and other Civic Society Organisations. Their nefarious effort is to cause immense disturbances by shutting down the nation through barricading roads, burn ZUPCO buses, attack people who go about their daily

business and destroy any institutions or buildings that open doors to do business commencing Monday 03 June 2019.

As a Unit mandated to provide motorised mobile escort services to His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe and the Commander In Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces as well as maximum armed Police security to V.V.I.Ps, V.I.Ps, Key and Vital Installations, maximum vigilance is therefore being called for from all the Units personnel during the intended demonstrations.

Police Protection Unit intelligence teams shall be firm on the ground gathering intelligence on criminal or political activities with the aim of ensuring the uncompromised safety and security to the lives and properties of VVIPs and VIPs. In addition, all members shall gather and analyse criminal and political intelligence during their tour of duty.

2.0 MISSION

To provide efficient and effective armed Police security
services to VVIPs, VIPs, their families and properties during the
intended nationwide demonstrations.

To provide motorised mobile escort security services to His
Excellency, President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Head of
State and Government and Commander-In-Chief of the
Zimbabwe Defence Forces, Comrade E.D. MNANGAGWA and
other VIPs as may be directed during the operation.

To maintain law and order.

3.0 EXECUTION

Concept of the Operation

The heightening of security in the provision of armed Police
security services and motorised mobile escort services to the
VVIPs and VIPs, including Key and Vital installations manned
by the Unit.

Specified Tasks

a) Command Centre

Police Protection Unit will have its Command Centre at the Units  
      Headquarters where all activities will be coordinated. The      
      Command Centre will be headed by the Assistant      
      Commissioner Police Protection Unit. 

b) Static Deployments

Since Police Stations and Government buildings are the
primary targets, Police Protection Unit shall ensure that each
Police Station is guarded by armed guards at each entry or
exit point. Persons or vehicles entering such buildings or
establishments will be thoroughly searched for dangerous
weapons.

Districts commanders shall ensure that all vital and key points
within their areas of policing are guarded. The deployment
ratio shall be 10% administration and 90% operational to cover
the identified hotspots.

Due to the nature of the Units operation, deployments shall be
carried out as per normal day to day duties during the
operation. However, security provision shall be heightened at
all guarded places and strategic Government buildings.

Members shall be briefed and debriefed on parades before
and after completion of duty by their respective commanders
on the need to be always alert taking into cognisance the
prevailing security situation. All government buildings, key and
vital installations and possible hot spots shall be manned by at
least two armed members at each given time.
Police Protection Unit Escorts District shall provide security at all
points of guard under the Districts jurisdiction. The District shall
also provide motorised mobile escort security and ushers to the
Presidium.

Police Protection Unit Tomlinson District shall provide security at
all points of guard under its jurisdiction and ensure that VOs
and Spot checks are carried out by all commanders so as to
maintain maximum alertness of members on duty at all points
of guard throughout the operation.

Police Protection Unit Southern District shall provide security at
all points of guard under its jurisdiction and ensure that no
crimes are committed at the points of guard. VOs and Spot
checks shall be carried out to ensure maximum vigilance of
deployed members.

Police Protection Unit Northern District shall provide security at
all points of guard under its jurisdiction and ensure that VOs and
Spot checks are conducted by all commanders so as to
maintain maximum alertness of members deployed at points
of guard.

Police Protection Unit Provincial Transport section shall be
responsible for the fuelling and maintenance of motor vehicles
and motorcycles which shall be used during the operation.

c) Camp Security

Police Protection Unit Camps and Hostels shall carry out
deployments for the camp security.
Armed camp patrols consisting of five members per team shall
be carried out both during the day and night to ensure the
security of the camp and its premises.
The camps main entrances shall be manned by at least three
armed members at each given time. Vehicles entering and
exiting the camp shall be screened and searched for
dangerous weapons at the points of entry and exit.
VOs and Spot checks shall be conducted to ensure maximum
vigilance of deployed members.
Police Protection Unit Provincial Operations shall be
responsible for compiling memoranda, SITREPs and returns
during and after the operation.

d) Police intelligence

Police Protection Unit Intelligence shall be on the ground
gathering intelligence. It shall activate Ferret teams who shall
be firm on the ground to sniff out malcontents aimed at
destabilizing peace and security and ensure that ring- leaders
are apprehended. Intelligence gathering shall be increased so
that police responses are not reactive but proactive.

e) Communication

Commanders shall brief/debrief all members before and after
deployment. Operational orders shall be generated and
distributed to all concerned departments.

All commanders shall be responsible for the supervision of
deployed members in their respective areas of responsibility.

Increased managerial visibility through VOs and regular spot
checks on deployed personnel by commanders shall be
heightened during the operation to ensure alertness of
members on duty.

f) Armouries

Officers-In-Charge stations to ensure that armouries are well
secured and that sufficient public order equipment, arms and
stocks of ammunition are available.

g) Reaction team

Provincial and District Commanders shall activate Joint
Operations Command with other security forces such as
Zimbabwe National Army, Presidents Department and
Zimbabwe Prison and Correctional Services.

ADMINISTRATION

The operation shall commence on the 3rd of June 2019 until
the situation normalises.

4.1 Resources

a)  Manpower 

The Assistant Commissioner Police Protection Unit shall ensure that enough manpower is provided to successfully conduct the operation.

All members shall be punctual for parades.

All members shall remain sober throughout the entire period of the operation.

The highest standard of discipline and turnout shall be maintained throughout the operation.

b) Briefing

    All commanders shall ensure that their subordinates are 

adequately briefed and debriefed.

c) Supervision

    Commanders shall ensure that the highest standard of  
      supervision is exercised. 

d) Transport and fuel

Commanders shall ensure that sufficient transport and logistics are provided for the operation through liaison with relevant offices.

All B cars and ambulances shall be driven only by graded drivers who shall be accompanied by armed observers. Members on duty shall be armed with AK and FN rifles as well as pistols.

Drivers and riders shall ensure that their vehicles and motorcycles have serviceable beacon lights and sirens at all times during the operation.

The Units Transport Officer shall provide transport to ferry members assigned to static guard duties.

Transtech and fuel attendants shall be readily available for the speedy repair of vehicles and issuance of fuel respectively.

f) Finance

Travelling and subsistence allowances shall not be paid to officers and members.

g) Dress order

Dress order number 5 shall be worn by all members during the period of the operation except for PPU Escorts drivers, observers and ushers who shall wear dress order number 2.

Riders shall put on riders’ kit. Police Intelligence members shall wear civilian clothes.

COMMAND AND CONTROL

The overall commander of the operation shall be the Assistant Commissioner Police Protection Unit, Assistant Commissioner E. MUSWITA, contactable on cellphone number 0712 236 679. He shall be deputised by Chief Superintendent A. DAHWA who is contactable on cellphone number 0716 800 205.

Chief Superintendent L. MASARAURE shall be the ground Commander for Police Protection Unit Escorts District and shall be contactable on cellphone number 0712 831 593 or 0773 021 302.

Chief Superintendent E. MAINGIRE shall be the ground Commander for Police Protection Unit Tomlinson District and shall be contactable on cellphone number 0772 293 402.

Chief Superintendent E. NYAHANANA shall be the ground commander for Police Protection Unit Northern District and shall be contactable on cellphone number 0717 591 071.

Chief Superintendent P.R.J MPOFU shall be the ground commander for Police Protection Unit Southern District and shall be contactable on cellphone number 0712 921 007.

Superintendent E. MUTEVANI shall be the ground commander for Police Protection Unit ICT and Signals sections and shall be contactable on cellphone number 0772 919 660.

Superintendent A. NYAKU shall be the ground commander for the Units Sections and shall be contactable on cellphone number 0713 972 113.

Superintended I. CHAPETA shall be responsible for the coordination of all Police Protection Unit operational activities and shall be contactable on cellphone number 0712 921 585 and 0777 209 495

All call signs including those for commanders shall remain the same as per normal routine duties.

All call signs under this operation shall operate on channel 9.

b) Communication

The Units Signals Officers shall provide sufficient radios for use
during the operation.
Besides Police two-way communication radios and due to the
nature of our duties telephones and cell phones shall be used as well during the operation.
Members shall be briefed at the commencement of the operation and debriefed at the end of tour of duty by their respective ground commanders.

5.3 General

All members shall be sober and punctual throughout the operation.

A high degree of turnout and discipline is expected from every member involved in this operation for the successful execution of the operation.
All forms of indiscipline shall be dealt with accordingly.

[E. MUSWITA] Assistant Commissioner 
    Officer Commanding Police
    POLICE PROTECTION UNIT 

DIST Copy No

Info
CGP 01
CSO Ops 02
Action
Dispol PPU Southern 03
Dispol PPU Northern 04
Dispol PPU Tomlinson 05
Dispol PPU Escorts 06
Prov Ops Coordinator PPU 07
File 08

By Own Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions’ (ZCTU) General Council has called for a Tri-partite Negotiating Forum (TNF) to try and find a way out of the current economic mess the country finds itself in.

ZCTU’s sentiments were also echoed by the Progressive Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ), Amalgamated Rural Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) and the Apex Council.

The union recently wrote a letter to President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Minister of Public Service, Sekai Nzenza, highlighting the suffering being experienced by workers.

In an interview with a local publication, ZCTU president Peter Mutasa said:

“(The) ZCTU general council met on May 23 and decided that the price increases and the general decline in standards of living is unacceptable and workers cannot bear it anymore.

The poor working class, which includes formal, informal sectors and farmers, are most affected. Many are not able to pay for medical care and are dying in homes, many are starving (because) they are food insecure and the majority of workers are failing to pay school fees and rentals.

The situation is dire and the deafening silence from the government is disturbing.

The general council decided that we write to President Mnangagwa, highlighting the plight of workers and asking the government to convene an urgent TNF.

We wrote to him and the minister (Nzenza) responded, indicating that there were two meetings set for the 3rd and 5th of June to map the way forward for TNF.

… in the event that government and business do not address the problems workers are facing immediately, then ZCTU will call for a general strike.-Newsday

By Talent Gondo| Zimbabwean born human rights and gender activist Muzvare Betty Makoni has been named as one of the six dedicated campaigners, inspirational mentors and an Olympic gold medallist set to be awarded Honorary Degrees at the University of Essex Graduation 2019.

Said the University of Essex in a statement:

This year’s Honorary Graduands are:

Harry Murray, MBE
Tuesday 16 July, 1pm ceremony

Harry Murray is a former Catey Hotelier of the Year, and one of the leading figures in the creation of Edge Hotel School, which offers industry-led hospitality and event management degrees, based in Wivenhoe House Hotel, on the University’s Colchester Campus. A lifelong mentor and ambassador for the hotel industry, Harry is a life patron of Springboard, the charity that helps young people achieve their potential, and nurtures unemployed people of any age back into work. He is also patron of Hospitality Action, supporting people who have worked in the UK’s hospitality industry through challenging times. Harry, a master Innholder and past chairman of the Master Innholders’ livery company Chairman, received an MBE for services to the hospitality industry in 2006 and a Catey Lifetime Achievement Award in 2008.

Bruce Galleway
Tuesday 16 July, 4pm ceremony

Bruce Galleway is an inspirational figure who has turned around his own experience of having a stroke and aphasia, aged 32, to help and support other people with similar physical and communication difficulties. Bruce works with academics at the University of Essex to develop teaching programmes in the School of Health and Social Care, and he helps students by helping them develop the expert communication skills they will need to become successful health and care practitioners. After his stroke, Bruce made personal progress through support from the charity Headway Essex, became a volunteer for the group, and in 2011 was recognised as the National Headway Volunteer of the Year.

Tony Sewell, CBE
Wednesday 17 July, 1pm ceremony

Tony Sewell is Director of the London-based charity Generating Genius, which motivates and supports 14-to-18-year-olds to study science, technology, engineering and maths subjects at school. This is with a particular focus on black and minority ethnic boys, generally from lower-income households, who would be the first in their family to go to university. A former teacher and university lecturer, Tony was an international education consultant for the World Bank and the Commonwealth Secretariat, as well as a member of the Youth Justice Board, he makes frequent media appearances. Tony was awarded a CBE for his services to education in 2016.

Betty Makoni
Wednesday 17 July, 4pm ceremony

Muzvare Hazviperi Betty Makoni is a gender activist from Zimbabwe who in 1999 at the age of 28 founded the Girl Child Network, an organisation that supports young victims of sex abuse. Under Betty’s leadership the charity built four refuges to provide a physical, safe space for shelter and healing, and has since supported more than 35,000 girls, by finding them places of safety. Girl Child Network has also provided mentoring to at least 60,000 girls and young women. Forced into exile from Zimbabwe, Betty has continued her work in the UK with the Girls Empowerment Initiative UK, where she continues to inspire and support thousands of young women helping Sierra Leone, Uganda, Ghana, South Africa and Swaziland to establish girls’ networks.

Max Whitlock, MBE
Thursday 18 July, 10am ceremony

Max Whitlock is Great Britain’s most successful gymnast, holding 19 major medals and is the double Olympic, World and Triple European Champion. Max became a double Olympic champion on pommel and floor at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, as well as claiming the all-around bronze. His many other successes include being a four-time Commonwealth champion and holding an impressive ten Commonwealth Games medals. Driven by his passion for gymnastics, Max has set-up a network of regional Max Whitlock Gymnastics centres that provide quality, fun classes for children across the country, including one based at the University of Essex. In 2017 Max was awarded an MBE for services to gymnastics.

Phil O’Donovan
Friday 19 July, 10am ceremony

Phil O’Donovan was the founding Managing Director of CSR plc, formerly known as Cambridge Silicon Radio Ltd, a Bluetooth technology start-up company, which from 1999 grew to become a highly successful FTSE 250 semiconductor company listed on the London Stock Exchange in 2004. Employing more than 2,000 people, across 23 global locations, CSR was acquired in 2015 by US tech giant Qualcomm for $2.5 billion. Today, Phil is Chairman of Twelve Winds, where, as an angel investor, he works with the founders, boards and management of emerging tech companies in England and Ireland, as well as with universities and business schools including the University of Essex on entrepreneurial topics including the commercialisation of their IP.

Farai Dziva| Emmerson Mnangagwa has said there is no justification for the restrictive measures imposed on members of his ruling party Zanu PF.

Said Mnangagwa on Friday :“While indeed we still say to those who imposed sanctions on us, remove them, because there is no justification for the embargo, we should not bury our heads in sand because of those sanctions.”

He added:“We should realise that we have resources in our country. We must, therefore, focus on harnessing those resources to develop, modernise and industrialise our country and our economy.

We should not have sanctions impugn our capacity and capability to use our resources to the benefit of our people. We should rise using the resources at our disposal and move forward.”