Misheck Velaphi Ncube was buried at Heroes Acre in Harare on 9 May 2019, a well-deserved recognition from the ruling party and the state for his contribution to the liberation and independence of Zimbabwe.

As happens in such events, some important things were said but a lot could either not be fitted in the official narrative or were simply unknown to those who had the last word in shaping the official farewell.

To a large extent this is the reason why some friends and colleagues of Velaphi asked the authors to complete the picture and to correct a few mistakes.

Obituaries usually mean the last story on the life of the person who has been laid to rest. In other words they ought to capture the main events in the person’s life such that those who come across them get as complete a picture as possible of what the person did and the circumstances or environment in which they made their mark. 

In this case as in many others a key factor in the choice of hero and narrative is affected by whether one was in ZANU or in ZAPU during the struggle for independence before or in the prosecution of the armed struggle. The trend has been that those who were in the ZAPU side of the liberation movement get their due recognition if they are acceptable to the ruling ZANU party.

That goes with a selective story that fits into the myth of unity between ZAPU and ZANU through the 1987 “Unity Accord” in which Dr. Joshua Nkomo was coerced into an unequal incorporation in the current ruling party in order to stop the killing of party members and innocent civilians in Matebeleland and the Ndebele-speaking parts of the Midlands in the genocidal “Gukurahundi” military campaign.

In these circumstances key events in the lives of heroes from the ZAPU side of history are not put in their context, if they are known at all by those who shape the official narrative. For instance when Velaphi passed away there was a comic and unseemly confusion on whether he merited a hero status because some who make these decisions in the ruling party were from the ZANU side of history and did not “know” him.

The National Democratic Party (NDP) marked a watershed

The life of Misheck Velaphi Ncube in the independence struggle mirrors the main events in the nationalist movement. Many people we spoke to were themselves first-hand activists and organizers in the twilight of the African National Congress (ANC) of Zimbabwe as it was banned in 1959 and quickly replaced successively by the National Democratic Party (NDP) and then the Zimbabwe African People’s Union (ZAPU).

What is significant is that the banning of the NDP in 1960 and of ZAPU in 1961 marked an intensification of political agitation and rapid radicalization of the nationalist movement in which Velaphi and younger colleagues bore the brunt of repression by the white minority racist state machinery.

Sustaining and nourishing the resistance through mobilization

 It is easy to take for granted that movements managed to regroup after unrelenting attacks by the Rhodesian police state, complete with a draconian legal system.  This is because the use of banning orders and targeted restriction and detention without trial happened so often but failed to dampen the fire of the political resistance. The capacity of the movement to go underground and resurface at opportune moments is therefore one of its greatest achievements.

The key to this success was mobilization and confidence that victory would be attained. One of the most influential structures during the NDP was the Bulawayo one. It produced many familiar names that shaped the transition from mass agitation to tighter units better prepared for direct action against state institutions. These NDP main and youth branches, five in all, were key to operations which the likes of Velaphi organised and carried out. Enumerated separately but not necessarily ranked they were: first the BAT branch  (Bulawayo African Townships) Mzilikazi, Babourfields and Nguboyenja; among the many prominent names in this robust structure were Abednico Tshongwe, Velaphi himself, Samuel Ndebele, Sipho Ndebele, Naison Khutshwekhaya Ndlovu, C. C. Ngcebetsha, James Chitagwe, Akim Ndlovu (erroneously referred to as Ngwenya in the official tribute), Ethan Dube, Artwell Bokwe, Clark Mpofu, Joshua Mahlathini Mpofu, Phil Mabhena, and Joburg Zwelibanzi Mzilethi among many others. Second there was Mpopoma, which boasted the likes of Dumiso Dabengwa, Philani Ndebele, Christopher Mkhwananzi, Rodgers Ngugama, Charles Mazibisa, Cleopas Mazibisa, Benson G. Maphosa and Abel Siwela. Thirdly there was Njube, which had the likes of Kenneth Fanyana Ndlovu, Norman Mabhena, Mordecai Mlotshwa, Abenezier Nxumalo and Tirivangani Mhongo.

Fourthly there was the “Impi” Branch (grouping the townships of Iminyela, Mabuthweni and Pelandaba).This had the likes of Booysen Mguni, Stephen “Jeqe” Nkomo, Albert Nxele, Amos Todd Msongelwa, Daud Mabusa, Zephania Sihwa, Abeniar A.Boshi, Mzingeli, John Roberts Mzimela and many others who became influential in the whole city under ZAPU. Fifth, there was the Central Branch which boasted the likes of Bernard Mutumwa, Jason Ziyapapa Moyo and Lazarus Mavava Nkala.

This snippet of political activists that includes later national luminaries is the network in which Velaphi worked and got support at critical turns of the struggle. When the NDP was banned in 1961 and succeeded by ZAPU before the latter was in turn banned in 1962, the big cluster branches were broken up into smaller ones built around individual townships but with a strong Bulawayo District coordinating executive. This tighter organization coincided with the beginning of sabotage training and attacks on the colonial state institutions, where Velaphi was among the earliest trainees and operators.

Imprisonment, torture and humiliation fail to stop direct action

The white racist state of Rhodesia covered its reliance on force by using the figment of legality. The notorious Law and Order Maintenance Act (LOMA) allowed the proscription of meetings and gatherings, while the use of the “state of emergency” facilitated detention without trial. Incidentally this repressive law was kept unchanged for a decade after independence and replaced with an identical one, the Public Order and Security Act (POSA) under which Velaphi and others were once more imprisoned.

As mentioned earlier, Velaphi was among the first ZAPU cadres to receive military training. He took part in clandestine military operations. Their brief was to lay the ground work for military operations including shipment of weapons for ZAPU cadres. It was one of these assignments which led to his arrest by the colonial regime.

He was arraigned before the courts and was convicted to ten years imprisonment. He served his sentence at Khami Prison where he met other unheralded struggle icons like Daud Mabusa who was serving a three year prison term, German Tshokwana, Tayami Ndlovu, Jomo Maphosa and others.

When Velaphi was imprisoned in Khami it was a time when convicted political prisoners (as opposed to detainees) were few. The harsh prison regime brought out the tough character and determination of Velaphi and his comrades. They had to deal with both hostile officers and hard core criminals who were left to bully and sexually abuse young inmates.

The criminal bullies wanted to extend their terror and sexual abuse to political prisoners as well. Daud Mabusa recounted a disturbing account of how one criminal attempted to sexually abuse him, leading to a ferocious fight between them that fuelled tension between criminal gangs and the ZAPU prisoners. In this escalating conflict Velaphi exhibited his formidable fighting spirit against victimization and moral decay.

The few political inmates organised themselves and fought this moral decay. What is disturbing is that when political prisoners fought against sexual abuse the prison warders stood on the side of the criminal elements. Mabusa recounts an incident in which a prison warder missed Velaphi by a bullet and killed a convicted criminal prisoner called Robert instead. The incident occurred at a dam construction site where conflict erupted. As if this was not enough, violence broke out between common prisoners and political prisoners which escalated into a full scale riot.

Prison warders failed to quell the riot by other methods and resorted to firearms and live bullets to put down that riot. Mabusa  said eight inmates were shot dead. After the riot had subsided only political prisoners, Misheck Velaphi Ncube, Daud Mabusa and others were arrested and slapped with charges of prison mutiny and treason. They were placed on remand and arraigned before the High Court Judge Justice Dandy Young. The trial went on for several months but Velaphi and his comrades were eventually acquitted of all charges, and they then went back to serve their original prison sentences.

Political activism of these great liberators was never cut out by the prison walls. The ZAPU political prisoners started to mobilise common law criminal prisoners into politicians. Velaphi became a branch chair for ZAPU within prison walls while Daud Mabusa became youth chair. This was primarily to stimulate political enthusiasm and also to prevent them from engaging in immoral activities.

The prison authorities must have been incensed  by this information and it probably motivated them to use disproportionate force to quell that riot which resulted in the deaths of those inmates. One of the convicted criminal murderers called Mkhwananzi became sympathetic to political prisoners and gave them tools to use as weapons to fend off an attack by common law criminal prisoners.

This stabilized the security of political prisoners because they proved capable of self-defence against physical attacks. Velaphi served his term and was released from prison, leaving a changed environment for future prisoners. This, however, did not lead to a peaceful life outside prison because the system would not leave him alone.

  Political detention and the struggle for educational self-improvement

After they completed their terms as convicted political prisoners, Velaphi and  Daud Mabusa were in and out of prison confinement as detainees. Some of the prisons in which they were incarcerated were Whawha and Marondera (formerly Marandellas). This time they were detained under the draconian Law and Order Maintenance Act (LOMA) which allowed detention without trial for long periods of politicians and activists. Velaphi was also detained at Connemara Prison.

While in detention he pursued studies and helped others who were also studying various courses, particularly commercial subjects such as accounts, commerce, and economics. It was common practice that those who had passed certain courses taught those who were pursuing the same courses. The courses ranged from primary school courses from Grades 1-7 and secondary school courses from Junior Certificate (Form 2)to the University of London General Certificate of Education(GCE)Ordinary and Advanced levels. Illiteracy was never entertained in detention  among ZAPU cadres. At secondary school (GCE Levels) apart from English Language, detainees studied subjects like Accounts, British Constitution, Commerce, Economics and other subjects.

It was emphasized that blacks should prepare to take over the country and it was necessary to have slight rudiments in those areas that are required for running the country. Velaphi played his part in these programs and helped many to upgrade their knowledge and skills. He met up with old friends and made new ones among the detainees. There were younger people like Sigangatsha, Luke Ncube, Ernest Malandu, and Vivian Siziba, as well as old hands like Sydney Malunga, Welshman Mabhena, Abel Siwela, Norman Mabhena, Johnson Mnkandla, Enos Mdlongwa, Mordecai Mlotshwa and others.

Velaphi and many other detainees were released after  the Lancaster House Agreement in 1979 which ushered in an interim government led by Lord Soames and also the ceasefire which brought to an end the war between on one hand the Rhodesian army and on the other hand ZIPRA and ZANLA forces. Sadly enough, when Velaphi thought he was now finally rid of prisons, he was arrested by ZANU PF Government under the same piece of legislation on spurious and false treason charges.

This harassment only ceased to be a continuous threat after the signing of the nefarious “Unity Accord” in which Velaphi and other politicians were incorporated into ZANU-PF when Joshua Nkomo was compelled to sign away ZAPU.

The ZANU “use and dump” approach to ZAPU politicians

At the top of this obituary it was mentioned that the ruling party initially dithered when the issue of Velaphi’s hero status was considered. That there were many who did not know his inestimable contribution to the struggle pales beside the neglect he went through in his personal life. His home is Mtshelanyemba was well below what should have been done for someone of his statue and sacrifice. He has left a modest homestead, to put it mildly. Similarly his urban dwelling in Lobengula West in Bulawayo was now building a durawall.

This is a far cry from what should be the circumstances of someone who has been fished into national lime-light and belatedly recognized in what one would be excused to see as a propaganda ploy to use dumped heroes for political propaganda. It is not the end of the story because there are many who remain at the “bus stop” where Joshua Nkomo left them under the “Unity Accord”.

May His Soul Rest in Peace!

And may his lasting contribution and tradition that made it possible never die.

Ernest Malandu

Vivian Siziba

Strike Mkandla

Iphithule Maphosa

By Own Correspondent- Poverty has forced 74-year-old Robson Mulombe, the country’s first black athlete to compete in the Olympics, to turn to fish poaching in the Kariba Dam to fend for his family.

Mulombe was part of the 1964 team that represented Southern Rhodesia at the 1964 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, where he competed in the marathon.

Fifty-five years later, Mulombe is now destitute in Binga district.

He told a local publication that he was now playing hide and seek with authorities to fend for his family.

“I am now surviving on fishing in the nearby Kariba Dam which is illegal because I don’t have a fishing permit to do that.

“If I get caught I will obviously be arrested because that is poaching, but I am starving, I need to survive and also look after my family,” said Mulombe.

“If maybe the Government can assist me with a fishing boat and permit then I would be grateful because then I will be fishing legally without any fear of being arrested. It’s a tough life, but there is nothing I can do”.

He said he sometimes goes for more than two days without food, especially when there is a heavy presence of rangers within the area.

“It’s not an easy life, but one which I must face. It’s going to be even worse this time around because of lack of rain,” said Mulombe.

Organisers of the Binga Marathon said they will approach the Binga Rural District Council (RDC) to request for a fishing permit for the legendary Olympian.-StateMedia

By Own Correspondent- An autopsy of the late Central Intelligence boss Peter Munetsi has revealed that he died as a result of multiple blunt force injuries during the military-led coup that ousted former president Robert Mugabe.

A summary of the autopsy examination report conducted by Dr Tsungai Victor Javangwe on November 21, 2017, at the state-run Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals is in contradiction with earlier assertions that he had died of illness.

Javangwe’s report suggests that Munetsi’s body had sustained multiple graze abrasions on several parts of his body, including on his hands, arms, legs, elbows, ears, forehead, knees and scalp. It further reads:

This is a 55-year-old man, initially reported as having fallen ill, but later reported to have been a possible victim of assault.

“At autopsy here shows mucosal pallor and multiple purple black contusions … Mucosal pallor is often found in individuals who are anaemic, of which bleeding is among the causes. Reflection of skin shows extensive haemorrhage into muscle and subcutaneous tissue, with blood collections seen in areas of the back, upper and lower limbs.”

By Own Correspondent- Commutershere have implored government to avail the public transporter, Zupco time table review.

Commuters have called on Zupco to adjust timetables to cater to all working commuters as well as also expand service in other areas.

Currently, the Zupco buses operate between 5 am and 7 pm which affects those that finish work late or have to attend evening lessons at various colleges and universities, commonly known as adult learning.

Commuters want Zupco buses to operate 24/7 to cater to those who work different shifts as the current Scenario assumes everyone works the tradition 8 am to 5 pm shifts.

When the cheap buses are off the road Kombi charges anything up to RTGS5 for a trip costing RTGS1 on Zupco which affects most of the commuters who can not afford.

Some end up jumping on to Open trucks as a cheaper option to the Kombis. On Monday govt announced the slashing of Zupco by 50% for both urban and rural travel whereby distances within 20km radius costs 50c RTGS, 20-30km now costs 75c, while 30-40km is now RTGS1.

This followed a decision to scrap support for fuel importers who were getting the USD at 1:1 with the RTGS and now have to source the Scarce currency from the interbank market.

Finance and Economic development secretary, George Guvamatanga said govt decided to cushion the travelling public against fuel price hikes.

Yesterday petrol was selling at RTGS4.97 and Diseal RTGS4.87 at prominent service stations which triggered a hike in prices by privately owned commuter omnibus, otherwise known as Kombis.

Please be adviced that the Zupco bus fares on operation restore sanity have been reduced by 50% from 21 May 201. This has been necessitated by the need to cushion the travelling public said Guvamatanga.-HMetro

By Own Correspondent- The ZIPP has officially distanced itself from President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s dialogue saying the official who has been claiming to represent their party is bogus.

Said the ZIPP in a statement:

ZIPP is officially not part and parcel of POLAD and Innocent Mupanganyama aka General Netanyahu does not represent ZIPP on POLAD.

On 16th of April 2019 Mupanganyama aka General Netanyahu was relieved of his official duties as party spokesperson. Like Linda Masarira he had lost the plot.

Mupanganyama is a renowned political prostitute who has moved from one political movement to another in a bid to fleece money and survive since he left National Railways sometime back. His failure to follow party principles on many issues and a lot of misrepresentations led to his being subsequently relieved of his duties as party spokesperson. 

He immediately went on to form *Straight Back Pride Partnership* a party he said represented the will of Zimbabweans. He castigated ZIPP on many platforms and tried to recruit prominent members of ZIPP without success.

After realizing that his SBPP project was not attractive enough he thought of joining the gravy train of Zanu PF’s POLAD. He could not join POLAD as SBPP because it did not partake in the last plebiscite. He went to the converners of POLAD and misrepresented himself as representing ZIPP..

The official position of ZIPP on dialogue is known. ZIPP is not part and parcel of POLAD. ZIPP went into the last elections as a single entity and was not in any alliance. It is therefore necessary for Zimbabweans to know that ZIPP has never been for this dialogue witch it feels its not sincere.

Mupanganyama is either representing his SBPP or his handler Zanu PF not ZIPP in POLAD. This must be fully known by all Zimbabweans worth their salt. It is a shame that Zanu PF can stoop so low and use money to try and hoodwink people into believing that ZIPP is part and parcel of POLAD.

In light of the above situation ZIPP has never changed its leadership. It is still being under the able leadership of Dr Blessing Kasiyamhuru and is on the ground mobilizing for 2023.  ZIPP is growing in strength each and every day and has a strong, vibrant, young and able leadership to guide it into the future. It is indeed the party of the future.

*Budiriro nenhaka*

*Dry bones will rise again*

*Chirere chigokurerawo*

SEKE MP Munyaradzi Tobias Kashambe (Zanu PF) yesterday caused a storm in Parliament after he suggested that residents who cannot afford to pay for tap water should relocate to rural areas where the resource is obtained free of charge.

The MP said this when Water Alliance leader Hardlife Mudzingwa appeared before the Justice Mayor Wadyajena-led Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Lands and Agriculture, where they advocated for revamp of the Water Act (Ahapter 20:24).

The civic society organisation (CSO) wants the Act, which is administered by the Lands ministry, to have a clause that ensures there are no arbitrary water cuts to poor citizens and pensioners who cannot afford services.

Kashambe then quipped: “Those that cannot afford water, be it because of economic or social factors must know that there are places in this country where those people can stay instead of staying in cities. They can stay in rural areas, where water is free, so that they do not inconvenience those that will be sent to disconnect the water.”

His statement attracted murmurs of disappointment from the CSOs present during the oral evidence.

Wadyajena also said water was a basic right for everyone enshrined in the Constitution.

Mudzingwa requested Parliament to summon the City of Harare and the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe to explain how water chemical tenders are awarded.

He said the tender was currently held by an expensive company which charges US$4 million per month to produce 600 megaliters of water per day, while another comparative company with modern technology offered US$2,5 million per month.

“Harare city is currently using nine to 12 chemicals to treat water because the city is built upstream of its water source and, therefore, all the pollution that happens find its way to Lake Chivero, which the International Lake Environment Committee said is heavily polluted,” Mudzingwa said.

“The current suppliers of chemicals to Harare require US$4 million per month to produce 600 megaliters per day and these are huge costs for the City of Harare for the chemicals required and Parliament should look at how these tenders are awarded.”

The Lands and Agriculture Committee said the Water Alliance must provide proof of payment of the $4 million monthly payments.

Water Alliance said the Water Bill also called for transparency and accountability on water loans signed to by government such as the $144 million water loan from China.

-Newsday

The West should focus on supporting President Mnangagwa’s structural reforms, rather than figure-hugging the hostile rhetoric of MDC-Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa, the International Policy Digest has said.

Since coming to power in November 2017, President Mnangagwa has embarked on a number of reforms to bring the country back into the international community, after years of isolation.

His efforts have not gone unnoticed. In a recent article, Martin Banks writing in the International Policy Digest, said progressive minds have recognised the new dispensation’s work to reform the country.

“In order to unleash this potential, the West should pay more attention to the actions of the (President) Mnangagwa administration rather than the hostile rhetoric of Chamisa,” reads Banks’ article.

“It should not squander this opportunity for change and potentially trigger a return to hard-line politics, but support (President) Mnangagwa as he tackles national unity, a challenging economy and natural disasters among many other issues.

“He deserves more time and goodwill to push through wide-ranging structural reforms, and a chance to prove Zimbabwe is genuinely embracing democratic values and principles.”

Banks said it was unfortunate that the West’s main source of information continued to come from the MDC, even after Mr Robert Mugabe was deposed.

“Sadly, the West listens to the wrong voice. Chamisa has employed the controversial populist tactics of African firebrands such as Julius Malema in South Africa and Kenya’s Raila Odinga. Meanwhile, (President) Mnangagwa is taking constructive action.”

To date, Cabinet has approved the Freedom of Information Bill, key legislation that will effectively repeal the existing Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA) once ratified by parliament.

The Government is also seeking to repeal he Public Order and Security Act (POSA), that was used by former president Mr Mugabe to deal with protests.

The law is set to be replaced by the Maintenance of Peace and Order (MOPA) Bill in a few weeks’ time.

The new administration is also in the process of compensating white commercial farmers who lost their land during the country’s land reform programme, a combative issue that curdled relations with the West.

-State Media

THE National Peace and Reconciliation Commission (NPRC) has set dates for setting up peace committees countrywide as part of efforts to enhance the resolution of the country’s conflicted past and healing process.

NPRC last month embarked on a nationwide outreach programme to share with the public mechanisms and approaches that will be used in handling national healing issues.

The 21-day outreach programme, which ended last week, included strategic priorities for 2019 such as public hearings for healing and reconciliation, mechanisms for early detection of conflicts, national dialogue facilitation, setting up of peace committees, evidence-based legislative and policy recommendations.

In an interview yesterday, NPRC spokesperson Mr Philemon Shereni said the commission will set up peace committees countrywide, starting with Harare on May 28.

“From Harare we’ll move to Mashonaland West on May 31 before we set up another peace committee in Mashonaland Central on June 4 and Mashonaland East on June 7.

“On June 11 we’ll be in Matabeleland North and we’ll move to Matabeleland South on June 14 and Bulawayo on June 18. Manicaland will have its peace committee set up on June 21, Masvingo on June 25 and Midlands on June 28,” said Mr Shereni.

He said once all the peace committees are in place, the NPRC will start hearings where people are expected to share their experiences on Gukurahundi and other political disturbances and their views on how the country can heal and move forward.

Mr Shereni encouraged the public to participate in the upcoming NPRC hearings and programmes.

The commission has met Government officials, traditional leaders, churches, arts and cultural organisations, civil society, business, academia, persons with disabilities, women and youth, among others.

President Mnangagwa signed the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission Bill into law in January, which operationalised the commission that was appointed in 2016.

The Act provided for the functions, powers, operations and removal from office of the members of the commission, manner of conducting investigations and staffing of the commission, among others.More in Home

The NPRC was established under Sections 251 to 253 of the Constitution to ensure post-conflict justice, healing and reconciliation, to develop programmes to promote national healing, unity and peaceful conflict resolution.

Section 252 of the Constitution states that the NPRC’s functions are to ensure post-conflict justice, healing and reconciliation.

The President pledged to ensure the capacitation of the Government with resources for exhumation and reburials for Gukurahundi victims, the documentation exercise of Gukurahundi victims without identity particulars, provide medical services to victims and hold public meetings.

-State Media

PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE

*Thursday, 16th May, 2019*

*This is an abridged version of Parliamentary proceedings with a bias towards matters specific to Norton and its Parliamentary representative. For the full hard copy version of Parliamentary proceedings visit the MP’s office.*

The National Assembly met at a Quarter-past Two o’clock p.m.

*HON. T. MLISWA*: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I think for the purposes of clarity, it is important for the Minister to tell us whether it is figures in RTGs or US$, because the Budget was in US$. He keeps saying that there has been some income generated which is more than what it is in US$ at the end of the day.

So it seems to confuse everyone. He needs to talk about the US$ which was the Budget approved by this Parliament in this House. I would like first of all to find out whether it is RTGs figures you are giving us or US$ figures or interbank figures again. Nobody knows.

The other issue is on the parastatals. Which company is going to do the valuation of those parastatals? What figures are you looking at in terms of disposing these parastatals because you want to raise a certain amount of money?

In raising a certain amount of money, what is the worth of each parastatal and the shareholding you want to dispose of and the due diligence that will be done. Who will do that, because we see a lot of agreements that Government has gone into. They do not seem to see the light of day. For some reason, each Minister who comes in wants a new agreement.

The NRZ deal that he spoke about, the Minister did not actually say what we thought he would say.

There are allegations that the company DIDG did everything necessary. I actually got information of all the documents which they say they had supplied to Government. They were actually shocked to hear the Minister in Parliament saying that they had not met the requirements which I will furnish with you as well. NRZ is going to be on track but Hwange….

*THE HON. SPEAKER*: Hon. Mliswa, go to the question please.

*HON. T. MLISWA*: The question is that the parastatal which supplies coal to Hwange is not functional. You have also sold to Billy Rautenbach and others the richest concession at the coal mine. It is no longer under Hwange. What is the point of having rail when Hwange which is controlled by the State is no longer supplying coal and as we speak, is in intensive care?

*FINANCE MINISTER NCUBE* Then there was a question by Hon Mliswa saying that I am confusing the audience in terms of US$ and RTGS$. I think he did miss my first presentation on the statement yesterday where I tried to clarify that.

The US$ apply prior to the Monetary Policy Statement and RTGS$ apply post the Monetary Policy Statement. What we have to do if you want to compare like with like is to convert the past GDPs back up to 2009 into RTGS$ as well, then we can compare like with like going forward.

On the issue of which company is valuing parastatals. There is a process. First of all, we had a Cabinet decision in April 2018 that would have decided on the roadmap for each parastatal – partial privatisation, liquidation, full privatisation or restructuring.

Then Inter – Ministerial Committee is then set up, that Inter – Ministerial Committee has a technical committee attached to it and then its job is really to give a broad macro roadmap and then move on to appointing a transaction advisor through an open bid process. Expression of interest is done and professional advisors bid and then one is selected. It is a full procurement process.

For each State owned enterprise transaction, there are different transaction advisors but also there are full processes for the appointment of each transaction advisor for each parastatal.

That is the first thing. Once a transaction advisor is appointed, they then run the process working with this Inter – Ministerial Technical Committee. They invite bids for equity participation if that is the target in the first place for whatever level of equity, they express interest and that will then be evaluated by the transaction advisor.

They then make their recommendation which is then considered by this technical committee working with SERA and a final bidder is then chosen. There is a whole sequence and I would be happy at some point to avail the documentation for this process. It is very carefully worked out.

The Hon. Member then referred specifically to Hwange saying that the company is not going to function and investment in rail will not serve any purpose. I do want to start giving strategic answers to that issue.

There are others who are more able than me on how that company is working – what strategy is and how that links to the national railways. I would not want to start pronouncing on it. All I said when I mentioned the company was in the light of the past to say you had Hwange, NRZ and ZISCO Steel and that was a self reinforcing ecosystem where coal and coke would move from Hwange through the rail to ZISCO for production of steel. It was in that context. I would not wish to speculate on the strategy going forward.

On the agricultural sector and how to improve the tobacco sales. First of all, let us look at the reasons. It has been really the poor rainfall pattern this season which has impacted the tobacco sector and lowered the average prices for tobacco. One thing that we did was to remove the…

*HON. T. MLISWA*: Tobacco was not affected by the rains, it was the price. Maize was the rain. I am a farmer. It was a good tobacco season. So, you must not lie.

*THE HON. SPEAKER*: Order Hon. Mliswa. Would you withdraw your statement that the Minister is lying.

*HON. T. MLISWA*: I withdraw the word lying and replace it with misleading because we had a good tobacco season but it was the prices which were not good.

*THE HON. SPEAKER*: You need to appreciate that I understand your English.

*HON. PROF. M. NCUBE*: If I can carry on, looking at the tobacco prices, if you look at the average prices at TSF, it is US$1.66 per kg, Boka is US$1.59 per kg and Premium Tobacco Floors is US$1.55 per kg. The average is about US$1.77 per kg. Certainly the prices are lower because last year the average was US$2.76 per kg. Basically, it is like there is a 38% drop in the average price of tobacco. The Hon. Member who asked the question was right that there are issues in the sector and prices is one of the issues. My explanation as I speak to the experts who are tobacco farmers as well and I note is that the quality of the crop was impacted by the late onset of the season. The quality of the crop has been impacted by the rain pattern and that lowered the price.

What we have been doing in trying to move the price upwards is to speak to some of the tobacco merchants to make sure that they could start offering higher prices and we are having conversations with them. When I visited the tobacco floors a couple of months ago, I was told that the 2% tax was impacting transactions and trading on the floor. I immediately gave an exemption on that.

I am delighted that I got a positive response to say that was a good thing to do. In trying to answer some of the things that we have done, those are some of the things that we have done.

On the revenue surplus Mr. Speaker Sir, where the Hon. Member noted that the ordinary people are not feeling the surplus on the ground; we are already making use of the surplus. We are financing the food relief programme in rural areas. We have also begun distributing food in the urban areas.

In the history of the country, we have not been giving out food and social protection programmes in urban areas. We have started doing that and we will continue to improve.

The other thing that we need to consider is whether we should also look into cash transfers by making sure that these cash transfers are conditional on public works programme and also the food relief in the rural areas especially, should be linked to some kind of public works programme.

Notice having been taken that there being present fewer than 70 members, the bells were rung for Seven Minutes and a Quorum still not being present, THE HON. SPEAKER adjourned the House without question put at Three Minutes to Five O’clock p.m. pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order Number 56.

The Movement for Democratic Change National Executive Committee ( MDC NEC) on Monday 20 May 2019, upheld the appeals against Bulawayo and Mashonaland Central provincial congresses.

In a ruling that has been received with pomp and fun-fare by thousands who supported the petitions, the NEC found that the two provincial congresses did not meet the minimum requirements of a democratic provincial congress as provided for in the party constitution.

Given that a verdict on the issues was arrived at just five days before Congress, the NEC ruled that with respect to the two provinces;

1) All persons who contested for PEC positions must be accredited as voting National Congress and must be listed in the top twenty (20) of the relative lists.

2) The remaining 26 members of the relevant provincial lists must be provided equally from the two teams ie the petitioned and the petitioners.

3) Other issues correctly raised in the petitions will be dealt with by the National Organising Committee after the National Congress.

These youths today warned the MDC of a 1 Aug repeat. WHO ARE THEY AND WHO SENT THEM?
VIDEO: https://t.co/LUcYocIn7w pic.twitter.com/DBCJo9Xlr7

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) May 21, 2019

Who Sent These Youths To Hold This Press Conference?

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) May 21, 2019

VIDEO:

State Media|PROMINENT medical practitioner and former Bulawayo City Council councillor, Dr Garry Ferguson, who founded Galen House and Medical Centre in the city, has died.

He was 89.

Dr Ferguson died at Mater Dei Hospital on Monday evening from an undisclosed ailment.

He was born on June 11, 1929 and was a certified Family Physician and Director at Galen House from 1957.

Dr Ferguson only retired last year after serving the Bulawayo community for 61 years.

A family friend and colleague, Dr Chad Tarumbwa, said the late Dr Ferguson, who was originally from Scotland, was the city’s longest serving general practitioner having started his practice years before Zimbabwe attained its Independence in 1980.

“We are saddened by the loss of our great icon, Dr Ferguson, one of the few non-racial doctors who served the people of Zimbabwe before and after independence. During his practice, he trained most of the renowned general practitioners that Zimbabwe ever had, both black and white,” said Dr Tarumbwa.

“We will miss his passion for general practice and his trade unionism which shaped the practice to what it is today. Dr Ferguson was also instrumental in forming a united Zimbabwe Medical Association in 1984 and together with the late Dr Timothy Stamps, they set up a college where general practitioners would be examined before starting their private practice”.

He described the late Dr Ferguson as a visionary general practitioner who set up private institutions to ease pressure on referral hospitals.

“Galen House was set up for minor surgeries and ailments to help save people the stress of going all the way to bigger institutions. However, over the years it turned to be a training ground for all doctors who wanted to start a private practice,” said Dr Tarumbwa.

He said Dr Ferguson’s family and partners had a difficult time trying to convince him to retire as he practiced until a few months ago.

“He was advised to retire four years ago due to old age but he kept on going to Galen House to consult and help people until last year when he finally retired. He was determined and contributed a lot to general practice in Zimbabwe,” said Dr Tarumbwa.

The late Dr Ferguson was on record as saying the late Vice President Dr Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo was one of the reasons why he did not leave the country with most whites after Independence.

Bulawayo Mayor Councillor Solomon Mguni said the local authority will miss Dr Ferguson’s contribution towards the development of the city as a doctor and former councillor.

“The City of Bulawayo has learnt with sadness of the passing of Mr Ferguson who was sworn in as a Councillor for Ward 5 on the April 2, 2008. He was a member of the Environmental Management Committee and was nominated to represent Council in the Bulawayo Publicity Association Committee and the Bulawayo Philharmonic Orchestra for the 2008/2009 Municipal Year,” said Cllr Mguni.

“Mr Ferguson was very active in promoting development in the City as he advocated for the servicing of roads in Cowdray Park and the promotion of a healthy diet for patients at Ingutsheni Hospital.”

City gynaecologist and Mpilo Central Hospital clinical director, Dr Solwayo Ngwenya said Dr Ferguson had mentored and helped a number of doctors establish their practices in Bulawayo and beyond.

“It is with profound sadness to learn of his passing as he was a giant in the medical field, a great visionary who built institutions that will last forever. He was a very jovial person and had a very sharp mind. He will be sadly missed by all of us,” said Dr Ngwenya.

Dr Ferguson is survived by his wife and several children.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance George Guvamatanga says that government has done its homework in reducing ZUPCO Bus fares to a shock minimum 50 cents for a trip.

Speaking to State Media on Tuesday, Guvamatanga said the duty on fuel, though reduced, will be used to subsidise the public transporter.

The subsidy will see Zupco reduce its fares by half from $1 to 50 cents for distance below 20 kilometres and from $1,50 to 75 cents from distances between 20 and 30 kilometres. The next 10 kilometres will cost $1 in bus fare from the previous $2.

The reduction, Guvamatanga said, was necessitated by the need to cushion the travelling public that have been exposed to unfair pricing by the private transporters.

“We also wanted to put money back in the pockets of people and this will be done through savings on transport costs,” he said.

Guvamatanga allayed fears that the Zupco subsidies are not sustainable saying the move was well calculated and will not burden the country’s purse.

“We know exactly how much this is going to cost us, we have done some mathematics, and we have factored in this subsidy,” he quipped.

“A subsidy if its quantified, budgeted for and targeted, it’s a good subsidy. Safety nets by their nature are subsidies because you want to protect the more vulnerable members of the society,” said Mr Guvamatanga.

At least 15 cents (5 cents from diesel and 10 cents from petrol) in fuel levies per litre will go towards subsidising the public transport system, he said.

Government has announced plans to revive Zupco and will import thousands of conversional buses to be distributed among the company’s operating divisions.

Own Correspondent|President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s advisor Trevor Ncube has thrown the blame for the unpopular fuel price increase on ordinary Zimbabweans claiming that they asked for the increase and must therefore endure it.

In a very sensational post on Twitter on Tuesday, Ncube accused Zimbabweans for demanding the removal of the 1 to 1 rating of the Zimbabwean surrogate currency to the US Dollar.

Dear Zimbabwe,

I am completely outraged by your outrage over things that you have been calling for which have just happened.
Your rush to be part of popular opinion and in with the outraged crowd is so pedestrian.

Yours
Equally Outraged Compatriot

— Trevor Ncube (@TrevorNcube) May 21, 2019

Fuel prices shot up by about 50% on Tuesday the day the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe announced that fuel buyers were now going to be sourcing their own foreign currency to purchase the scarce petroleum products.

By Farai D Hove| The government owned airliner AirZim has blown over $5 million on jets with a well known history of engine failure.

As pathetic and poetic as it sounds, the parastatal has purchased jets with a public history of engine failure and it has bought these from a country popular for plane accidents.

The Transport and Infrastructure Development Minister Joel Biggie Matiza is quoted in the state media revealing that two out of the four Boeing 777-200 ER planes purchased by the government from Malaysia are expected in the country within two months.

The Boeing 777-200 is seen in the below horrific footage after developing engine failure:

Matiza’s remarks came after the Portfolio Committee on Transport and Infrastructure Development had demanded information on the four passenger planes bought by Government from Malaysia. Matiza said:

Two of the planes have already been fully paid for and we are expecting them in the country within two months from now.

We are still in the process of paying for the other two. Issues of foreign currency are hindering the process of paying for the other two in full, but we have already started paying for them.

The state media reported that a payment of US$5 million was made last week, with more payments expected in the near future.

Earlier this month, Air Zimbabwe received an Embraer ERJ 145 aircraft. The airline has largely been operating two serviceable aircraft, a Boeing 737-200 ER and 767-200ER. Other planes have been grounded due to old age, shortage of spares and foreign currency.

By Own Correspondent- A 45 year old Chisumbanje teacher was recently arrested and hauled before the courts after being found in possession of ivory and bullets in his car.

The suspect Bruce Moyana was arraigned before Chipinge magistrate Mr Vuso Gapara facing two counts of contravening Section 128 of Parks and Wildlife Management as well as possessing live ammunition without a permit.

He pleaded not guilty to the charges and was released on $200 bail with usual reporting conditions of staying at his given address and not to interfere with witness until the finalisation of the matter.

It is the State case that on May 8, police officers received a tip off that the accused was in possession of ivory, whose value could not be quantified at the time of going to print.

The detectives visited his place of residence in Masunda village under Chief Garahwa and conducted a search. After conducting a search of his vehicle, the dragnet squad found ivory and eight live rounds of ammunition of an AK 47 riffle.

The bullets and ivory were hidden at the back of the driver’s seat in his Nissan Hardbody truck. Moyana was eventually arrested. “The accused was arrested and ivory and bullets will be produced in court as exhibit,” he said.

Moyana was represented by Mr Langton Mhungu of Matutu, Kwirira and Associates and the case was postponed to a later date for routine remand.ManicaPost

By Own Correspondent- Concerned residents in Ashdown Park have lodged a complaint against Orchestra Dendera Kings boss Suluman Chimbetu’s menacing dogs.

His dogs have been accused of being a menace at Rosedeane Garden Flats where he resides.

The dogs have been accused of trespassing into other residents’ premises and also attacking school children that reside at the garden flats.

One of the residents who didn’t want to reveal his name said they have tried to approach the Sean Timba singer over the issue but he has turned a deaf ear on them.

“We have approached him and tried to talk to him about his dogs for close to four months now.

“It appears he doesn’t want to listen to our complaints.

“We have also approached his wife but she is pompous and won’t listen to us.

“His dogs trespass into our yards; bins are all over the place because of the dogs and sometimes harass our children when they come from school.

“All this goes against the garden flats code of conduct.”

In an interview with H-Metro, Sulu said he is not aware of the issue as he spends most of his time away from home.

“I’m not aware of that, I am not usually at home.

“I will consult with my wife and hear what really is going on,” he said.-HMetro

By Own Correspondent- A Harare man accused of abandoning his child for his new lover, yesterday offered to pay 50 cents per day as maintenance.

Ephraim Pfukwa appeared in court answering to a $250 maintanance claim by his ex-wife Esther Gwara.

However, Pfukwa said he was prepared to part with $15 for the minor child per month.

“I want him to pay $250 per month as prices of basic commodities are going up on daily basis.

“I am a vendor realising at least $30 per month which is not sufficient to cater for me and the child.

“He is employed earning $400 each month but he is neglecting his child preferring to spend money with his girlfriend,” Gwara told the court.

In his submissions, Pfukwa argued that he had four other children to look after.

“I will offer $15 every month because I also have a wife and four other children I am taking care of.

“It’s not true that I am employed. I only do part time jobs and taking home $30 or less on a monthly basis.

“She also has to contribute as the mother of the child and not only look up to me,” he said.

In her ruling magistrate Sheila Nazombe ordered Pfukwa to contribute $50 towards the upkeep of his minor child.HMetro

By Own Correspondent| Vice President Constantino Chiwenga has taken another sick leave amid indications that he has been flown to India for treatment.

The development comes after his health deteriorated over the past few weeks according to sources.

The visit is Chiwenga’s second this year after he left for India in February for what the government described as a “minor abdominal ailment”.

Chiwenga has not been seen in public for some time and was conspicuous by his absence at the official launch of the Political Actors Dialogue (POLAD) on Friday last week.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa in his official address at POLAD acknowledged the absence of his deputy neither did he shed light on his whereabouts like he normally does.

The former army general who removed former president Robert Mugabe, has for weeks crept out of the public eye and has been spending more time indoors.

ZimEye also exclusively revealed that he has been skipping church for the past three weeks.

Sources privy to the developments told ZimEye, that VP Chiwenga has for nearly 3 weeks to date been summoning ambulances full of medics to his rescue at his home residence.

Sources told ZimEye:

“He has been quiet and more indoors lately.”

When Mnangagwa flew to Botswana for the Elephant Summit recently, he left the country in the hands of Chiwenga’s side-swipe, Kembo Mohadi.

Opposition legislator for Mutare Central Innocent Gonese is on record raising concern in parliament over Chiwenga’s absence from parliamentary sittings.

Gonese said Chiwenga and Mohadi are conspicuously absent in the chambers and their names do not appear on the list if those who would have sought leave of absence.

Lamented Gonese:

“….I am simply asking the chair to inform the House of the ministers and Vice Presidents whom we have never seen….In particular, Mr Speaker Sir, I also note with concern that the Hon Vice Presidents have not been attending on most ocassions.”

Government has however remained mum on Chiwenga.

More to follow…

Farai Dziva|Deputy Minister of Information Energy Mutodi’s claims that former President Robert Mugabe was removed from office by the army indicate that the former strongman was ousted via a coup , several Zimbabweans have said.

Commenting on Mutodi’s utterances Innocent Itai Nyamatore wrote:
You could be a good replacement since we have lost so many Rhumba giants, the likes of Pepe Kale and Papa Wemba. Just try your luck that side please Papa Mutodi and the new musica stars hahaha.

Shingirai Mbuwayesango:Anyway ZANU PF and the Army cannot be separated.

Sim-Field Humbasha: Well well Mr Minister! If you then agree that he was removed by the military, so it means that was a coup?

Rodwin Nyadundu:So if he was removed by the army it means it was coup .

Kudakwashe Mapfumo: Said by a band member!

Farai Dziva|MDC T vice president Obert Chaurura Gutu has claimed the level of desperation in the MDC A has reached shocking levels.

He also said his party entered into the POLAD agreement to help rebuild the nation.

“In the Political Actors Dialogue (POLAD), MDC-T has made our party position on corruption clear & unequivocal : We are demanding ZERO tolerance to corruption in both the public & private sectors. Corruption should be ruthlessly & decisively dealt with, without fear or favour.”

“They created FAKE NEWS about a fathom Supreme Court “victory” and thereafter, they staged wild and delusional celebrations. I just laughed my lungs out….!! This is DESPERATION RELOADED…..LOL.”

Farai Dziva| Zanu MP for Goromonzi West Energy Mutodi has claimed there is a difference between Emmerson Mnangagwa’s ascendancy and that of his political rival Nelson Chamisa.

Mutodi, a declared close ally of Emmerson Mnangagwa believes it is not proper to compare ZANU PF and MDC scenarios when it comes to how they handled succession.

Mutodi told Newsday that it was wrong to liken MDC leader Nelson Chamisa’s ascendancy to that of President Emmerson Mnangagwa who came to power on the back of a military coup in 2017.

While Chamisa was chosen by the party’s National Council in 2018 after the death of Morgan Tsvangirai, Mnangagwa took over the reins in ZANU PF after Mugabe’s “forced” resignation.

Opinion By Farai Maguwu|Two days ago I received a Macedonian call for help from Chief Marange who requested to see me at his homestead in Marange. I went there yesterday morning and was truly shocked with the state of his homestead. First Chief Marange expressed gratitude to CNRG for all the civic education and awareness campaigns we have held in Marange and on behalf of his community.

He told me he has no clean water at his homestead, his family fetches water at the nearby Primary School. The Car he got from the government broke down last year and he has no money to repair it. I have since taken this up with ZCDC and they promised to look into the matter.

He lamented the general poverty in his area despite being home to what was once considered the biggest diamond find in a century. He added that there was a company called Marange Resources and yet He, as Chief Marange, didnt know who owned that company.

Zim needs serious dialogue on mining. This is not working. No, it can work, you will not work as it is also mechanising very rapidly, simple!

Correspondent|H-Metro reports that a 39 yer old man, Kelvin Mukungwa, only returned home in the late hours of Tuesday last week. He then committed suicide the next morning after his wife had taken the school children to school. She is the one who later discovered the body.

In a sad development, a man from Glen Norah who spent the weekend away from his home is reported to have committed suicide on his return after his wife chose not to inquire about his whereabouts over the weekend.

A family spokesperson who spoke to the publication said. His wife found Kelvin’s body hanging upon her return from taking children to school, and I want to believe he felt ashamed to face his wife. He has two children, and I think akundwa nenyadzi since his wife never asked him about where he had been for two days.

However, some of his friends told the publication that they suspected that Kelvin was already troubled because he had some unresolved issues at home. One source told, H-Metro.

Kelvin surprised his friends on Monday when he bought beer for everyone who was in the bar, and he has not been going home. He asked one of his friends for a jersey to put on since it was cold. He would come early in the morning visiting his friends for the past two days.

I want to believe that he had an unresolved issue with his wife because in 2016 he downed rat poison, but survived. Mourners are gathered at House 512, Glen Norah.

Lynette Karenyi’s focus has always been hardwork, unity and victory for the MDC party and it’s President.

POLITICAL CARREER HIGHLIGHTS

It all started in 1999. In 1999, she was ward 16 secretary before she was elevated to become the district secretary for Mutare North in 2000.

In 2003, she became the first elected MDC Councillor for ward 16 and joined Mutare city council. 2006 saw her become the provincial secretary for Manicaland province before she became the national Organising secretary for the Assembly of Women in 2007.

Karenyi was then elected as the member of parliament for Chimanimani west in 2008. In this 7th parliament, she chaired the local government committee and was also in the speaker’s panel.

At the party level, she was re elected national organiser for the Women’s Assembly before landing the National Chairperson’s role in the same wing in 2014. She has been at the helm of the Women’s Assembly from 2014 to date.

WHO IS LYNETTE KARENYI KORE?

Karenyi is a political activist, MDC Assembly of Women Chairperson and MP for Manicaland. She is also a Women’s Rights Activist besides currently contesting for MDC VP Post .

When Karenyi was elected to the Zimbabwean Parliament in 2008, she became the first Zimbabwean opposition female legislator to ever win a parliamentary seat in a rural constituency.

She later became the 3rd Assembly of Women Chairperson in the MDC serving exceptionally well from 2014 to date.

In 2018 , she became the first woman Chairlady in MDC history to campaign for the President and the party nationwide addressing rallies and door to door campaigns that brought positive results to MDC and President Nelson Chamisa.

As Women Chairperson, Karenyi has always been active in MDC political campaign groups and campaigned for MDC 2018 Presidential Nominee.

She said:

“I am inspired to work for the people because i have the people at heart and I want to fight the continued suffering of citizens under the Zanu Regime.

I have been nominated to be VP for the party and I am cherishing the possiblity of winning and taking up the challenge. I am fully aware of the responsibilities of such a high office and I am also aware of the people’s expectations.

The people want a VP that will support President Nelson Chamisa to win and also ensure we get the majority in parliament.

I also understand the need to fight and create a gender balanced MDC. I also intend to foster unity and build a radical rural base that will bring our party votes.

Turning to Parliament my task is to push for reforms that will guarantee a political level ground for Zimbabwe.”

In doing so, Karenyi revealed a 10 point plan that will guide her Leadership Ethics as VP at the same time meeting expectations of many MDC supporters who want leaders that deliver change than mere talking.

This is because she believes that she is not a mere leader but “a people’s servant who is always walking the Talk”.

KARENYI’S 10 POINT PLAN

“Karenyi as leader has always known how to do the right thing. It may be difficult to define exactly what “right” is, but in my case, focus has always been hardwork, unity and victory for the MDC party and it’s President.

My Mission is to support President Chamisa and MDC’s vision of free democractic and successful Zimbabwe through this 10 POINT PLAN.

1. Justice – Promoting an MDC that is always Democratic, fair, and just. Under Lynette Kore as VP, all members have no reason to fear biased treatment on the basis of gender, ethnicity, nationality, or any other factor.
2. Respect Others – Lynette promises to respect all MDC members by listening to everyone attentively, valuing everyone’s contributions, being compassionate, and being generous while considering opposing viewpoints.
3. Honesty – Honesty is particularly important to be an effective ethical leader, because MDC followers trust honest and dependable leaders. who supports the President and party vision
4. Humane – I place importance in being kind, and act in a manner that is always beneficial to the MDC.
5. Focus on building The MDC – I promise to foster a sense of community and team spirit within the MDC. My goal is an MDC that achieves its set targets of democratically removing Zanu from power
6. Value driven decision-making – I will ensure that all decisions are first checked and are in line with the President and party mandate
7. Encourages initiatives – It is my intention to encourage intiatives that attracts voters. In the past I intiated programmes Like Mhou Ne Mhuru and Dzoka uyamwe for the Diaspora, Transformation of rural voters to believe in the MDC
8. Lead by Example – I will not just talk but always walk the talk. It is my wish to help the President and the party in the recruitment of new members for the MDC.
9. Value Awareness – Regularly formulating, communicating, and executing ways to win and removing Zanu is key to my values.
10. No Tolerance to Party violations
    Don’t expect Lynette to overlook or tolerate those who disregard party Leadership and direction

In conclusion if you elect Lynette Karenyi as one of your VPS you have elected a servant of the people and the party. It is also my hope to mentor the future MDC generation to be leaders of tomorrow.”

A New Zimbabwe Is Possible!

Own Correspondent|Botswana police have confirmed the death of a missing man from Maitengwe in that country whose remains were found in Zimbabwe last week.

The 62-year-old man of was reported missing on the 17th of August last year only for his bones to be found along Maitengwe border last Monday.

Officer Commanding for No:15 District, Kabo Badirwang, confirmed the report to The Voice Newspaper of Botswana.

“We got the report from the Zimbabwe Republic police on the 7th of May this year that a passerby found human bones in Nsekesa cattlepost which is next to Magola village in Zimbabwe. They informed us because they knew that we had been searching for a missing person.

“We then sent our pathologist who together with our Zimbabwean counterparts confirmed that indeed the remains belonged to the missing man. We also went there last week to meet with Zimbabwe police for further investigations.

“The results have shown that the bones have been in that bush for a long time as they were in isolated pieces. It was mainly the skull that ignited the suspicion that the remains were for a human being,” revealed the police chief.

Badirwang further said he did not rule out the possibility of foul play but said investigations into the matter were underway.

The remains have since been handed over to the family for burial.

Last year Botswana police official, Jerry Halahala sent an SOS to his Zimbabwean counterparts that the old man went missing when he was on his way from work.

He was working as a security guard for Radial in the Kurujenaa area near the border with Zimbabwe guarding gorvenment boreholes.

It was said that he left on the 17th of August on his bicycle which was found on the day that the report was made.

We demand the immediate release of CCDZ Advocacy Officer George Makoni and his civil society colleagues Gamuchirai Mukura of COTRAD, Tatenda Mombeyarara of the Citizens Manifesto and Frank Mpahlo of Transparency International – Zimbabwe.

The 4 Civic leaders were arrested upon arrival at R. Mugabe International Airport last night. George Makoni took leave of absence to attend a professional Human rights and Peace-building Programme in The Maldives.

This workshop was NOT in any way linked to regime change and any plot to unseat the Zimbabwean government as being peddled by the state press – The Herald and Chronicle. The arrest of the 4 civil society leaders by the State authorities is an attempt to muzzle civil society and criminalize its work.

Jane Mlambo| Vice President Constantino Chiwenga has been flown to India for treatment, after his health deteriorated.

The visit is Chiwenga’s second this year after he left for India in February for what the government described as a “minor abdominal ailment”.

Chiwenga has not been seen in public for some time and was conspicuous by his absence at the official launch of the Political Actors Dialogue (POLAD) launch on Friday last week.

The former army general who removed former president Robert Mugabe, has for weeks crept out of the public eye been spending more time indoors. ZimEye also found that he has been skipping church for the past three weeks.

Sources privy to the developments told ZimEye, that VP Chiwenga has for nearly 3 weeks to date been summoning ambulances full of medics to his rescue at his home residence.

Sources told ZimEye:

“He has been quiet and more indoors lately.”

When Mnangagwa flew to Botswana, he left the country in the hands of Chiwenga’s side-swipe, Kembo Mohadi, another infirm.

More to follow…

Farai Dziva|Deputy Minister of Information Energy Mutodi’s claims that former President Robert Mugabe was removed from office by the army indicate that the former strongman was ousted via a coup , several Zimbabweans have said.

Commenting on Mutodi’s utterances Innocent Itai Nyamatore wrote:
You could be a good replacement since we have lost so many Rhumba giants, the likes of Pepe Kale and Papa Wemba. Just try your luck that side please Papa Mutodi and the new musica stars hahaha.

Shingirai Mbuwayesango: Anyway ZANU PF and the Army cannot be separated.

Sim-Field Humbasha:Well well Mr Minister! If you then agree that he was removed by the military, so it means that was a coup?

Rodwin Nyadundu:So if he was removed by the army it means it was coup .Kudakwashe Mapfumo:Said by a band member!

Farai Dziva|MDC T vice president Obert Chaurura Gutu has claimed the level of desperation in the MDC A has reached shocking levels.

He also said his party entered into the POLAD agreement to help rebuild the nation.

“In the Political Actors Dialogue (POLAD), MDC-T has made our party position on corruption clear & unequivocal : We are demanding ZERO tolerance to corruption in both the public & private sectors. Corruption should be ruthlessly & decisively dealt with, without fear or favour.”

“They created FAKE NEWS about a fathom Supreme Court “victory” and thereafter, they staged wild and delusional celebrations. I just laughed my lungs out….!! This is DESPERATION RELOADED…..LOL.”

Jane Mlambo| Controversial former Zanu PF activist, Acie Lumumba real name Gerald William Mutumanje has warned President Emmerson Mnangagwa that his advisors are feeding him poison that will get him removed from office.

Posting on Twitter today, Lumumba said if Mnangagwa fails to fire his advisors, they will get him fired.

Lumumba said Mnangagwa was surrounded by criminals who should be removed.

WTF are @edmnangagwa's advisors advising him? If ED does not start firing his advisors, his advisors are going to get him fired! We need to remove the criminals around the President. I was really enjoying my sabbatical ??

— #ThePeoplesChampion???✊? (@acielumumba) May 21, 2019

Lumumba was reacting to the fuel price hike announced today which saw petrol now selling at $4.97 per litre while diesel is now at $4.87.

Jane Mlambo| Opposition leader, Nelson Chamisa has reached 500 000 followers on Twitter, beating Professor Jonathan Moyo who is on 473 000 and becoming the third most followed Zimbabwean on the popular social network after Danai Gurira (793k) and Mufti Ismail Menk who has a staggering 4.3 million followers.

Posting on Twitter, Chamisa could not hide his excitement at reaching a milestone non of the local politicians in Zimbabwe has reached since Twitter became widespread in Zimbabwe.

“Wow we’re now 500 000…Thank you dear friends for this happy space on Twitter.I thank God as I appreciate you all for the half a million followers mark. You are awesome and wonderful. Behold, how good and how pleasant it is when brothers live in harmony!” said Chamisa.

Since he became the MDC President following the death of their iconic founding leader Morgan Tsvangirai, Chamisa’s Twitter account has gained so much traction from Zimbabweans both locally and abroad.

Chamisa follows only 1,638 people and has tweeted 4,928 times.

Farai Dziva|Deputy Information Minister Energy Mutodi has legitimised Robert Mugabe’s removal from office , saying that the central committee chose Emmerson Mnangagwa to fill a power vacuum that had been left after former’s demise.

“For Zanu PF, I can assure you that this is not the same issue because there were intervening issues. First of all, the President of the Republic, then Robert Mugabe was facing impeachment for allegations for having given his wife certain executive powers and Parliament taking measures to impeach him.

The military had intervened in the process of government on a very clear issue that the status quo had broken down so that is why the central committee had to sit in a formally-constituted meeting to determine who would be elected as the leader or interim leader of Zanu PF and then substantive leader.

That is how Mnangagwa’s name emerged. So this cannot be the same or some kind of replication or similarity of what is happening in the MDC,” Mutodi told Newsday.

Farai Dziva|Prominent human rights activist Prosper Tiringindi has condemned the persecution of fellow human rights defenders by Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government.

See Tiringindi’s statement below :

I Am Human Rights Defender
Fix Zimbabwe’s economy don’t arrest Human Rights Defenders.

Arresting human Rights Defenders is not a solution Mr President, I was shocked to receive the news of about 4 human rights defenders who were arrested at Robert Mugabe Airport.

Zimbabwe’s civil society leaders George Makoni of CCDZ, Frank Mpahlo of TiZ, Tatenda Mombeyarara of Citizens Manifesto and Gamuchirai Mukura of Cotrad were arrested at the R. Mugabe Int’l Airport last night.

The 4 leaders were coming from Maldives where they attended a workshop in human rights and peace-building.

Free HRDS now

Fix the cash crisis.”

By A Correspondent| Pro-Democracy activist Makomborero Haruzivishe has told the story of how the four activists currently under police arrest, were taken into custody at the Robert Gabriel International Airport.

The four human rights campaigners namely George Makoni aged 38 years, Tatenda Mombeyarara aged 37 years, Gamuchirai Mukura aged 31 years and Nyasha Mpahlo aged 35 years were detained upon disembarking from a
plane at Robert Mugabe International Airport on Monday 20 May 2019 and held for several hours without communication with their lawyers after authorities confiscated their mobile phone handsets and laptops.

Haruzivishe tells of this story in the below interview. He says:

“The 4 in question arrested, were coming from South Africa from Oliver Tambo International Airport to Robert Mugabe Airport and when they arrived; when they were checking out of the airport when they were apprehended by detectives from the law and order they were then arrested and told that they were charged with subverting a constitutionally elected government.

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“They were then separated taken to separate police stations one of them, a police station in Mbare, the other ine in Braeside, the other one at Harare Central… and you know it is unfortunate that we have a state that feels citizens, four young men, four who don’t even have means to overthrow this and constitutional government it is unconstitutional in existence and in operation. They don’t have the means, that for it to be so paranoid, torturing them, traumatising them, to that extent and invading their privacy, their laptops have been taken they entered them even without even the consent of the accused in question, and even the trauma of being charged with subverting a constitutionally elected government, that is treasonous, a treasonous charge; the kind of trauma that they face, the cold they are spending the night without adequate clothing, and also the torture that they’re going through it is just so unnecessary.”

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By Own Correspondent- MDC president Nelson Chamisa said that the party will maintain the current structure of having three vice presidents, but will have one once in power.

Chamisa revealed that three vice presidents will be elected at this week’s elective Congress set to be held in Gweru as a way of continuing with the legacy left by the late founding party president Morgan Tsvangirai: He said:

The issue of three vice-presidents is a legacy for our late president Mr Tsvangirai, with a trade union background. The party is different from the government.

The party can have as many leaders as possible, but in government, we will have a lean cabinet, with one vice-president on the basis of State resources.

I want you to know that none of the vice-presidents is paid any salaries by the party. It’s voluntary work.

Even the president is not paid. Not that I want a salary because my salary is a victory, if we have a victory, then my salary would have come.-Newsday

By Own Correspondent- The ongoing planned power cuts in the country had negatively affected operations at Bindura Provincial Hospital with grave consequences for the sick until an intervention by a fuel dealer, Puma.

A message, whose author remains a mystery, went viral on social media platforms, particularly Facebook and Twitter, detailing the sorry state of affairs at the hospital due to the debilitating power cuts.

The SOS read in part:

As a result of load-shedding, the situation at Bindura Hospital is unbearable. All operations cannot be done because of non-availability of power. The life support system in neonatal ward for pre-term babies is dependent upon power which is not there.

… It pains us to watch helplessly someone losing life, yet as key stakeholders, they have the potential to avoid that. I hope this plea will get to those that can assist.

Mashonaland Central provincial administrator, Cosmas Chiringa, told Newsday that the text was indeed authentic and in response to the plea, Puma had intervened to avert the crisis.

Said Chiringa:

I received a similar text over the weekend. What happened is that we were allocated fuel which was not enough, but we have since resolved the matter with Puma.

I am very happy to say that the meeting with hospital management and Puma officials was fruitful.

I am also pleased to announce that following the SOS, well-wishers are also coming on board to assist and already we have been offered 500 litres of diesel to be used at the hospital by a local company.

After announcing that the price of fuel will not increase, ZERA has since made a statement gazetting new prices with petrol now $4.97 while diesel is now selling at $4.87.

A Twitter user, Miss Chindiya said such inconsistencies erode public confidence in both ZERA and the government.

These are the type of inconsistencies that erode the public’s confidence ? pic.twitter.com/zwDgPoSlCd

— AN UNEMPLOYED HUN (@MISSCHINDIYA) May 21, 2019

READ THE ZERA Statement below…

Own Correspondent|Zimbabwe has not paid back it’s debt to Botswana that dates back as far as 2012 during former President Robert Mugabe’s era for the sale of livestock they sold them.

This was all revealed in the Auditor General’s report for the 2018/2019 financial year that was released last week that Zimbabwe still owes Botswana a total sum of P1 239 000 for that livestock sale that took place.

For the debt that has been outstanding for almost seven years, it appears that the neighbouring country Zimbabwe is struggling and has not made any effort in settling the debt it owes Botswana.

The livestock sale transaction happened back in 2012 following an agreement that was signed by the two countries, the previous year for the sale of the live cattle from the Foot and Mouth Diseases (FMD) areas such as Ngamiland.

Under the signed agreement over 30,000 live cattle were sold to Zimbabwe for slaughter, through a Cold Storage Company (CSC), a development which brought hope to Ngamiland farmers who had been struggling to sell their cattle to local slaughterhouses.

According to details of the report, the Botswana government extended its export deal of live cattle to Zimbabwe for an indefinite period, four years ago, as Botswana grappled with foot-and-mouth disease in the north and east regions.

The deal between the two governments involved sending live cattle from Botswana to Zimbabwe’s CSC slaughter facilities in Bulawayo.

The deal was largely seen as some respite to the Botswana Meat Corporation, since the European Union had stopped beef importsfrom Botswana due to the foot and mouth disease outbreak.

Zimbabwe and other African countries seized the opportunity to buy cattle from Botswana.

CSC has a huge debt of close to $22 million and has seen production going down to around 10% of capacity.

The company was at one time the largest meat processor in Africa, handling up to 150 000 tonnes of beef and associated by-products each year and exporting to the European Union.

CSC is reportedly left with just 700 cattle and more than $80 million is needed to bring the company back to its feet.

THE Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe will today cancel fuel subsidies, with oil companies now required to compete for foreign currency on the interbank market, a move likely to see the price of fuel rising sharply.

Central bank governor John Mangudya yesterday said the bank was dropping the 1:1 peg from the fuel importation matrix, which many fear will trigger another round of price rises and a domino effect in an economy already experiencing high inflation.

This comes after the central bank said it had secured a US$500 million loan from unspecified international banks to support its interbank currency market to ease shortages of hard currency.

“The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (the Bank) is pleased to advise the public that with effect from May 21, 2019 (today), the procurement of fuel by the Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) shall be done through the interbank foreign exchange market,” Mangudya said in a statement last night.

“There shall be only one foreign exchange rate to be used in the market for the importation of all goods and services. This means that the 1:1 exchange rate that was being used by OMCs for the procurement of fuel will be discontinued with immediate effect.”

Government scrapped its discredited 1:1 dollar peg for surrogate bond notes and electronic dollars, which it merged into the Real Time Gross Settlement (ZWL) dollar in February and launched the interbank market.

It, however, maintained the 1:1 parity for fuel companies to keep fuel prices low, a move critics said was promoting corruption in allocation of foreign currency and exacerbating shortages of cash, with allegations that the market was controlled by few politically-connected players.

As of yesterday, the interbank rate closed at US$1:ZWL$3,48, while on the black market, the rate was at ZWL$5,7.

The last fuel price hike in January, announced by President Emmerson Mnangagwa himself, triggered protests around the country, which resulted in security agents killing 17 people, according to human rights groups, with hundreds left nursing gunshot wounds.

Mangudya yesterday said the new position was necessary to promote the efficient use of foreign exchange and to minimise and guard against incidences of arbitrage within the economy.

The central bank, Mangudya said, would proceed to drawdown the US$500 million from the offshore line of credit to supplement the country’s foreign exchange receipts to underpin the interbank market.

“The facility will be disbursed into the country through the interbank foreign exchange framework at the prevailing interbank foreign exchange rate on a willing-seller willing-buyer basis,” he said.

“Over and above these initiatives, letters of credit (LCs) shall continue to be used for the importation of essential commodities such as fuel, grain and cooking oil. The LCs will also be priced at the prevailing interbank foreign exchange rate.

“The bank has directed banks to effectively apply the willing-seller willing-buyer principle to ensure that the interbank foreign exchange market is reflective of market conditions.

“Accordingly, banks must ensure that there are no moral hazards in the operation of the interbank foreign exchange market. In this regard, all the foreign exchange requirements for bank for their own use that includes dividend payments, subscriptions fees, etc, would need prior exchange control approval; for the proper conduct of the interbank foreign exchange market. Similarly, banks should discontinue twinning arrangements for their customs as this undermines the efficient operations of the interbank foreign exchange market.”

However, critics note that the high price of fuel was also because of exorbitant government taxes on fuel, which accounted for nearly 25% of the ZWL$2,1 billion revenue collected in the first quarter alone.

“No more getting forex at 1:1 to import fuel or cooking or wheat. They now get priority forex through banks at the going interbank rate. This means fuel pricing is likely to increase by a huge margin unless government immediately reverses its Jan 13 fuel tax increase,” economist Kipson Gundani said.

“Cutting excise duty back to 45 cents per litre would ensure pump price remains more or less stable at around ZWL$4/litre.”

Government collects ZWL$2,11 per litre of diesel sold and ZWL$2,48 for petrol, which the State has to cut significantly to keep fuel prices low.

Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe United Passenger Company (Zupco) yesterday announced a 50% price cut on transport fares that will see the majority of commuters paying 50 cents for a trip to town.

A statement issued by Finance secretary George Guvamatanga, headlined “Operation Restore Sanity,” said the new fares were with effect from yesterday.

A distance of 20km and less will cost 50 cents; 20km to 30km will be charged 75 cents, while 30km to 40km will cost $1.

“Further distances will follow similar reductions,” the statement read.

NewsDay

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Own Correspondent|After sensationally claiming that there is no fuel piece increase in place in the country, the Zimbabwe Energy Regulating Authority, ZERA, has increased the price of fuel with an immediate effect and valid for a week.

The new pump price for petrol is now $4.97.

Below is the statement from ZERA issued moments ago.

By Own Correspondent- The government, through the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA), has officially announced new fuel prices after having been in denial since Monday.

In a statement on Tuesday, ZERA announced that with effect from May 21, 2019, the price of diesel has been pegged at $4.89 while petrol will be sold at $4.97.

In the latest announcement ZERA said:

The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) advises that in terms of amendments to Statutory Instruments 9 and 10 of 2019 and the new measures taken by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe on fuel procurement based on the interbank rate, applicable prices for the period May 2019 to 26 May 2019 are summarised in the table below:

Below is the ZERA statement.

RE: REVIEW OF FUEL PRICES EFFECTIVE 21 MAY 2019

The Zimbabwe Regulatory Authority (ZERA) advises that in terms of amendments to Statutory Instruments 9 and 10 of 2019 and the new measures taken by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe on fuel procurement based on the interbank rate, applicable prices for the period 21 May 2019 to 26 May 2019 are summarized in the table below.

Diesel $4.89

Blend E10: $4.97

Operators may sell petroleum products at prices below the cap depending on their trading advantages.

E. T. Mazambani

ACTING CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER ZIMBABWE ENERGY REGULATORY AUTHORITY

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By Own Correspondent- A South African judge of the labour court has died after he was bitten by a black mamba whilst in Zambia on a holiday.

Judge Anton Steenkamp, 57, was in Zambia in the company of his wife when the venomous reptile attacked him.

The incident was confirmed by a relative, Ruby Steenkamp, in an interview with News24.

She said:

We’re devastated. No words. What an incredible man. His wife, Catherine, is still on her own in Zambia. They were touring Africa. We as a family were very, very proud of him.

ZIMBABWEAN authorities on Monday 20 May 2019 arrested four human rights campaigners upon their return to the country and confiscated
their laptops and mobile phones.

The four human rights campaigners namely George Makoni aged 38 years, Tatenda Mombeyarara aged 37 years, Gamuchirai Mukura aged 31 years and Nyasha Mpahlo aged 35 years were detained upon disembarking from a
plane at Robert Mugabe International Airport on Monday 20 May 2019 and held for several hours without communication with their lawyers after
authorities confiscated their mobile phone handsets and laptops.

Zimbabwean authorities refused to allow lawyers representing the four human rights activists access to their clients.

The lawyers Roselyn Hanzi, Tinomuda Shoko and Godfrey Mupanga from Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights only had access to their clients at
Harare Central Police Station after nearly five hours from the time the human rights campaigners were in incommunicado detention at the airport.

At Harare Central Police Station, Zimbabwe Republic Police officers only waved a search warrant in the lawyers’ faces without giving them
access to the document.

No charges have been preferred yet against the four human rights campaigners.
ZLHR’s Position

Government must stop criminalising the work of human rights defenders in Zimbabwe. Human rights work is not a crime. – ZLHR

The Zimbabwe Regulatory Authority ZERA has put to rest speculations that fuel prices will be increased.

This follows the shock announcement by RBZ governor John Mangudya that Fuel Companies will now buy foreign currency at the Interbank rate instead of the subsidized 1:1 they were receiving previously.

Zimbabwe has been plagued by foreign currency shortages with the RBZ coming under fire for prioritizing fuel cartels at the expense of other critical sectors of the economy.

Below is a Press statement released by ZERA.

UPDATE: Police at Harare Central doing interviews (of the 4 activists) this morning have indicated they intend to lay charges of subverting a constitutionally elected government @ZLHRLawyers @MakomboreroH

— Simba Chikanza (@schikanza) May 21, 2019

RT – After almost 4,5 hours @ZLHRLawyers have located 4 human rights activists who are now detained at Harare Central. These include Tatenda Mombeyarara, Gamu Mukura, George Makoni & Nyasha Mpahlo… https://t.co/2bk3PNgQ6J

— Simba Chikanza (@schikanza) May 21, 2019

Zimbabwean authorities on Monday 20 May 2019 arrested four human rights campaigners upon their return to the country and confiscated their laptops and mobile phones.

The four human rights campaigners namely George Makoni aged 38 years, Tatenda Mombeyarara aged 37 years, Gamuchirai Mukura aged 31 years and Nyasha Mpahlo aged 35 years were detained upon disembarking from a plane at Robert Mugabe International Airport on Monday 20 May 2019 and held for several hours without communication with their lawyers after authorities confiscated their mobile phone handsets and laptops.

Zimbabwean authorities refused to allow lawyers representing the four human rights activists access to their clients.

The lawyers Roselyn Hanzi, Tinomuda Shoko and Godfrey Mupanga from Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights only had access to their clients at Harare Central Police Station after nearly five hours from the time the human rights campaigners were in incommunicado detention at the airport.

At Harare Central Police Station, Zimbabwe Republic Police officers only waved a search warrant in the lawyers’ faces without giving them access to the document.

No charges have been preferred yet against the four human rights campaigners.

In a statement the ZLHR said its position is that “Government must stop criminalising the work of human rights defenders in Zimbabwe. Human rights work is not a crime.”

By Own Correspondent- Zanu Pf Spokesperson, Simon Khaya Moyo has said the recent judgement by the High Court regarding the presidency of opposition leader Nelson Chamisa is a matter between the MDC and the courts.

In a state media report, Moyo distanced his party from allegations that his party was meddling in the internal processes of the MDC.

Moyo dismissed allegations that Zanu Pf was interfering with MDC preparations for the forthcoming congress.

He remarked that the claims by MDC Alliance are untrue adding that the allegations were meant to create instability in the country.

Moyo said:

I must restate that the court ruling by Justice Edith Mushore ordering the MDC party to hold an extraordinary congress within a month to elect a substantive leader using the 2014 MDC structures is purely a matter between the MDC and the courts.-StateMedia

By Own Correspondent- Zanu PF national spokesperson Simon Khaya Moyo has dismissed allegations that his party was interfering with MDC preparations for the forthcoming congress.

A state media report revealed that Moyo remarked that the claims by MDC Alliance are untrue.

It further says that he views the allegations as meant to create instability in the country.

According to the article, Moyo said:

I must restate that the court ruling by Justice Edith Mushore ordering the MDC party to hold an extraordinary congress within a month to elect a substantive leader using the 2014 MDC structures is purely a matter between the MDC and the courts.-StateMedia

By Own Correspondent- Armed robbers who are reportedly using a Honda Fit vehicles are wreaking havoc in Gweru and are mainly targeting cross border traders and Midlands State University (MSU) Students.

Spates of robberies, some of which are violent, have been reported in Gweru City.

The robbers are using Honda Fit vehicles that do not have registration numbers and pouncing on students near MSU campus and cross border traders travelling to South Africa at night using cross border buses.

In a shocking incident on Thursday last week in Gweru Central Business District (CBD) near Chicken Inn along Lobengula Avenue at around 9pm, a woman travelling to South Africa lost her hand bag to the daring robbers who attacked her in front of onlookers.

The robbers who were driving a silver Honda Fit pounced on the woman who had just bought food from Chicken Inn and snatched the bag from her before dragging her for close to 100 meters as they wrestle the bag and pushed her out off the moving vehicle.

The woman sustained serious head and body injuries. The robbers sped off in movie style and left the woman for dead.

Several students have lost laptops and cellphones to the robbers who usually pounce at them at night.-StateMedia

By Own Correspondent- Zimdancehall chanter Obey Makamure better known as Tocky Vibes by his fans has welcomed a baby boy to his family.

He announced the news on his Instagram account by posting  picture of himself holding his baby son

And he wrote: You are going to change this world my son #MWARI makatendeka mbiri yenyu ngaikudzwe.