Farai Dziva| Self-declared traditional healers known as Tsikamutandas are causing havoc in Gokwe through extortion.
Villagers in Zhombe under Chief Gwesela in the Midlands are under sustained persecution from a group persons conducting these expose and cleans ceremonies for the past fortnight.
They claim to have signed and stamped written authenticity from the local Member of Parliament Daniel Mackenzie Ncube, Chief Gwesela and the Kwekwe District Administrator to conduct and collect on the spot fees. The fines and fees are anything from cash to live stock.
The targeted areas are the Nxosa or Fegu community off Gokwe/Kwekwe road from Zororo stores and all villages east of Somalala River bordering the old commercial farms boundary towards Chief Samabwa/ Ndojani School.
Village elders have sought audience with the youthful Chief but he declined to meet with them.
Efforts to meet the MP are yet to materialise. MP Mackenzie sits on the Midlands Zanu PF of executive The Chef’s aides are being fingered in collection of the fines and fees.
MDC members and families are mostly being singled out and
villagers are living in fear and can’t approach the police as this would result in victimisation or unknown repercussions.
By Own Correspondent- Members of the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) were behind the accident which claimed the two lives of MDC stalwarts leaving daughter to the late Morgan Tsvangirai, Vimbai Java battling for life at a local hospital.
ZimEye exclusively revealed the mystery surrounding the accident and how the police were mum on details of the other vehicle which reportedly collided head on with Vimbai’s car killing Paul Rukanda, who was Tsvangirai-Java’s campaign manager; and Tafadzwa Mhundwa, her cousin who was also an active party member.
They were killed on the spot.
2 hours of the accident, this publication had it on good authority that there was an invisible hand in the accident. Our news lead connected us to the identities of the soldiers and their phone numbers.
However, when ZimEye brought up the issue of conspiracy in the accident, this channel’s Simba Chikanza battled skepticism from some quarters of our readers…
“Someone is saying it was a head on collision, but it was a head on how?,” asked Chikanza.
https://youtu.be/4Cb3zGakw78
He then continued saying the story of Vimbai’s accident can never be told while excluding, “this clear build up of repulsion by the state against anyone who opposes Emmerson Mnangagwa’s dialogue concept.”
SEE VIDEO BELOW (article continues):
Reported ZimEye:
“All this is coming at a time when … Vimbai has in the last few days been outstanding in her backing Nelson Chamisa being the only Tsvangirai family member to be so openly and loudly vocal in support of Nelson Chamisa particularly his position against the so called dialogue that Emmerson Mnangagwa is demanding from Nelson Chamisa standing in opposite directions from her brother (Edwin) who criticised Nelson Chamisa’s position…at the memorial just last weekend…”
A local weekly publication, The Standard has since followed those leads and reported that police have closed off an investigation into the horror accident that claimed the lives on the basis that it involved soldiers.
Philda Muringani, who was driving the car was lucky to escape alive in the accident which allegedly involved three other cars.
However, it is reported that the driver of the other car, a Honda Fit, allegedly fled the scene.
Tsvangirai-Java’s family was last week told that the investigation had been closed after the driver of the car, which collided with theirs had died.
It has since emerged that the two cars were being driven by soldiers.
Tsvangirai-Java’s husband Batsirai collected the wreckage of her car from the Kwekwe Vehicle Inspection Department, but he was not given any paperwork.
Java refused to comment on the latest developments, saying he was preoccupied with raising money to settle his wife’s hospital bills, which have soared above US$10 000.
She is being treated by six specialists who have so far done four surgeries on her. The amount did not include RTGS charges.
“I am not in the right frame of mind to talk. I am preoccupied with raising money for my wife’s hospital bills,” he said.
However, a family source said they were told investigations had been halted after Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) officials at Guinea Fowl informed police that the army sergeant who was driving the Mazda vehicle had died last Wednesday.
Investigations also revealed that the driver of the Toyota Vitz that caused the accident was also a sergeant at the same base and is facing a court martial.
According to the sources, the Mazda vehicle had four people in civilian clothes, including the driver, but military uniforms were discovered at the back of the vehicles during police searches.
Three of the passengers were from the military intelligence department as shown by the identity documents, while others did not have IDs.
Muringani said she also heard people at the accident scene saying there were soldiers in the other vehicles.
The family fears that the move to court martial the surviving driver is an attempt to sweep the case under the carpet.
Midlands acting police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Ethel Mukwende referred questions to national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi.
However, Nyathi said he was not aware that investigations had been closed.
“I am not sure of the alleged closure. What I can confirm is that the driver of the other vehicle passed on,” he said.
Nyathi could also not comment on claims that the surviving driver was being court-martialled by the army.
“I am not aware of processes by sister departments,” he said.
ZNA spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Alphios Makotore last night confirmed that Staff Sergeant Lunga of army ordinances died after the accident.
Meanwhile, an unidentified man was caught trying to sneak into the intensive care unit where Tsvangrai-Java is being treated.
The family said the man kept giving different reasons why he wanted to see the MP after first claiming that he was her relative, then party member and a well-wisher who wanted to pray for her.
Own Correspondent|The body of the late liberation war hero Dumiso Dabengwa has failed to arrive in Bulawayo as expected this Sunday afternoon.
Highly placed sources said that the body was left behind at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg after the casket with the body could not fit into the small cargo unit of the SA Airlink plane.
VIDEO LOADING … (STORY CONTINUES BELOW) …
However from a distance ZimEye.com spotted someone in black who was possibly Dabengwa’s widow Zodwa disembark from the plane crowded by family members and friends.
Thousands of people had gathered at the airport to welcome Dabengwa. The crowd patiently waited for the plane which landed at midday from as early as 7 in the morning.
More details will be provided as soon as they are made available to ZimEye.com.
By Own Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Nurses Association (ZINA) has reportedly warned the government that its members will embark on industrial action after there was a deadlock in negotiations with the Health Services Board (HSB).
The association representing nurses in all the country’s public health institutions advised its members to brace for a strike after giving the government a 14-day notice.
ZINA said in a statement:
“Having failed to find a common position with the employer, a deadlock has been declared.
“We are therefore issuing a notice of intent to embark on industrial action in the next 14 days if our grievances are not addressed.”
The latest threat follows threats by the Zimbabwe Hospital Doctors Association (ZHDA) and the Amalgamated Rural Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) to go on strike if they are not paid in United States dollars.
Said Tafadzwa Goliath, President of the Passengers Association of Zimbabwe:
“We learn with great sadness of an accident which has happened along Willowvale road which is now being called Oliver Mtukudzi Road when a tout who was hanging behind the kombi fell down and he died on the spot. The development also resulted in the commission.”
Umkhonto we Sizwe veterans received with shock and sadness the news of the untimely passing of Comrade Dumiso Dabengwa, the former commander of the Zimbabwe People’s Revolutionary Army (ZPRA), who died in Nairobi yesterday aged 79 years. We wish to pass our heartfelt condolences to the Dabengwa family, comrades, friends and indeed the people of Zimbabwe on their immense loss.
Comrade Dabengwa was a great patriot and fighter for the liberation of Zimbabwe.
He was also a fervent internationalist as all true revolutionaries are. When ZAPU under the leadership of Joshua Nkomo, and the ANC led by Oliver Tambo, decided to forge an alliance to tackle the twin scourge of Rhodesian and Apartheid colonialism, Dabengwa became a central figure in forging the alliance on the ground between the fighting forces of ZPRA and MK.
He recently shared his experiences on the Wankie and Sipolilo campaigns which were jointly undertaken with the Luthuli Detachment at an MK history conference organised by Lilliesleaf Farm in March earlier this year.
We salute him for his courage, his comradeship and the contribution he made to the freedom we now enjoy in our country.
ISSUED BY MK VETERANS NATIONAL COUNCIL CHAIRPERSON and FORMER Chief of Staff (MK)
Own Correspondent|Vice President Kembo Mohadi has told Bulawayo journalists that the late ZAPU leader and former Home Affairs, ZIPRA intelligence Guru Dumiso Dabengwa has been declared a National Hero.
This is a developing story please refresh the page for more details.
By Chris Tongogara | Anyone who touches Ntabazinduna, touches fire, touches death. And anyone who fights a mountain, fights the Almighty, chief Ndiweni repeated on Saturday.
As the late national hero Dumiso Dabengwa’s touches down at JN Nkomo Airport Sunday afternoon, the same mountain Emmerson Mnangagwa wants to desecrate, will be the glorious resting place for the man he violently persecuted, Dabengwa. It is a time of mourning, but there is something in the air.
Mnangagwa wants to upset the locals here, and indeed the whole nation. What’s happening?
Within days of a Gukurahundi mass murderer,the agriculture minister Perance Shiri seeking to step his feet on the sacred mountain, with residents swearing to die to protect the mountain, it is revealed that that the late black Russian, Dumiso Dabengwa has sworn not to be buried at the National Heroes Acre, but Ntabazinduna.
But what is it that is in this mountain and why is it so hot to touch? In an exclusive interview lasr week, the highly respected Chief Felix Ndiweni tells ZimEye.com this mountain was chosen by King Mzilikazi. He goes on to list a bill of instructions by Zimbabwe’s resting fathers of the area.
But Ntabazinduna is also synonymous with the word “democracy”. Chief Ndiweni speaking at Gwelo says a nation cannot function without democracy.
He says the country will not move until it observes the ‘Ntabazinduna’ code of life, Democracy.
He says, a national ” leader must be god-fearing; it is ladies and gentlemen impossible for anyone to be a proper leader if they are not god fearing because those are the qualities that were placed down.”
He then adds saying,”
Ladies and gentlemen our issue here in Zimbabwe is a very serious issue; we have a failure of democracy. When democracy fails everything else fails…”
“Even if you go to the magistrates and the high courts you will not receive Justice because democracy has failed. Ladies and gentlemen democracy touches every part of our lives…”
Chief Ndiweni then says he is of the belief that the problem with Zimbabwe is being attended to by the MDC.
He says, “…I know your team here will be looking at that. I know they will be focusing at that. I know they’re trying to sort it out currently in our country we have a constitutional president but here right here we have the popular president.” – WATCH THE FULL VIDEO FOOTAGE ON ZIMEYE.COM BELOW
Own Correspondent|Thousands of people have gathered at the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo airport to welcome the body of the late hero of the liberation struggle and flight for democracy in Zimbabwe Dr Dumiso Dabengwa.
Dabengwa who was the leader of the opposition ZAPU died in Nairobi Kenya enroute to Zimbabwe from India on Thursday.
Of concern is that government has not deployed any of its army or police officers to give honour and security as the body arrives. No senior government officials have also appeared in public as the body arrives.
As Emmerson Mnangagwa’s deputy Constantino Chiwenga appears to continue on his several health falls and ascents, Spotlight Zimbabwe alleges that there is an ongoing plot to remove Mnangagwa in a coup. Below is the full text –
Itai Mushekwe/Mary-Kate Kahari
COLOGNE/HARARE– Combative Vice President, Rtd General Constantino Chiwenga, and a hardline military faction backing his political doctrine and ambitions, are reportedly on the verge of booting President Emmerson Mnangagwa out of office at any moment now, through another subtle military intervention, allegedly called ‘Operation Restore Economy’, Spotlight Zimbabwe, can exclusively reveal.
The revelations by well placed military intelligence sources and long-time serving former cabinet ministers, come at a time when the country’s economy is descending into near collapse, with the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority this week, hiking the pump price of diesel and petrol to ZWL$4,89 and ZWL$4,97, respectively. The annual inflation rate in Harare has also soared to 75.86% in April 2019, up from 66.8% in March.
Mnangagwa is said to have been warned by the army in October 2018, to urgently put the country’s economic house in order, as they feared a possible popular uprising over his administration’s new extortionate taxes, uncontrollable price escalations, and growing shortages of fuel, but he has failed to find a breakthrough thus far.
Operation Restore Economy, the sources say is reminiscent of the November 2017 Operation Restore Legacy, a military campaign which triggered the demise of former leader Robert Mugabe. The operation started on the 13th of November 2017 and ended on the 18th of December 2017, with Chiwenga and current Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) Commander, General Philip Valerio Sibanda, being the main protagonists and masterminds of the ‘smart coup’ which led to Mugabe’s resignation after 37 years in power.
Spotlight Zimbabwe, reported last week that Mnangagwa is due to tender his resignation as the country’s leader in less than twelve months, to avoid a humiliating exit, after failing to resolve Zimbabwe’s economic crisis and suffering an alleged business fallout with powerful securocrats rooting for Chiwenga, to either take over or name a successor to finish off Mnangagwa’s term.
According to fresh information from the intelligence sources and former ministers, Mnangagwa is keen to save face and resign to avoid humiliation, but a Zanu PF faction supporting his presidency is resisting the move, together with one of his own ministers thought to be “engaging some hostile world powers in secret” to rescue his boss through an emergency economic bailout package, thus the army resorting to launch preparations of the operation, as all indications are that Zimbabwe is unlikely to get any meaningful economic loans, thereby breeding grounds for popular uproar and political instability in the country, if the economy fails to find a new captain altogether.
“The General (Chiwenga) might not be in the best of shape health wise, but an elaborate plan in already on the table to boot Mnangagwa out of power,” one of the sources said in a telephone briefing last night. “What people do not know is that, this army operation code named ‘Restore Economy’ is three- pronged in nature. This means the military has at least three ways and options of making sure that Mnangagwa is gone. The first is a recall by the party, allowing CGNC to replace him in the fashion and manner, the ANC dealt with Jacob Zuma in February 2018; an impeachment parliamentary process over the deteriorating economy; or call for his arraignment in the killing of innocent protesters in August 2018 and early this year.”
Two former cabinet ministers under Mugabe, one of them having worked in a national security related portfolio some years ago said the army operation against Mnangagwa, has been planned and necessitated also by intelligence reports that one of the powerful ministries in government, is now allegedly involved in “quasi presidential activities” through foreign hands signalling a dangerous capture and threat to national security, without giving further detail.
“Our media perhaps chooses to be blind and passive, but there is a complex political power matrix in our government,” the ex- ministers said. “You guys only focus on the so called cartel inside the country, without a clue about the real usurper. Thanks to our central and military intelligence, we are fairly safe. There is a ministry that has been running around world capitals canvassing political support to enable Mnangagwa to finish his term, and potentially stand for re-election, but that is not going to happen. The army is angry with the foreign interference. You will soon find out more about the hidden faces behind all this.”
Spotlight Zimbabwe has also gathered that Chiwenga in now in favour of former reserve bank governor, Gideon Gono, to replace Mnangagwa should his health woes continue to trouble him. However the army is believed to prefer an arrangement where Chiwenga takes over the presidency on a transitional basis until 2023, when fresh presidential and parliamentary elections are due.
Gono was first appointed as governor of the central bank in November 2003 because of his reputation as a turnaround specialist, particularly because of his work at the Commercial Bank of Zimbabwe. Chiwenga, who is a friend of Gono might be looking at Gono’s background and credentials as the better candidate to attempt an economic revitalisation, where Mnangagwa has failed.
Other contenders being considered include: former defence minister, Sydney Sekeramayi; current defence minister though remote-Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri; former Zanu PF political commissar and local government minister, Saviour Kasukuwere.
The other emerging dark horses are from within the military camp, and these are foreign affairs minister, Sibusiso Busi Moyo and his counterpart in cabinet lands and agriculture minister, Air Marshal Perence Shiri.
Meanwhile Chiwenga is reportedly back under the knife for the second time in India, where media reports suggest he was airlifted for treatment from the capital late at night on May 18. – Spotlight
By Own Correspondent- The World Justice Report has commended Zimbabwe for its improved rankings in the latest World Justice Rule of Law 2019 Index Report.
Director of the World Justice Project (WJP), Elizabeth Anderson recently singled out Zimbabwe amongst 126 countries that include Ethiopia, Malaysia and Guatemala as having the greatest rule of law performance last year.
In her keynote address to the 7th Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) and World Justice Report Symposium entitled “Fighting Corruption- A New Perspective,” held in Hong Kong from 22- 24 May, Ms Anderson said, “twenty-three countries’ rule of law performance improved by 1 percent or more in the last year while Zimbabwe’s Rule of Law performance was at 7,1 percent.”
The symposium was co-hosted by the Hong Kong based ICAC and WJP. Zimbabwe was represented by Consul General to Hong Kong and Macao SAR (special administrative region of China), Mr Alfred Mutiwazuka.
The Hong Kong based Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) and the World Justice Project co-hosted the event. Zimbabwe was represented by Mr Alfred Mutiwazuka, the Zimbabwe Consul General to Hong Kong and Macao SAR (special administrative of China).
Speaking from Hong Kong, Mutiwazuka said the improved ranking on Zimbabwe through the findings of an independent, multi-disciplinary organisation working to advance the rule of law is an acknowledgement of the sterling efforts being made by President Mnangagwa in tacking corruption, combating poverty and protecting people from injustice in the Second Republic.
“Traditionally, the rule of law has been viewed as the domain of lawyers and judges, but everyday issues of safety, rights, justice and governance affect everyone and in turn makes everyone a stakeholder in the rule of law,” said Mutiwazuka.
Renowned Zimbabwean engineer, Martin Manuhwa, who is the Vice President of the World Federation of Engineering Organisations (WFEO and chairperson of the WFEO Committee on Anti-Corruption also attended the symposium as a panelist.
In his address at the symposium (a copy of which has been availed to state media, Eng. Manuhwa highlighted the anti-corruption strategies and anti-bribery standards that need to be embraced and implemented particularly in developing countries.
Eng. Manuhwa said, “governments, corporates and financial institutions should insist on dealing with organisations that are ISO 37001 compliant as it is the only standard that requires the genuine commitment of top management to reduce the corruption risk by curbing bribery using policies and systems that are robust and rigorous.”
In a show of confidence in the strides taken by Zimbabwe in observing the rule of law, Eng. Manuhwa urged the World Justice Project to hold its next multidisciplinary engagements in Zimbabwe at the majestic Victoria Falls.
The WJP Rule of Law Index 2019 is the latest report in an annual series measuring the Rule of Law based on the experiences and perceptions of the general public and in-country experts worldwide. The index provides scores and rankings based on eight factors that include constraints on government powers, absence of corruption, open government, fundamental rights, order and security, regulatory enforcement, civil justice and criminal justice.
The scores and rankings for the WJP Rule of Law Index are derived from more than 120 000 household surveys and 3 800 expert surveys in 126 countries and jurisdictions. The index is the most comprehensive dataset of its kind and is the world’s leading source of current, original data on the rule of law from the perspective of ordinary people and their experiences.–StateMedia
ZimEye will be giving you live updates as the body of the late liberation war icon Dr Dumiso Dabengwa arrives today in Bulawayo.
Dr Dabengwa’s body is expected today and will land at Joshua Nqabuko Nkomo airport in Bulawayo.
Dr Dabengwa, 79, died on Thursday in Nairobi, Kenya on his way back home from India where he had gone for medical treatment. The Zipra intelligence supremo succumbed to a liver ailment.
Family spokesman Mr Freeman Dr Dabengwa, who is the Zapu leader’s last born son, said the body was expected at around midday. It will be accompanied by Dr Dabengwa’s wife, Zodwa.
The family has provisionally planned to bury Dr Dabengwa this Saturday at his rural home in Ntabazinduna – about 40km outside Bulawayo.
“Nyaradzo (funeral parlour) buses will ferry mourners from the Large City Hall to the airport at 10.30am tomorrow (today),” said Mr Dabengwa.
“We are grateful for the assistance received from the Government through provision of food for the scores of mourners.”
Things can’t get worse for the clueless Lacoste gangster and his followers.
I have always said even the gods of this country are opposed to how he and his fellow armed gangsters removed Robert Mugabe, a man who had been legitimately anointed by the spirits of the land.
Gushungo still holds the traditional axes and knobkerries bequeathed to him by the ancestors of Zimbabwe and without them, Lacoste will have problems ruling the land.
The Lacoste gangsters have lurched from one disaster to another.
From shooting citizens in August last year just after the elections to murdering more citizens during the January stayaway.
From a never before seen devastating cyclone to a debilitating (debhiritating) drought, which is being felt before we get to the halfway mark of the year.
Two of the crises, the January massacre and Cyclone Idai, forced some of the gangsters to cut short their ill-advised shopping jaunts to Switzerland and the United Arab Emirates.
Some of the disasters are no laughing matter as they have seen the Lacoste government officials escaping from assassination attempts to battles with life threatening and complicated medical conditions.
The latest headache — the death of a real national hero, Dumiso Dabengwa has virtually shocked the Lacoste faction into silence.
As was the case when another real national hero, Oliver Mtukudzi died, the gangsters don’t know what to do.
Unverified stories that they were paying his medical bills have begun to surface with ED and Victor Matemadanda leading in making the allegations of having been his guardian angels.
What we find odd is that DD died in transit while waiting to catch a connecting flight to return home.
Maybe those who claim they loved him so much could have arranged for a private plane to ferry him home.
Kembo Mohadi says Dabengwa died while they were making arrangements to hire a private plane to go and collect him.
Really Kembo? Collect Dabengwa from the transit lounge in Nairobi?
Shame on you.
Delays in confirming him as a national hero did not help matters although he is reported to have left clear instructions that he did not want to be buried among “thieves”.
That is the problem with real national heroes.
They can do just about anything and still remain heroes in the eyes of the people, which is what Dumiso did.
He showed Zanu PF several middle fingers by dumping the ruling party and reviving Zapu then endorsed Nelso Chamisa, but the people see nothing wrong with that and still revere him.
Sensing the mood in the air, senior Lacoste gangsters have been trooping to the funeral wake to make all sorts of wild claims of how good Dumiso was and how he is a hero of heroes bla bla bla.
Nonsense! They have sensed that the people have declared him the peoples hero and any contrary position will attract the wrath of the people.
There is also the vexing issue of at which point the former State Security minister, Lacoste himself will personally pay his condolences.
It will not be lost on many that Dumiso was jailed from 1983 to 1987 as a political prisoner of the regime and we all know who was behind his incarceration and the butchering of more than 20 000 people in Midlands and Matabeleland.
It will be interesting to see how mourners respond to his presence.
It should not be lost on many that he will be buried in his village, in Ntabazinduna, a place that falls under Chief Nhlanhlayamangwe Ndiweni.
The same outspoken chief who attended the MDC congress and has generally been regarded by the regime as “unpatriotic”.
Again the chief is very popular and can do no wrong in the eyes of Zimbabweans, which is also a problem for the gangsters.
The same chief may actually be very prominent at the funeral of Dabengwa, another very big headache for Lacoste and company.
Watch this space.
One question Mnangagwa may want to deal with is why for some reason, 50% of national heroes this year have refused to be buried by him.
And these are solid characters such as Phineas Makhurane, Oliver Mtukudzi and now Dumiso Dabengwa.
Real heroes not some violent party activists who owe their lofty positions to thuggery, extortion and violence.
Mugabe legacy finally restored
When the Lacoste gangsters toppled Mugabe from power, they said it was an operation to restore his legacy by targeting criminals around him.
Thanks to their brutal and incompetent misrule, they have successfully restored Mugabe’s legacy.
Mugabe, who was hated with passion for his near four decades rule is now fondly remembered for his insistence on pro-people policies such as maintaining low commodity prices.
If he was younger he would have won the next election by a mile.
Dead BC has standards?
People out there are probably very shocked by a running advert in which our one and only Dead BC is looking for a deputy news editor.
Among other things, the person should be able to ensure content in line with Dead BC standards.
Many are still to come to terms with the revelation that the propaganda unit actually has standards.
It would be good though to know what those standards are. Maybe ensuring Auxillia is on every news bulletin.
There is belief that Dead BC standards are domiciled in the mortuary of a leading funeral parlour.
Hope the new person will revive them.
The problem with Hwange and Zisco
What exactly is the problem with Hwange power station and Zisco? There is always something that needs fixing at the power station.
At one time there was a partnership with Namibia.
And now something needs fixing and requires lots of money.
The same is happening at Zisco. It has been officially re-opened every year bu t never gets to function. Kutonga Kwaro!
By Own Correspondent- The body of liberation war stalwart and former Home Affairs Minister Dr Dumiso Dabengwa, will arrive this afternoon at the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport, in Bulawayo.
Dr Dabengwa, 79, died on Thursday in Nairobi, Kenya on his way back home from India where he had gone for medical treatment. The Zipra intelligence supremo succumbed to a liver ailment.
Family spokesman Mr Freeman Dr Dabengwa, who is the Zapu leader’s last born son, said the body was expected at around midday. It will be accompanied by Dr Dabengwa’s wife, Zodwa.
The family has provisionally planned to bury Dr Dabengwa this Saturday at his rural home in Ntabazinduna – about 40km outside Bulawayo.
“Nyaradzo (funeral parlour) buses will ferry mourners from the Large City Hall to the airport at 10.30am tomorrow (today),” said Mr Dabengwa.
“We are grateful for the assistance received from the Government through provision of food for the scores of mourners.”
Zanu-PF Secretary for Administration Obert Mpofu said the party’s decision on Dr Dabengwa’s hero’s status will be announced soon.
“We will make pronouncements and then the nation will know,” he said.
The Minister of State for Bulawayo Provincial Affairs Judith Ncube said Dr Dabengwa deserved to be honoured in recognition of the pivotal role he played towards the liberation of Zimbabwe from the colonial yoke.
“A leader is gone; a commander is no more. We hope that he gets the respect and honour he deserves. I encourage the Bulawayo community to welcome Dr Dabengwa’s body back home today,” she said.
Zimbabweans across the political divide have united in mourning the liberation war stalwart with several senior Government officials visiting the Dabengwa’s residence in Fourwinds to pay their condolences.
Dr Dabengwa is well-known for his key role in the war that brought independence in 1980.
He participated in the liberation war under Zipra which was Zapu’s military wing – with other heroes like the late Misheck Velaphi Ncube, Moffat Hadebe, Robson Manyika, Clark Mpofu, Sikhwili Khohli Moyo, Retired Colonel Thomas Ngwenya and Retired Colonel Tshinga.
He is survived by his wife Zodwa, five children and five grandchildren.
Mourners are gathered at number 39 Diamond Road, Fourwinds, Bulawayo.-StateMedia
By Own Correspondent- Government and players in the petroleum sector have agreed on a host of measures in the dealing of the precious commodity, which has been scarce since the end of last year.
The state media reports that agreements were reached on Wednesday at a meeting that brought together the Minister of Energy and Power Development, Advocate Fortune Chasi, officials from Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) and petroleum sector representatives.
The indaba was triggered by the fuel policy changes introduced last week that saw Government removing a subsidy on fuel imports.
Among the measures agreed upon, was the need for an efficient and effective system to coordinate the distribution of fuel to ensure it is availed rationally in accordance with demand.
ZERA has since been tasked by the parent minister to come up with a comprehensive report mapping and detailing consumer demand trends.
In addition, Government is also looking into introducing an electronic monitoring system for the entire fuel value chain to curb corruption at service stations.
Last week ZERA increased prices of fuel by averages of 46 percent for blend petrol and 49 percent for diesel. The increase followed the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) directive to fuel importers to obtain foreign currency on the obtaining interbank market rates.
Previously, oil marketing companies were receiving foreign currency from the RBZ at a special rate of 1:1 between the US dollar and RTGS dollar.
In an interview with The Sunday Mail, Minister of Energy and Power Development Fortune Chasi said Government was coming up with interventions to help restore sanity in the fuel sector.
“I held a meeting with the (players in the fuel) industry yesterday (Wednesday), all stakeholders in the petroleum industry were represented and we agreed to meet regularly, that is quarterly,” he said.
“I emphasised the need for professionalism in the conduct of their business. In particular, I said that they must observe licence conditions.
“I also emphasised the need for self-regulation and should this fail, I will have no choice, but to initiate legal reforms to compel compliance.
“I also said that there is need for coordination in distribution, so that fuel is distributed rationally and deliberately in accordance with needs.
‘‘They (fuel players) are working on this with ZERA and I expect it soon.
“In addition, we were all agreed on the need to establish and ensure order in the industry. In that connection, I pointed out that I am actively looking into electronic monitoring of the entire value chain of the industry.
ZERA acting chief executive officer Mr Eddington Mazambani said they were already taking action to curb hoarding of fuel.
He said service stations had been directed to dispense a maximum 600 litres of fuel to an individual, stop fuelling bowser and those intending to purchase fuel in jerry cans, will be served at a know your customer basis.
“However, these new measures excludes any prior arrangements that had been made between service stations and customers.
“We are also looking at gaps in the law to see how it can be amended to ensure we have more powers.
“ZERA is also working on setting up real time online monitoring system which will be installed at service stations.
“We will continue monitoring compliance from service stations and checking quality of fuel from around the country.”
Zimbabwe has been experiencing fuel shortages over the past few months with some fuel traders accused of channelling the commodity to the black market.
Foreigners have also been accused of hoarding the commodity and selling it in neighbouring countries.-StateMedia
Own Correspondent|Tanzania is set to test its first, maiden, cheaper and very superior own funded electric train.
The train is tipped to be one of Africa’s high speed trains with projected speeds of up to 160 mph.
In Zimbabwe, opposition MDC leader Nelson Chamisa was heavily bashed in the run up to the 2018 election when he promised that if his party takes over government they will set up the same train to service Bulawayo – Harare route.
Critics claimed the young politician was speaking of impossible things that would never happen in Zimbabwe.
Speaking at a historic event to launch the flash butt welding of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) exercise that took place at Soga in Coastal region outside Dar es Salaam, the Minister for Works, Transport and Communications, Eng. Isack Kamwele said first trials for speedy electric train will be conducted in July this year to cover a section of the SGR.
The first 300 km phase running from Dar es Salaam to Morogoro with 6 stations in between will commence its operations in December this year.
There will be three passenger trains in phase one at the starting point that will be taking daily round trips between the two cities. Each passenger train is capable of making 9 to 12 trips a day or even more.
The train will use concrete sleepers which improve durability and give the railway network capacity to carry up to 35 tonnes per axle loads.
The rails can survive up to 40 years before any major repairs while the train bridge can survive up to 100 years.
So far, over 26,000 employment opportunities have been created by the US $1.9bn project and more job opportunities will be created in the second phase and subsequent ones and once the stations becomes fully operational.
Standard|Energy minister Fortune Chasi has told the Zesa board to take urgent action to ensure that controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo completes the Gwanda solar project or that he repays the $5 million he was given by the struggling utility.
Chasi (FC), who replaced Joram Gumbo on May 15, told our senior reporter Obey Manayiti in an exclusive interview that Zimbabweans were justified to be angry over the Chivayo saga.
The businessman’s Intratek Zimbabwe Private Limited was awarded the tender in 2015 to set up the 100-megawatt Gwanda solar plant and was paid $5 million by the Zimbabwe Power Company.
However, the plant is yet to be set up four years later. Chasi said if the board fails to act, there would be a “serious collision”.
He also vowed that the people who owe Zesa huge amounts of money, including Zanu PF bigwigs, would soon be forced to meet their obligations. Below are excerpts from the interview.
OM: How would you describe the new challenges that you face as the recently appointed Energy and Power Development minister?
FC: At the top of my mind is extinguishing fuel queues. This means working together with all stakeholders, including the regulator, to ensure a seamless fuel procurement and distribution system that is properly priced.
Regularity of supply is key for everyone, especially industry and commerce who must plan their production.
Second, is ensuring that we do not have load-shedding and that in those circumstances where it is absolutely necessary, it is as brief as possible and that the schedule is dutifully adhered to.
OM: What measures has government put in place to deal with the power shortages, which are threatening the economy?
FC: The regulator, (Zimbabwe Regulatory Authority) Zera, must take charge and execute their mandate as expressed in the law that sets them up, the Energy Regulatory Authority Act [Chapter 13:23] of 2011.
It is mandated to regulate the entire energy sector in Zimbabwe in a fair, transparent, efficient and cost-effective manner for the benefit of the consumers and energy suppliers.
In terms of section 4(1)(a), Zera is required to “regulate the procurement, production, transportation, transmission, distribution, importation and exportation of energy derived from any energy source.”
It is also mandated and required, via section 4 (g), “to maintain and promote effective competition within the energy industry.”
Zera must carry out all 18 aspects of its mandate effectively and independently.
That this is so is self-evident from the content of 4(4), which is very explicit in saying that 4) subject to this Act, the authority shall not, in the lawful exercise of its functions under this Act, be subject to the direction or control of any person or authority.
Zera has not only the legal obligation to ensure a transparent and efficient fuel industry, but it is also insulated from any form of influence or control by “any authority” and that includes myself.
It’s also important to note that my function is limited and confined only to “general policy direction”.
This is made explicitly clear by section 24 (1),which stipulates that: “The minister may give the board such general directions in writing relating to the policy the authority is to observe in the exercise of its functions as the minister considers it to be necessary in the national interest.”
In order to safeguard its operational independence, section 24 (3) goes further to require that:
“When any direction has been given to the board in terms of subsection (1), the board shall ensure that the direction and any views the board has expressed on it are set out in the authority’s annual report.”
I will not interfere with the operations of Zera except to the extent permitted by law. This is very critical for the achievement of a well-functioning fuel industry.
OM: Critics say you were set up for failure considering the fuel and electricity crises that seemed to escalate only a few days after your elevation. What is your reaction to such sentiments?
FC: There are many speculative theories around my appointment. I will not be distracted nor will I give undue attention to them.
I will focus on the supervision of those under my portfolio as well as giving strategic direction to them as contemplated by law.
I will give the regulator “general policy” direction as mandated by government.
I was not aware that I would be appointed. And so I had no time to prepare for the examination that you say I am writing.
However, I consider it an honour to be asked to serve my country at such a critical time and in such an important sector.
OM: A week after your appointment, would you say you underestimated the challenges faced by the ministry coming from outside?
FC: The ministry itself must be innovative. It must originate a power and fuel strategy that speaks to both the short-term and long-term power and fuel needs.
In the power sector, it must ensure that power gets to the people — particularly remote and under-developed parts of our country.
Zesa must be efficient so that its inefficiencies are not loaded into the tariff and thereby onto the consumer.
We must be very deliberate in pursuing the power development side.
Accordingly, my focus will be to drive strategies around renewal energy. We must move in earnest towards these by removing as many consumers as possible from the grid .
The same applies to petroleum. As a country, we must take measures that mitigate against an inefficient supply of fuel.
I expect Zera to develop effective strategies around each and every aspect of its mandate. I have made this very clear to them.
OM: One of the major pronouncements you made soon after your elevation was that Wicknell Chivayo must repay the money he was paid for the Gwanda solar project. Do you still stand by that statement in view of the various court processes around that project?
FC: On the Chivayo case, I have no intention to abdicate the responsibility I have been given by the nation in requiring that Zesa must receive value for money.
I am simply demanding compliance with the provisions of the Public Finance Management Act, which cautions against recklessness with public property and funds.
It would be highly irresponsible of me were I to look askance in the face of a scandal of monumental volumes such as this.
As minister of Energy, I am there to protect and further the public interest in all respects.
Zesa is owed $1,2 billion and that money must be recovered. Zesa imports very expensive power. That $5 million is a lot of money.
It’s either I see the project having been enacted in accordance with the contract or the money itself! I expect that those at Zesa who are complicit in this saga ensure that he pays.
Acquittal on a criminal matter is no bar to civil liability. This type of profligacy will never happen again in this industry as long as I am superintending over it.
The public is right to be angry over this and I’m obviously on their side.
The board must tell me what they have done about this matter. I must, on behalf of the public, be satisfied that sufficient and urgent action is being taken.
In the absence of that, a serious collision is in the offing.
It is improper to ask for tariff hikes in the presence of poor and porous procurement systems, poor risk management and recklessness with public funds.
All these add to the cost build-up with which the public is then lumbered with.
OM: On a regular basis, there are stories in the media of Zanu PF and government-linked officials that are not paying their electricity bills and end up being dragged to the courts. To what extent do you think this has contributed to Zesa’s failure to pay for power imports?
FC: I have been informed that Zesa is owed $1,2 billion. It is senseless to expect it to be viable in the face of such debts.
I have asked Zesa to provide me with an analysis of this debt so that there is clarity on who owes what. I prefer to make evidence-based decisions.
So that analysis is key so that any fact or myth is debunked.
The underlying approach is that everyone, whether they are from the party or not, must pay for the service.
I can’t and will not compromise on this. It would be very irresponsible of me to do so.
OM: What will your ministry do to ensure that Zesa is protected from powerful people that don’t pay their bills?
FC:I don’t know what powerful people are. Zesa must see customers and not powerful people when they provide service.
This is why I insist on boards that don’t buckle and bend at every corner.
On my part, once I have executed my duty, which is to appoint a board that does not consist of my friends or relatives, I will leave them to do the work for which they were appointed. In short, I will protect Zesa by ensuring that there is good corporate governance — not on paper, but in reality.
OM: In light of the inflationary environment weighing down on utilities, has the government considered reviewing Zesa tariffs?
FC: Zesa submitted a request for a tariff increase before my time and it was turned down. There were good reasons for that.
I must work with them to ensure that they are efficient in all respects in order to ensure that they are not weighed down by this.
OM: The government has in the past dished out licences to independent power producers, but none of them have come on stream. What are the reasons behind these projects’ failure to take off?
FC: I am not sure what you mean by government having dished out licences.
Upon appointment I asked Zera to supply me with all licences in this respect.
I will examine them and identify non-performing ones on a case- by-case basis, and with due regard to the rules of natural justice, which require administrative action to be taken fairly, I will expect Zera to make decisions.
OM: What happened to the fuel that the government early this year claimed had been paid for by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe and would last for two years?
FC: I am not aware of the fuel in question.
OM: Why is that the new measures announced by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe on procurement of forex by oil companies have not made a difference in the fuel supply situation?
FC: I am not too sure of the import of the question. But it sounds like a matter on which RBZ is better placed to pronounce itself upon.
Nelson n Chamisa with senior MDC leaders and chief Ndiweni.
Own Correspondent|Opposition MDC leader Nelson Chamisa has told controversy ringed Ntabazinduna Chief Felix Nhlanhla Ndiweni that he will declare him as King as soon as his power comes into power.
Addressing an ongoing MDC congress in Gweru on Saturday, Chamisa said Ndiweni was not just an ordinary chief and fit to be declared a king instead.
“I would like to honour Chief Ndiweni for accepting our invite. Actually he is a king, not a chief, and once I get into power, I will install him as the king,” he said.
Chief Ndiweni is currently under siege from ruling ZANU PF after he openly declared that he will be approaching the western world with a request to tighten targeted sanctions against ZANU PF.
The ZANU PF youth league has called on government to dethrone Ndiweni accusing him of aligning himself with the opposition MDC.
Ndiweni was at the MDC congress on Saturday further extending his rift with ZANU PF. Ndiweni attended the ZANU PF conference in Esigodini last year on a similar invitation. He has also attended the salt ZAPU and MRP congresses before.
Speaking to ZimEye.com in an interview on Wednesday, Ndiweni indicated that he does not favour any political party though he declared his no love for ZANU PF because of the way the party is running the country.
THE Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) has warned that it is mobilising for mass action against the current economic crisis if government fails to provide solutions.
This comes as nurses at public hospitals have announced plans to go on strike in a fortnight if government does not offer them better salaries.
ZCTU secretary-general Japhet Moyo said the current economic situation was untenable as workers were at the receiving end of “failed governance”.
Moyo said the largest labour federation held a general council meeting on Thursday and resolved that unless a national tripartite forum was constituted as a matter of urgency to discuss the challenges bedevilling the country, mass action was inevitable.
“The ZCTU is in the process of consulting structures to get a mandate for mass action in the event that the above issues are not addressed,” he said in a statement issued after the meeting.
ZCTU said that it was demanding, among other issues, that workers be given back their US$ savings that were converted into bond notes by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe when it created the RTGS dollar early this year.
“The ZCTU notes with great concern that notwithstanding the reduction in fuel duty, placing fuel procurement on the interbank market will result in frequent price adjustments, given the rapid depreciation of the real time gross settlement dollar (ZWL$) on both the interbank and parallel markets,” the labour body said.
“The upward adjustments in fuel prices will have knock-on effects on the prices of basic goods and services, worsening the impact of the already depreciating exchange rate on the general level of prices.
Despite the availing of State-controlled buses that are not enough to meet demand, commuters transport fares are now between $2 and $5, and medical aid subscription has tripled, making life “unbearable for most Zimbabweans”, ZCTU said.
Zimbabwe is facing its worst economic crisis in a decade and the January protests called for by the ZCTU after government raised the price of fuel by 150% turned bloody, with 17 people killed by security forces while 200 were left nursing bullet wounds according to human rights groups.
Officials said 1 000 people were arrested during the protests.
The southern African country remains in the throes of a dollar crunch and government raised the price of fuel again this week by 47%, triggering another round of price increases punctuated by the fall of the local RTGS currency on both the official interbank market and the parallel market.
At the end of the day yesterday, the RTGS dollar traded at 4,8 to the greenback and at 7,5 on the parallel market.
“The working people of Zimbabwe have already suffered immensely as inflation rose sharply from 5,4% in September 2018 to 75,9% by April 2019. Wages have failed to keep pace with the inflationary trends,” the labour movement said.
“In addition, pension and other statutory contributions have been severely eroded, compromising applicable benefit payments. For example, with average minimum wages of ZWL$300, against a food poverty line (FPL) of ZWL$295 and a total consumption poverty line (TCPL) of ZWL$873 for a family of five in April 2019, it is evident that such wages are below survival levels, reducing most workers to the working poor. That is why the ZCTU has been demanding a minimum wage of US$600,” the statement read.
“The ZCTU demands that an urgent Tripartite Negotiation Forum be convened to discuss the State of the economy and the way forward. Contrary to the Constitution, this government has a tendency of announcing polices without consultations as required by section 13(2) of the Constitution. We reserve the right to approach the courts for redress.”
According to a statement from the Zimbabwe Nurses Association, the union has given a notice to strike after 14 days if government does not address their concerns.
The nurses want, among other issues, a review of their salaries, flexible working hours, a vehicle loan scheme and an improved working environment.
“Having failed to find a common position with the employer a deadlock has been declared. We are, therefore, issuing a notice of intent to embark on an industrial action in the next 14 days if our grievances are not addressed,” a statement from the nurses read.
AFP|Botswana’s former president Ian Khama on Saturday quit the governing BDP which has ruled since independence more than half a century ago, citing deep differences between him and his successor.
Khama told thousands of supporters in his rural home town of Serowe that he made a “mistake” in choosing Mokgweetsi Masisi as the president.
“I came here today to tell you I am parting ways with the BDP. I am throwing away my BDP membership card,” said Khama as he trashed his card.
“I don’t recognise the BDP anymore”.
It is the first time in Botswana that an ex-president has abandoned the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP).
Thousands of people who thronged the meeting at the town’s showgrounds also threw away their BDP membership cards.
The 57-year-old BDP has ruled Botswana uninterrupted since independence in 1966,
Khama said he did not have a party yet but will support the opposition Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) fight the BDP.
Khama and his successor have fallen out publicly, with Masisi reversing some policies introduced by his predecessor – including most recently the lifting of a ban on elephant trophy hunting.
The rift was laid bare last March when Khama accused his protege of betrayal.
Botswana has a two-term presidential limit. Masisi took over the leadership from Khama last year, after being hand-picked, but will contest his first election this year.
Dumiso Dabengwa with opposition MDC leader Nelson Chamisa in Bulawayo ahead of last year’s elections.
Own Correspondent|THE family of the late ZIPRA military intelligence guru, Dr Dumison Dabengwa says that he will be buried at his rural home in Ntabazinduna on Saturday.
Family spokesman, Mr Freeman Dabengwa, who is Dr Dabengwa’s last born son, said that the family has made and finalised the provisionally arrangements for Dabengwa’s burial.
“We have planned that he will be buried in Ntabazinduna at a grave site for all Dabengwa family members, so we have set the date for burial as 1 June 2019. That is what is there at the moment,” he said.
Meanwhile, Dabengwa’s body will arrive this afternoon at the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Internationl Airport in Bulawayo, accompanied by his widow, Zodwa.
Dr Dabengwa died on Thursday in Nairobi, Kenya while being flown back to Zimbabwe from India where he had gone for medical treatment. He was 79.
Freeman Dabengwa, said that the body of his father and liberation stalwart will arrive at 12pm at the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Airport via South Africa.
“The body will arrive in Bulawayo at around 12pm at the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Airport,” he said to journalists at the family home in Bulawayo.
He said buses will be availed by Nyaradzo Funeral Services to ferry mourners to the airport.
“Nyaradzo said they will bring buses that will ferry people from the Large City Hall to the airport to go and wait for the body of Dr Dabengwa as he arrives home. So we want to let the people know that they are able to go and get transport and the buses will leave at 10.30am tomorrow (today),” he said.
Mr Dabengwa said the family was grateful to the Government for the assistance it has rendered the family including providing food for the mourners. The Government also chipped in with resources to enable the late liberation stalwart to seek medication abroad.
By Masimba Mavaza | With the unending queues and the bond crashing against the dollar, the Energy ministry has once again raised fuel prices to stem the so-called ‘under-recoveries’ of oil companies.
According to the latest data, as on May 20th, the oil marketing companies were incurring daily losses against the sale of diesel, kerosene and domestic LPG. There is a vast of under recovery against every litre of diesel sold. This is coupled with Zimbabwe’s foreign currency woes, the ripples have been felt far and wide.
The finance minister says the government must not increase its oil subsidy bill any more if the bond continues to depreciate further against the dollar. “Yes, the rise of petrol and diesel prices will lead to some amount of inflation.” But the consequences of keeping the prices artificially low would damage the economy more. There is no choice but to increase the pump price. It is not a popular move but very necessary one; While there is no logic slashing transport costs- while fuel prices sky rockets the experiment has defied logic.
To be sure, the under-recoveries are not losses, they reflect the difference between the costs of importing diesel and petrol at the international price and the price at which it is actually sold on the domestic market. Zimbabwe doesn’t actually do that — it imports already refined oil and sells it on the domestic market. So under-recoveries are a ‘notional’ price and don’t reflect actual losses that oil companies face, which are almost certainly high. Though how much high has always been a puzzle.
“If the government artificially keeps petroleum prices low, it will impact not just the oil marketing companies as is commonly perceived, but erode the profitability of upstream companies as well as general public. After all, one third of the burden (subsidy) is shared by the upstream companies. The unpredictability of the state of economy has already turned a big challenge for the nation. It is hampering planning on fresh investments, and development.
On the other hand the government officials are becoming so corrupt and they just openly demand bribes and big stakes in any investment which will be tabled for Zimbabwe.
Oil companies have long complained that government have been tardy in actually paying out the foreign currency due to the oil companies, leading them to face a liquidity crunch in the short term.
This forces them to raise short-term borrowings to meet immediate bills, affecting their bottom line further at a time when interest rates are high. Balanced against the weakening of the finances of the oil companies is the broader impact of any fuel price hike on the rest of the economy, at a time when growth is already fragile at best.
There has been no research which looked at the impact on growth of raising domestic oil prices in response to an effective rise in the price of Fuel. They then compared this to a scenario where such increases in the international price were not passed on to consumers.
It’s long been known that while there is an element of subsidy in fuel prices faced by end-consumers, they are also taxed heavily on every purchase of fuel by the state. In fact the biggest beneficiary of any increase in fuel prices are arguably state since the tax they charge on fuel is as a percentage of the price.
That fuel prices will rise are almost a given — the effects on growth will be seen playing out in the months ahead.
Fuel plays a great role in every aspect of life. Its shortage spells doom to each and every individual. It brings out the desperation of the nation when basic things are becoming scarce.
Zimbabwe’s settlement system is that people stay away from their work places. So a daily life of a person has an interaction with fuel thus fuel becomes a very important aspect of life.
Because it impacts on everyday life it becomes imperative for the government to take charge of the fuel distribution.
Exploitation of the people by the oil tycoons must be stopped. Zimbabwe must not be allowed to drag through pains again.
Foreign currency must be made available and fuel must be accrued for the benefits of the people.
By Own Correspondent- Head of Zimbabwe’s National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Kumbirai Hodzi said that his office will up the fight against corruption as it has reached intolerable levels.
Hodzi said this at the official opening of an anti-corruption court in Mutare this past Friday. He said:
Corruption has reached alarming levels and it’s time to put an end to it. People no longer want excuses. The public is no longer interested (in excuses).
The current fuel shortages are as a result of foreign currency manipulation and a systematic black market. This is an example of systematic corruption and we should fight in unison and say no to corruption.
The Judiciary is also taking corruption very seriously. That is why there is yet another anti-corruption court being opened here (Mutare) today.
I am also here as prosecutor-general to reassure you that the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) will not compromise on corruption.
Hodzi said that corruption chokes the citizens’ hopes and aspirations and robs the youth of a brighter future.
He added that his office is engaging the Justice ministry, Ministry of Finance and the Civil Service Commission to improve the conditions of service of prosecutors and non-prosecutorial members of staff. He said:
This is because we are aware of the need to capacitate and ring-fence the prosecutors. Prosecutors, like all other relevant actors of the justice delivery sector, must be well-remunerated so that they are single-mindedly focused on the task at hand.
MIDLANDS Provincial Affairs Minister Senator Larry Mavima has implored small-scale miners from the province to desist from engaging in violence.
Miners in the province are constantly involved in machete fights as turf wars over shafts continue to rise in the mining towns like Zvishavane, Shurugwi, Zhombe and Kwekwe.
Speaking during the launch of a mechanisation programme initiated by the Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) and Pablo’s Investments, Minister Mavima said the increase in turf wars was worrisome.
“I want to encourage small-scale miners to shun greed and violent behaviour, as such kind of behaviour is stifling production. Robberies, thuggery life, machete attacks any form of violence has no place in the mining sector. The increase of violence is worrisome and we are working hard to put a stop to such behaviour,” he said.
He said miners should stick to their claims and not mine beyond their designated areas.State media
AS Highlanders’ woes both on the field of play and administratively seem to be far from over, long-time benefactor Retired Colonel Tshinga Dube has said the executive should be reminded that the club isn’t their personal business, but belongs to the people.
Dube noted that the poor results that have been posted by Bosso, which has seen the Bulawayo giants going for eight matches without a win, have opened fissures within its ranks.
“I have something to say against the executives. Sometimes they feel that by being in the executives of the Club then the club is theirs, which is not the case as it belongs to the people.
Now they have to go back to the people and tell them we have a problem and explain the problem. However, what I have realised is that they start by quarrelling among themselves though this happens in any society, be it a club or church or any organisation because if things are not properly done people will start quarrelling. They start witch-hunting and it is not necessary in soccer,” he said.
Dube however, said the team’s play was in contrast to the results it has been grinding.
“The problems which are besieging or facing Highlanders this season have left the team shivering because they are in the relegation zone. I have been going to watch their matches and I get very impressed by the way they play. You find that they play superb soccer but the only problem is that they don’t score, which is the most important thing in competitive soccer,” he said.State media
Controversial “snake pastor” Prophet Penuel Mnguni is at it again. Mnguni, of the End Times Disciples Ministries, continues to feed his congregation dog meat as a holy communion.
They drink a grape flavoured cold drink as sacramental wine. On May 15, Mnguni posted pictures of the event on his Facebook page, where his followers devoured the cooked dog meat during what he mentioned was a Sunday Holy communion service. Among the worshippers pictured, was a toddler carrying a bone.
In another image, a worshipper carries the head of a dead dog. Others depict a dead dog with its throat slit. There are also pictures of uncooked and cooked dog meat in a plastic container.
It is against the law to sell dog meat for human consumption. Contravention of the Animals Protection Act. NSPCA public relations officer Meg Wilson said they were aware of the incident and understood the public’s outrage.
“This is not the only case where an animal is slaughtered for religious or cultural purposes — in fact, farm animals are regularly slaughtered in the name of religion and culture.
The question to ask in any sacrificial ceremony is did the animal suffer? If any animal suffers before or during slaughter — it is unacceptable and a contravention of the Animals Protection Act. All animals matter to the NSPCA.
“The NSPCA is only able to work within the parameters of the law — if there is any evidence that the dog was slaughtered inhumanely, or suffered in any way, be it before or during the slaughter, witnesses need to come forward with this in order for appropriate action to be taken,” said Wilson.
In 2016, Mnguni made headlines after images of him driving over his congregants were posted on social media. He is also known for feeding his congregants snakes, hair and cockroaches. – Source: News24
Zimbabweans face an extremely cold winter as weather experts are predicting freezing point temperatures in some places in the country.
According to the Meteorological Services Department of Zimbabwe (MSD), a cold front has started sweeping across the country, triggering low temperatures.
MSD meteorologist Mr James Ngoma said temperatures were, beginning this week, expected to drop further. “As we get towards the end of May, it is cool in the morning, though locally cold, with minimum temperatures ranging between 5°C and 12°C,” he said.
“The areas which have so far recorded the lowest temperatures are Nyanga, Marondera, Chivhu, Henderson and Gweru, while Matobo had moderate ground frost a fortnight ago.
“June is when we normally have lower temperatures with minimums of between 0°C and 5°C and ground frost being more pronounced in the most prone areas such as Nyanga, Marondera, Chivhu, Henderson, Gweru and Matobo.”State media
Excepts of Chief Ndiweni speech at the ongoing MDC National Congress in Gweru.
“I came to see you and see what you are doing and to learn from what you are doing…As the first Chief to come before you. I come before you because that is my job.
My job is to live with my people My job is to listen to the people. If the people are hungry, i must stand up and do something about it. If they cant pay fees i must stand up and do something about it. If they don’t have buses, I must stand up and do something about it. If they don’t have petrol and diesel, i must stand up and do it. If they go to Pick n Pay and can’t do the shopping, i must stand up and do something about it.”
A Bindura nyau leader has appeared in court for allegedly murdering a fellow ‘gule wankulu’ member after accusing him of unmasking himself before onlookers, in violation of their culture.
Tichaona Jacob (41) appeared before Justice Erica Ndewere at the High Court for the 2014 incident in which he is said to have murdered Orphan Kenan after wrongly identifying him as Brighton Kamwiyo, another nyau dancer who had unmasked himself. Jacob is being charged with murder as defined in Section 47 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, but denies the allegations.
However, the State argues that he committed the crime with a colleague, Gift Chapupuka, who is still at large. This incident took place in Chanaka, Bindura, near Mount View farm compound.
Appearing for the State, Mr Douglas Chesa told the court that on 24 February 2014, the late Kenan was coming from a beer drink in the company of Tawanda Kavhumbura, who is also one of the witnesses in this case.
“Jacob and Chapupuka came running, one of them was wielding an iron bar and struck the deceased, Orphan, at the back of the head,” claimed Mr Chesa.
“Orphan Kenan died on the spot after the attack. “When they realised that Tawanda Kavhumbura had identified them, the two accused threatened him with death if he disclosed their identity to anyone. “The duo then forced Kavhumbura to carry the deceased to Bindura-Mt Darwin road, where they dumped it so that it would appear as if it had been run over in a road traffic accident.”
The court heard that the offence only came to light after Kavhumbura experienced a series of nightmares in which the deceased would order him to disclose his killers. He subsequently made a report to the police, leading to the arrest of the accused.State media
The country’s two largest mobile network operators — Econet and NetOne — have signed an infrastructure sharing pact that will widen network coverage, particularly in rural areas.
Millions of Zimbabweans who subscribe to the two networks are expected to benefit from the development through enhanced services and efficiency.
It is also anticipated that the agreement will lead to reduced operational costs.
In the statement to The Sunday Mail yesterday, NetOne chief executive officer Mr Lazarus Muchenje said infrastructure sharing dovetails with President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030, which seeks to propel the country’s economy towards an upper middle income status in the next eleven years.
“This agreement allows NetOne and Econet to optimise the utilisation of scarce foreign currency as it eliminates the duplication of infrastructure,” he stated.
“This is a watershed agreement which supports Vision 2030, which is to create a middle-income status economy, through improved accessibility of ICTs across the country.”
Econet chief executive Mr Douglas Mboweni said the agreement was “a giant step” that was long overdue.State media
Excepts of Chief Ndiweni speech at the MDC National Congress in Gweru.
“Democracy is the main thing that we should be looking at. I know this team (MDC) will sort it out. Currently we have a Constitutional president but here right here we have the popular President.”
THE body of liberation war stalwart and former Home Affairs Minister Dr Dumiso Dabengwa, will arrive this afternoon at the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport, in Bulawayo.
Dr Dabengwa, 79, died on Thursday in Nairobi, Kenya on his way back home from India where he had gone for medical treatment. The Zipra intelligence supremo succumbed to a liver ailment.
Family spokesman Mr Freeman Dr Dabengwa, who is the Zapu leader’s last born son, said the body was expected at around midday. It will be accompanied by Dr Dabengwa’s wife, Zodwa.
The family has provisionally planned to bury Dr Dabengwa this Saturday at his rural home in Ntabazinduna – about 40km outside Bulawayo. “Nyaradzo (funeral parlour) buses will ferry mourners from the Large City Hall to the airport at 10.30am tomorrow (today),” said Mr Dabengwa.
“We are grateful for the assistance received from the Government through provision of food for the scores of mourners.”
Zanu-PF Secretary for Administration Cde Obert Mpofu said the party’s decision on Dr Dabengwa’s hero’s status will be announced soon. “We will make pronouncements and then the nation will know,” he said.
The Minister of State for Bulawayo Provincial Affairs Cde Judith Ncube said Dr Dabengwa deserved to be honoured in recognition of the pivotal role he played towards the liberation of Zimbabwe from the colonial yoke.
“A leader is gone; a commander is no more. We hope that he gets the respect and honour he deserves. I encourage the Bulawayo community to welcome Dr Dabengwa’s body back home today,” she said.State media
Information : Stephen ‘Sarkozy’ Chuma (Harare)
Deputy : Womberai Nhende( Mat South)
One of the contestants councillor Denford Madhuku Ngadziore said: “… Youth elections were free and fair…” on the other hand, former youth Secretary General Lovemore Chinoputsa accepted the outcome of election and vowed to support the newly elected youth leadership.
By Own Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) on Saturday announced a Stage 2 load shedding schedule.
Stage 2 load shedding entails that areas will experience longer periods of power cuts than the original timetable that was published over two weeks ago.
The move was necessitated by a technical fault which developed at the country’s biggest power producer, the coal-fired Hwange Thermal Power Station.
In a statement on microblogging site Twitter, ZEDTC said:
Kindly note that generation at Hwange is depressed due to a technical fault. Load shedding is now on Stage 2. Load shedding may be above [for longer periods than] the publicized schedules. We apologize for any inconveniences caused.
Currently, Zimbabweans are experiencing 8 hours of load shedding. Authorities have claimed that the debilitating power cuts resulted from low power generation at Kariba hydropower plant due to low water levels caused by an unusual drought.
The country’s power utility has also failed to pay for power imports already consumed from neighbouring South Africa and Mozambique.
Zimbabwe owe the two countries over US$80 million for power imports.
Zambia has also been affected by low generation capacity at Kariba Power Station.
Zimbabwe and Zambia, through the Zambezi Water Authority, ZESA and ZESCO are set to negotiate with Mozambique’s power utility to be availed with up to 500 megawatts of electricity for free.
The proposed deal has been necessitated by Mozambique’s need to reduce water inflows from Lake Kariba into Lake Cahorra Bassa, which is close to overflowing due to Cyclone Idai rainfall.-FinancialGazette
By Own Correspondent- Addressing MDC delegates at the ongoing MDC National Congress Saturday in Gweru, Chief Ndiweni implored citizens to understand the role of traditional leaders.
He said:
What is a leader… they must be clean… they must not be involved in corruption. The people have a misunderstanding of a chief. They believe that the chief is only there to hide himself in the corner, someone who does not speak.
My job title in the Constitution is to maintain and protect tradition and the norms of your people. That means Chief Ndiweni, when there is a child in your area, you must be concerned, when there is a funeral, you must be concerned, when the clinic in your area is not working, you should be concerned, when the roads are not working properly, you must be concerned. A traditional leader must speak about everything at anytime whatsoever, there is no subject that a traditional leader cannot speak about.”
By Own Correspondent- Addressing delegates at the ongoing MDC National Congress in Gweru, party President Nelson Chamisa said his party will push for an early election and will not wait for the expiry of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s tenure of office in 2023.
Chamisa accused Mnangagwa of rigging the elections adding that failure for Mnangagwa to accept election defeat was the reason why the country was in its current economic mess.
Said Chamisa, at an event graced by Uganda’s youthful opposition leader Bobi Wine:
“It is not about power sharing….I am ready to stay at home as long as the country is being run well. Mnangagwa has failed to unite the people and I have to do it. We do not want political dialogue to share power but a vision.
We will resolve the issues in this country. We will have an election not as expected in 2023 but earlier. But if they are not willing, we will force them.”
By Own Correspondent- Opposition leader of Ideal Zimbabwe Party, Tinashe Jonas who is on record wanting to effect an arrest on President Emmerson Mnangagwa says that he was tortured whilst he was under arrest.
A South African publication reported that Jonas was seized at Cresta Jameson Hotel in Harare in March and thereafter spent a month in prison where he passed through “hell”.
Jonas said he was given electric shocks on 4 to 5 parts of his body. He said:
I have gone through all the suffering of this world!
I don’t know whether I’m still a man as I was also injected with something.
He further claimed that he was denied medication for an ulcer ailment while he was caged. He collapsed twice due to lack of medication.
After his release from the cells on bail last month, he crossed the Limpopo River into South Africa on foot, with Central Intelligence Agents hot on his trail.
Jonas disclosed that he was to report to court twice a week but he would not return to Zimbabwe until the country was free.-DailySun
Day 4: Without Freedom, A weekend at Chikurubi Remand
Ndatora mucheka ndikasunga dumbu…meaning i took a cloth and tied it around my stomach
The lawyers are working on her bail application to the High Court. Its crucial to understand her own narrative. She has never ever been to Serbia!!
Fari was visited by family and friends today, was in good spirit. Keeping the strength and courage. Your messages, your prayers lifted her spirit. Just knowing the world cares lifted her up. We are not forgetting the indignities she experienced
The pain is deep for me. I cannot read some of news headlines. This is not my daughter they are referring to. She should NOT and can never be defined as subversive activist…honestly!
She is innocent, she is innocent, the TRUTH will set her free.
Light a candle in prayer for Fari and for girls in your own life.
Hug your own child tonight, for the unknown could be around the corner!!
Thank you, thank you, thank you for standing with Farirai!
Farirai Gumbonzvanda is a volunteer at Rozaria Memorial Trust since 2012. She is a vibrant young woman whose only true aspiration is empowerment of girls and women’s rights through education and health. #freedomforfarirai#FreeFariraipic.twitter.com/RbYoqX3tyX
— Rozaria Memorial Trust (@RozariaConnects) May 23, 2019
Farirai Gumbonzvanda is not a threat to any government. She is just a vibrant young woman advocating for the right of a girl child. Farirai is a women’s rights advocate. Release Farirai Now. An injustice to one is an injustice to all.#Freedom4Farirai#FreeFariraiGumbonzvandapic.twitter.com/MPB4ude5Np
— Linda Tsungirirai Masarira (@lilomatic) May 24, 2019
Farirai Gumbonzvanda of Rosaria Trust was arrested for attending a workshop. This girl loves her country. Stop turning the hearts of those who love their country Since when does attending a workshop become a crime. #justiceforfariraipic.twitter.com/RB9RjJqbdM
Earlier this week 5 Zimbabwean activists were arrested & accused of plotting to overthrow the Govt. Gamuchirai Mukura, Nyasha Mpahlo George Makoni, Farirai Gumbonzvanda & Tatenda Mombeyarara have been remanded till 6th June, a bail application has been filed today.
My heart is bleeding. Spent the afternoon with Our Farirai at Chikurubi today.
I died inside seeing her in the green prison uniform garb. Have prison the… https://t.co/TAAKJwARAx
— Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda (@vanyaradzayi) May 25, 2019
Just been hit by sickening news that dear friend & women & girls' activist @FariraiG has been in Zimbabwe's max security prison for 4 nights & counting. Attending a workshop is not a crime. Defending human rights is not a crime. Sending love to @vanyaradzayi ❤ #FreedomForFariraipic.twitter.com/eGLQoPJxsE
@Farirai is a vocalist and passionate about gender issues especially oppressed women. She is not capable of hurting a soul and if she has the power to overthrow the government that oppress women than we are behind her. We say no to any gov’t that oppress women.#FreedomForFariraipic.twitter.com/h1n8qACzS3
— nyakongmariam ?? ?? (@nyakongmariam) May 24, 2019
I know @vanyaradzayi as a great leader. As i grew up in Murewa she was a house hold name due to her community voluntary works.
— Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda (@vanyaradzayi) May 24, 2019
I continue to stand with @vanyaradzayi Farirai and others must be released. DEVELOPMENT WORK is not a crime. NON-VIOLENT ACTION resulted in the end to apartheid is South Africa, fired up the fcivilight for womens rights worldwide & rights movement in America ITS NOT A CRIME! https://t.co/OpijKABPjc
— Temitopwe Samantha Chiwara Sanangurai ?????? (@tendosana) May 23, 2019
Own Correspondent|Deputy Minister of Information and Zanu PF MP Energy Mutodi claims the ongoing MDC congress is of no significance.
Mutodi who appears terrified by the opposition party’s congress has been shooting down the congress for a long time before it even kicked off.
Wrote Mutodi on Facebook:
“MDC-A CONGRESS: it’s surprising & heartbreaking to note that some Zimbabweans are seeing hope where there is no hope, a future where there is no future & a light where there is darkness. For Nelson, it’s time to busk in the glory of false beliefs and deceiving comfort.”
…and I know your team here will be looking at that. I know they will be focusing at that I know they're trying to sort it out currently in our country we have a constitutional president but here right here we have the popular president – Chief Ndiweni pic.twitter.com/lOjPNUbf1P
Neetu Shuttern Wala cries as he leaves the polling station.
An independent candidate from Punjab who contested the Lok Sabha elections was in tears after claiming he he had received just five votes despite having nine voters in his family. Neetu Shuttern Wala, who contested from Jalandhar constituency, admitted on air that even his family members had betrayed him.
Wala, in an interview to Punjabi daily Jag Bani, broke down before the camera while expressing his disappointment with his family. He also alleged that EVMs had been tampered with ahead of results.
The interview clip went viral, with some calling it the “biggest election story” of the day.In the interview, the anchor asked if he had received just five votes, to which Wala replied “Sir there are 9 votes from my family but I have only received 5.”
Own Correspondent|Opposition MDC has elected 27 year old Tererai Obey Sithole as its new Youth Wing Chairman in comparison to ruling ZANU PF’s chairman Pupurai Togarepi who is 55 years old.
Pupurai Togarepi
The election of Sithole clearly difference between the two main political parties in the country.
Analysts have indicated that the result shows that while one party is investing in the future by giving the young a chance, the other is rooted in the past and blocking the young.
President Peter Mutharika will be sworn in likely tonight for the second term after the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) declares him winner of the presidential election this evening.
Preparations for the swearing in ceremony are underway at Blantyre Civic Centre offices being led by Blantyre City Council Chief Executive Officer Alfred Chanza.
A trip to the civic offices found high presence of both police and Malawi Army officers together with officials from Public Events.
Red carpets are being rolled and flowers and some DPP balloons, flags together with the national flags are being raised.
The place has been cordoned off to civilians.
“We have an important function this evening and noone is allowed inside,” said a guard at the gate when we wanted to get inside to appreciate what was going on.
Inside sources said soon after MEC declares Mutharika win of the irregularities infested elections, the President will drive to Civic Centre for the ceremony.
“The Chief Justice and others have been told not to leave Blantyre and should be available at Civic Centre to swear in the President, ” said sources.
Africa made history on the 25th of May 1963 by establishing the Organisation of African Union (OAU), which was later, in 2002, renamed the African Union. The coming together of African countries was historic in many ways as it provided a continental platform to achieve greater unity, cohesion and solidarity between the African countries and African nations, defend the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of its Member States and accelerate the political and social-economic integration of the continent. Thus, as we commemorate Africa Day we are indeed celebrating African unity.
NANGO recognizes the numerous instruments that have been developed by the continent in a bid to address economic, political, social, trade and governance issues. Of note are the Agenda 2063, Agenda 2030, Comprehensive African Agricultural Development Programme (CAADP), Programme for Infrastructural Development in Africa (PIDA), African Mining Vision (AMV), Science Technology Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA), Boosting Intra African Trade (BIAT), Accelerated Industrial Development for Africa (AIDA) amongst other agreements and action plans. These are critical in addressing extreme poverty, inequalities, disease and conflict in the continent. We therefore, wish to echo the voices of the marginalised and disenfranchised communities across Africa on the need to work together towards the Africa We Want. Africa that has improvement in the standards of living, inclusive and sustained economies; increased levels of regional and continental integration; a population of empowered women and youth and a society in which children are cared for and protected; societies that are peaceful, demonstrate good democratic values and practice good governance principles and which preserve and enhance Africa’s cultural identity. On behalf of civil society, NANGO encourages effective implementation of these policies and alignment to regional legal frameworks that are aimed at attaining sustainable development in Africa.
We note that Africa continues to experience extreme poverty, high inequalities, human rights abuses, rapid urbanisation, food insecurity, violent conflict, health threats, increased vulnerability to natural disasters, high corruption, poor policy implementation, political fragmentation, gender inequality, acute illicit financial outflows, huge debt overhang and many other economic, social, environmental and governance ills. As we celebrate Africa Day, we also take cognizant of these challenges that ravage our societies resulting in socially, economically, politically and environmentally dysfunctional societies. The unity that was demonstrated by our founding fathers, which set the foundation of the AU and inclusivity are still as important today as they were back then. We encourage our governments to accelerate implementation of the continental instruments, which are critical in transforming our continent into the Africa We Want.
Africa is heavily endowed and blessed with key natural and human resources that are key in contributing towards inclusive and sustainable development where all segments of society realize their social, economic, political rights in a progressive manner. We continue to call for more inclusive democratic processes that ensure that ‘No One is Left Behind’ by including women, youths, children, persons with disabilities, indigenes, elderly, amongst other disenfranchised groups.
As civil society organisations we are concerned about heavy police and military presence, stifling legal frameworks targeting civic organisations, politicization of public offices, media polarization as well as lack of trust between governments and civ society organisations. These factors contribute significantly to shrinkage of civic space across Africa. The continent should ensure that there is a conducive civil society operating environment and strengthened synergies between government and civil society as the two stakeholders are key in driving development in Africa.
Africa is our home and no other do we have so let us superintend it well for the current and future generations.
NANGO is the officially recognised coordinating body of NGOs operating in Zimbabwe. It is a non-partisan, non-profit making organisation and non-denominational coordinating body of NGOs in Zimbabwe. It is mandated by its membership to coordinate the activities of NGOs, represent the NGO sector and strengthen the voice of NGOs in Zimbabwe.
EFF leader Julius Malema has warned Cyril Ramaphosa that he and his Cabinet should respect the Constitution and that no one is above the law.
Malema was speaking at the sidelines of the President-elect Cyril Ramaphosa’s inauguration at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria.
In what could be described as a message for Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan who on Friday was found by the public protector to have violated the Constitution when he approved the early retirement of former acting SARS commissioner Ivan Pillay.
Gordhan said he would challenge the public protector’s finding.
The EFF has been calling for Gordhan to be held accountable for his involvement in awarding the early retirement. It has also accused him of acting as if he is above the law.
Malema said on Saturday that Ramaphosa should respect the Constitution and especially Chapter Nine institutions.
“The president and his Cabinet should respect the constitution, should respect Chapter 9 institutions. They will not have enemies. Anyone that exists outside the Constitution, outside the Constitution, outside Chapter 9 institutions, that person thinks he’s above the law and we will bring you down,” Malema said.
He warned that the EFF would not allow “dishonourable” individuals to remain as MPs.
“Respect the laws of South Africa, respect the courts of SA, respect Parliament then the EFF will respect you. We don’t care who’s the president, all we care about is are you honourable enough to sit with us in Parliament as honourable members. Once you’re dishonourable like Pravin, you can’t sit in that parliament because the EFF will not allow constitutional delinquents to sit in Parliament,” said Malema.
Chief Nhlanhla Ndiweni arrives at the MDC congress.
Ntabazinduna Chief Nhlanhlayamangwe Ndiweni has blasted Supreme Court judge Justice Chief Malaba’s ruling on the 2018 election results appeal by the MDC leader Nelson Chamisa.
The firebrand traditional leader, who recently torched a storm when he declared that the West must exert more sanctions on Zimbabwe after government evicted a white commercial farmer from his area.
Addressing the on going MDC congress in Gweru, Ndiweni castigated Supreme Court judge Justice Malaba for his ruling against Chamisa claiming that his headmen pass better judgement
Ndiweni called for “proper dialogue” and declared Chief Justice Luke Malaba’s judgment after last year’s electoral petition by Chamisa challenging the results of last year’s elections as a charade.
“Our country is going through a terrible, terrible time. Everything that can go wrong has gone wrong.
“We have a serious problem in our country. We have a problem of failure of democracy and when democracy fails everything fails,” said Chief Ndiweni.
In a thinly veiled attack on President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s legitimacy, Chief Ndiweni added: “Currently in our country we have a constitutional President and a popular president right here (in Gweru). We have not started yet. Things will get much worse.”
Chief Ndiweni called for dialogue and an honest arbitrator in an analogy about a boxing match in which a referee is required.
“This country needs a third person. We can’t have one boxer who wants to be both a player and referees. We need an arbitrator who is honest, someone who can judge fairly and give proper timelines.
“Any dialogue without these prerequisites is a waste of your time and my time. I know people will say Chief Justice Malaba made a ruling but my Headmen in Ntabazinduna every week give better judgments than that one,” said the traditional leader to rapturous applause.
“Our judiciary has failed this country. We are in this mess because our judiciary has let us down profoundly.”
Chief Ndiweni said the legitimacy issues around Mnangagwa’s leadership have resulted in investor confidence failing.
This he added will continue unless there is a genuine willingness to resolve the country’s political problems.
The traditional leader has also been in the news recently after demanding a more open and practical way of resolving the Gukurahundi issue.
By Own Correspondent- Latest LIVE flight details reveal Emmerson Mnangagwa’s deputy Constantino Chiwenga flew away from his medicals’ destination in India and has landed in Dubai.
As ZimEye tracks Chiwenga, the general who removed former President Robert Mugabe is believed to be now in Dubai.
Previous flight route details suggest that Dubai is stop over for Harare, since it is the same route Chiwenga took while traveling to New Delhi for a medical “review”.
While it was not clear at the time of writing who is funding Chiwenga’s medicals, indications suggested it is the government purse.
The development comes after several weeks of absence from public appearances. ZimEye last week exclusively revealed that the former army general, was not well and was obtaining medical attention within the confines of his home.
The development followed investigations showing how a number of ambulances took several routine trips to Chiwenga’s residence.
Zimbabwe’s Vice President was also conspicously absent from government business with legislators raising the issue during parliament sittings.
During the launch of the political parties National Dialogue last week Friday, President Emmerson Mnangagwa acknowledged Chiwenga in absentia but did not disclose his whereabouts.
Soon afterwards, Chiwenga left for India aboard a chartered flight according to the spokesman for the presidency, George Charamba.
And I follow the law to the letter , to the teeth what I'm doing here before you is engaging in current affairs fact finding, for when you come to my jurisdiction when you come to my jurisdiction you will find all political parties there … pic.twitter.com/Kkigo5M5QV
By Own Correspondent- Maverick opposition leader of Ideal Zimbabwe Party, Tinashe Jonas, says that he was tortured whilst he was under arrest.
According to South African publication, Jonas was seized at Cresta Jameson Hotel in Harare in March and thereafter spent a month in prison where he passed through “hell”.
Jonas told the South African publication that he was given electric shocks on 4 to 5 parts of his body.
He said:
I have gone through all the suffering of this world!
I don’t know whether I’m still a man as I was also injected with something.
He further claimed that he was denied medication for an ulcer ailment while he was caged. He collapsed twice due to lack of medication.”
After his release from the cells on bail last month, he crossed the Limpopo River into South Africa on foot, with Central Intelligence Agents hot on his trail.
Jonas disclosed that he was to report to court twice a week but he would not return to Zimbabwe until the country was free.-DailySun
Farai Dziva|Norton MP Temba Mliswa was humiliated at the MDC A Congress in Gweru as he attempted to persuade party leader Nelson Chamisa to resolve political differences with Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Mliswa was booed as he tried to explain the need for dialogue between the two political rivals.
“I respect your views but the truth of the matter is that dialogue is the only solution to the current crisis.
I also acknowledge the fact that Nelson Chamisa has his concerns but I hope one day the two will sit down and map the way forward,” said Mliswa as his voice was eventually drowned by the noise from thousands of MDC A members.
By Own Correspondent- President Emmerson Mnangagwa said that Africa Day is a day for Africans to celebrate the values of brotherhood and sisterhood in unity.
A short statement on his official Twitter handle read:
This Africa Day, let us celebrate the values of brotherhood, sisterhood and unity across our great continent. Each and every nation struggled for their freedom and sovereignty. Now we must work together to build a brighter future of progress and prosperity for all.
Africa Day is the annual commemoration of the foundation of the Organisation of African Unity on 25 May 1963. It is celebrated in various countries on the African continent, as well as around the world.
By Own Correspondent- Cristiano Ronaldo is due to be served a summons to face rape claims after lawyers for his accuser finally tracked down his address in Italy, according to reports.
The Juventus striker vehemently denies claims he attacked ex-model Kathryn Mayorga at a Las Vegas hotel ten years ago.
Attorneys representing former teacher Ms Mayorga are apparently expected to send the court summons document in the coming weeks once it is translated. A spokesperson for Ronaldo declined to comment last night – but insisted that claims he would be issued with a summons were “entirely false.”
It comes after a US judge last month allowed more time to track down the Portugal national captain’s address – a necessary step in beginning court proceedings. Ms Mayorga met Ronaldo – then a 24-year-old Manchester United ace – at a nightclub in Las Vegas in 2009.
Footage showed them dancing in the VIP area of Rain nightclub – inside the glamorous Palms Casino Resort – where then 25-year-old Ms Mayorga worked. She claims the £100million star then raped her in his luxury suite before paying her £295,000 in “hush money” – which she accepted because she “felt intimidated.”
But police reopened their investigation last year after she came forward with the identity of her alleged attacker. Ronaldo emphatically denies the explosive claims.
At the time they emerged, the footballer Tweeted: “I firmly deny the accusations being issued against me. “Rape is an abominable crime that goes against everything that I am and believe in.
“Keen as I may be to clear my name, I refuse to feed the media spectacle created by people seeking to promote themselves at my expense.” He followed that tweet with a further message saying he had a completely “clear conscience.”
It is now official that President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika has won the presidential election.
The final presidential tally shows that Mutharika has 1,940,709 votes while Malawi Congress Party presidential candidate Lazarus Chakwera 1,817,740 and Saulos Chilima of UTM 1,028,187 and Atupele Muluzi of United Democratic Front 239,258.
Malawi Electoral Commission is expected to officially announce the results on Sunday or Monday.
The inauguration ceremony will follow soon after the swearing in ceremony.
Mutharika will then be inaugurated in Blantyre.
Malawians have voted for Mutharika for his visionary leadership. Malawians want the Democratic Progressive Party to continue with development projects under way.
Malawians have voted for Mutharika because he is also a father who cares for every Malawian, he does not believe in politics of vengeance.
