Own Correspondent|RESIDENT Mnangagwa has urged the nation to remain resilient and support him and his government besides the difficult economic conditions prevailing in the country.

Speaking during the commissioning parade for 149 officer cadets at the 35th Commissioners’ Cadet Ceremony at the Zimbabwe Military Academy (ZMA) in Gweru yesterday, Mnangagwa begged the nation to continue being patient with his government policies he claimed were aimed at ensuring sustainable economic growth.

“My Government is presently in a phase of transition which is geared to put our country back on the rails of development.

“In our politics, economy and society in general, our country has been stuck in the old way of doing things. This has held us back as a nation for too long. We must embrace the new, to ensure sustainable economic growth that will develop our country and speedily improve the standard of living of all people,” he said.

President Mnangagwa said the road to recovery will be bumpy but through resilience and unity, Zimbabweans will enjoy the fruits as a country.

“The journey towards the attainment of Vision 2030, requires us to have common ideals, convictions and unity of purpose.

“As I have said the road will not be easy and requires sacrifices by all of us. Let us collectively determine to build a modern, industrialised, stronger and more prosperous Zimbabwe, for both present and future generations,” he said.

President Mnangagwa said even if the road to recovery gets bumpy, Government will not take short cuts to prosperity. He urged all progressive forces to pull in one direction and have the interests of the country at heart.

“We cannot and should not take short cuts for political expediency. Our economics and politics must be that which puts national interests above individual or group interests.

“My Government will continue to put in place an environment that ensures the long term benefits of all citizens of our great country.

“As we implement the broad economic reform policies, we will also put in place the appropriate safety nets to cushion the most vulnerable members of society.

“I, therefore, urge all of us to remain resolute and play our part in line with the Transitional Stabilization Programme and our quest to attain vision 2030,” he said.

Former president Robert Mugabe preached the same message in futility for ten years up to the time of the Government of National Unity in 2013 as the massive corruption culture in ZANU PF continued to plunder the country.

Mnangagwa’s call, comes in the wake of spiralling prices of basic commodities, fuel shortages and fall of the Zimbabwean RTGS Dollar against the U.S. Dollar. The difficult economic period is causing serious despondency in the citizens with sporadic threats of uncoordinated citizens protests being raised.

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Five civil society activists who were arrested on allegations of undergoing training to violently overthrow President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government are reported to be undergoing cruel and inhumane conditions at the Remand Prison.

According to one of the lawyers representing the five, Rose Hanzi from the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR), the five were denied warm jerseys at the prison despite the fact that Zimbabwe is now in its winter season.

Four of the human rights campaigners namely George Makoni aged 38 years, Tatenda Mombeyarara aged 37 years, Gamuchirai Mukura aged 31 years, Nyasha Mpahlo aged 35 years were arrested on Monday 20 May 2019 upon disembarking from a South African Airways while Farirai Gumbonzvanda aged 26 years, was arrested on Tuesday 21 May at Robert Mugabe International Airport.

According to the ZRP, Makoni, an Advocacy Officer with Centre for Community Development in Zimbabwe, Mombeyerara of International Socialist Organisation, Mukura of Community Tolerance Reconciliation and Development, Mpahlo of Green Governance Zimbabwe and Gumbonzvanda, a volunteer at Rosaria Memorial Trust, allegedly connived with their accomplices, who are still at large and travelled to Maldives on 13 May 2019, where they attended a training workshop organised by Centre for Applied Non Violent Action and Strategies (CANVAS), a Serbian non-governmental organisation, with the intention of subverting a constitutionally elected government.

Harare Magistrate Hosea Mujaya remanded the five human rights activists in custody to 6 June 2019. Their lawyers have since said that they will be appealing the judgement at the High Court- iHarare.com

WHILE other women are complaining that their husbands are not satisfying them in bed, a Bulawayo woman is grumbling that she’s having sleepless nights because of her husband who has turned into a poking monster by allegedly demanding sex the whole night.

Grace Tembo from Pumula South suburb said her husband Tendai Kasambira loves sex too much. And to make matters worse, he would attack her when she refused his demand for sex.

A seemingly exhausted Tembo begged a Bulawayo magistrate Rachael Mukanga to grant her a protection order against her husband based on the fact that he was physically and sexually abusing her.

The mother of two told the court that her husband harassed her for sex non-stop since they got married in 2008.

“Tendai Kasambira and I have been customarily married since 2008. He is abusive. He is a very violent man and he beat me up with fists and a belt.

“After beating me up, he forced me to have sexual intercourse with him the whole night when I will be in pain because of his severe beatings. The demands started when my first pregnancy was one month old and that child is now nine years old. My life and that of my children he is refusing with are in danger. He is also threatening people that I work with,” complained Tembo.B-Metro

By Own Correspondent- A praise and worship team- member at Prophetic Healing and Deliverance Ministries who lied to her husband that she was going for music practice while she went for trysts at her churchmate’s house was caught pants down by the husband. 

The husband, from Kwekwe, has since dragged his wife’s boyfriend to court to answer to adultery charges after he caught the pair in the act at the boyfriend’s house following a tip-off.

Taurai Mutoti was incensed after he caught his wife, Naomi Utete with Simon Mutemeri and broke windows before he filed adultery charges against the lover.

The three are all members of the Prophet Walter Magaya’s PHD Ministries, Kwekwe Branch.

The matter was heard before Kwekwe magistrate Miss Vimbai Mtukwa who postponed it to 28 May.

According to State papers, Mutoti caught the lovers red handed at Mutemeri’s Amaveni residence after being alerted by church members.

“I went to his house at the Amaveni Flats after I was told that my wife was seen visiting him. I approached his bedroom window since it was open and I pulled the curtain and was shocked to see both of them naked — stark naked. I was shocked and I have been hearing stories about the two,” Mutoti told the court.

He said police had to intervene as he went berserk and started breaking windows demanding that his wife be released from the house.

“I went berserk because I was angered by what I saw. Police had to intervene and begged me to be calm. We were taken to the police camp where our matter was heard,” he said.

Mutoti said Mutemeri would take advantage of Utete, a member of the PHD Ministries Praise and Worship team as she went for practice at their parish in Mbizo.

He said he was still in love with his wife of five years and no one was going to come between them.-BMetro

THE Dr Thokozani Khupe-led MDC-T has said preparations for its extraordinary congress are at an advanced in line with a recent High Court judgment, which nullified MDC leader Nelson Chamisa’s appointment as president of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC-T).

Justice Edith Mushore ruled that the decision by the late former MDC-T president Morgan Tsvangirai to handpick two additional vice presidents, Mr Chamisa and Engineer Elias Mudzuri, was illegal and that the party should hold an extraordinary congress within a month using 2014 structures.

Mr Chamisa, however, filed a notice of appeal at the Supreme Court on Thursday.

In a statement yesterday, Dr Khupe said the party was confident of victory and retaining its former glory. “I have had extensive consultations with different stakeholders and constituencies and all are determined to take our party back from the toxic claws of the infamous ‘G40’.

“Very soon all the delegates of our 2014 congress will have an opportunity to once again retain our movement to its former glorious days of steadfastness to the culture, character, values and principles of social democracy,” said Dr Khupe.State media

The City of Harare has issued a statement advising residents and business of scheduled water cut over the weekend. The statement read:

PRESS NOTICE ON THE COMPLETE SHUTDOWN OF MORTON JAFFRAY WATER TREATMENT PLANT 
Harare residents and business enterprises are by this notice advised of a complete shutdown of the Morton Jaffray Water Treatment Plant on Friday 24 May, 2019 (1800hrs) to Sunday 26 May 2019 (1800hrs). 
The shutdown is to allow programmed maintenance at Morton Jaffray and Warren Control Stations. The shutdown will affect all suburbs and satelite towns. 
Our machinery periodically requires servicing as all other pieces of machinery. Water consumers are urged to use available water sparingly. 
The hosepipe ban remains in effect.
HARARE TO ACHIEVE A WORLD-CLASS CITY STATUS BY 2025
Report any unusual conduct on hotline numbers: 0242-774141-3, 0242.753330-2

By Own Correspondent- Villagers in Lupane had the shock of their lives when they caught a woman digging up the grave of her recently deceased child.

Grace Ncube, 28, gave birth to a baby boy about three months ago and was constantly seen by family members breast feeding him. 

But her joy was short lived as the baby soon succumbed to an illness and was buried in the homestead.

“After the baby was buried Grace kept on telling us that she has problems sleeping as she always saw the baby in her dreams. We were then shocked to see her one early morning digging by the child’s grave,” said a reliable source.

She added: “When we asked her what she was doing she said she was only clearing the grass which was on the grave. Her response left tongues wagging as people came up with various theories as to what her intentions could be. We know it was her child but now we fear she wants the baby’s remains for witchcraft purposes.”

The area’s councillor Kevin Ncube said he heard about the issue and that Grace’s actions did not sit well with some residents as what she did is taboo in the community.

“Most villagers think she wanted to tamper with the baby’s body and they keep wondering what she wanted to do with the remains. It is rather sad because we have stayed with her for a long time and she seemed like a good person so we don’t really know what led her to do such an evil thing. Her actions are definitely disturbing and we hope we will get proper answers for her actions, that’s if she is not mentally disturbed at all,” said the councillor.-BMetro

By Own Correspondent- Members of the Johanne Masowe Echishanu Apostolic sect are not allowed to advertise their work through media channels such as radio, television and newspapers, a senior member has warned.

The warning comes at a time unsuspecting people are being fleeced of their valuables or even raped by ‘fake’ prophets who advertise.

However, the issue has been received with mixed feelings with some saying advertising helps in attracting people seeking deliverance while others say the work of God does not require marketing.

The sect is made up of the big five comprising Edward, Israel, Katsiru, Mathias and Gibson.

Some members of the church refused to comment on the issue.

One of the big five, Madzibaba Katsiru distanced the church from members who purport to be real Madzibaba going against the doctrine.

“The first thing is that the doctrine doesn’t allow members to advertise and no one should pay for being helped by our members.

“Anyone who is asked to pay should tell us, but they are doing it secretly.

“Some are not even part of us, like anaMasango avo, we differ on the doctrine,” said Katsiru

He added:

“Some are not even the real Madzibaba, they just come from nowhere and you guys (journalists) are taught the wrong things mototanga kufamba nevanhu ivavo.”

Madzibaba Katsiru’s sentiments were echoed by Madzibaba Mose who said:

“The good name of the church was made by our elders, zita rakagadzirwa izita rakanaka zvekuti munhu wese anongofara kuti Johanne Masowe.

“So we have some people who end up having Johanne Masowe Zambuko , chakati chakati but ours is called Johanne Masowe eChishanu no other additions.

“And those who come to advertise is not our culture, they have their own agendas.”

He added:

“If we look at churches in Zimbabwe, our church has many branches and if you look at your backyard, there is our church, so if people have problems and are looking for help from Masowe, they can go anywhere.

“If there is need for further assistance they then be referred to seniors, so it’s not even a way of quick advertising.

“If you look at our elders they don’t do such but vamwe vanhu vanenge vane madeals avo.

“Members from Johanne Masowe should follow the doctrine of the church, we can’t say names but some are disturbing the name of the church. God won’t be happy and some results are not good, so people shouldn’t play with the name of the church.”

Below is what some members of the sect said:

Madzibaba Spenlodge – I don’t advertise, because I can’t say to people come I will help you because God’s work can’t be advertised.-HMetro

By Own Correspondent- While other women are complaining that their husbands are not satisfying them in bed, a Bulawayo woman is grumbling that she’s having sleepless nights because of her husband who has turned into a poking monster by allegedly demanding sex the whole night.

Grace Tembo from Pumula South suburb said her husband Tendai Kasambira loves sex too much. And to make matters worse, he would attack her when she refused his demand for sex.

A seemingly exhausted Tembo begged a Bulawayo magistrate Rachael Mukanga to grant her a protection order against her husband based on the fact that he was physically and sexually abusing her.

The mother of two told the court that her husband harassed her for sex non-stop since they got married in 2008.

“Tendai Kasambira and I have been customarily married since 2008. He is abusive. He is a very violent man and he beat me up with fists and a belt.

“After beating me up, he forced me to have sexual intercourse with him the whole night when I will be in pain because of his severe beatings. The demands started when my first pregnancy was one month old and that child is now nine years old. My life and that of my children he is refusing with are in danger. He is also threatening people that I work with,” complained Tembo.

She said her husband has made her life intolerable with his “cruel behaviour” and his insatiable desire for sex made it impossible for them to live together under one roof.

“I ended up leaving the matrimonial house and I do not want him to come where I am staying now to harass me,” she said, adding that she was “too young” to live a miserable life.

She insisted that when she tried to resist his advances, he would abuse her so she would always end up succumbing to his persistent demands.

Her husband, however, accused her of cheating saying she deserted their matrimonial home so that she could look for action outside without being bothered.

“The problem is that she used to come home late especially at around 11pm claiming she would be at work. She is a cheat. I caught her three times with a boyfriend. It is not true that I refuse her to take the children but I just told her it was not possible since she is staying with a boyfriend. She boasted that she had a boyfriend because my relatives didn’t like her.

“It is also not true that I forced her to have sexual intercourse, we engage in it with her consent and after every encounter she would ask me if I’m satisfied. She is always bragging about her boyfriend saying he was better than me,” said Kasambira.

For the purpose of maintaining peace between the two estranged parties the magistrate ordered Kasambira not to verbally, emotionally and physically abuse Tembo.

Kasambira was also ordered not to visit Tembo where she is now staying and to allow her to collect her property she left at their matrimonial home.-BMetro

Violence is not part of the Zimbabwe culture and its proponents must be condemned and rejected, President Mnangagwa has said.

Speaking during the commissioning parade of 149 officer cadets at the 35rd Commissioners’ Cadet Ceremony at the Zimbabwe Military Academy (ZMA) in Gweru yesterday, the President said Zimbabwe is a peace-loving nation.

He said dialogue must be entrenched to promote peace.

“Let us always uphold our cultural values and ensure that our unique, tangible and intangible cultural heritage is not only embraced, but respected, safeguarded and celebrated.

“Violence is not part of our culture and its proponents must be condemned and rejected. The culture of dialogue should be preserved and entrenched. Each one of us must value and maintain peace, the peace that we are enjoying as it is the springboard that will help us attain upper and middle income economy status by 2030,” he said.
President Mnangagwa urged officers to be loyal and committed to their country.

“Now that you have attained this first major step in your chosen career path. I urge you to be loyal, disciplined and committed to your country. Be vigilant and watchful, avoid conduct and company that may defile your love for our great country,” he said.

The Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces urged officers to measure up to their training.

“The academy is renowned for producing high grade officers, of sound professional and moral character. You must therefore, measure up to the expectation that comes with being a graduate of this premier military institution,” he said.State media

By Own Correspondent- President Emmerson Mnangagwa has urged the nation to remain united and support Government policies, in this transitional period, as government strives to find lasting solutions to current challenges that will put the country back on the rails of development and attain vision 2030.

Speaking during the commissioning parade of 149 officer cadets at the 35rd commissioners’ cadet ceremony at the Zimbabwe Military Academy (ZMA) in Gweru today, President Mnangagwa urged the nation to embrace the new dispensation to ensure sustainable economic growth that will  develop the country.

“My Government is presently in a phase of transition which is geared to put our country back on the rails of development. In our politics, economy and society in general, our country has, been stuck in the old way of doing things.

“This has held us back as a nation for too long and we must embrace the new, to ensure sustainable economic growth that will develop our country and speedily improve the standard of living of all people.”-State Media

By Own Correspondent- Violence is not part of the Zimbabwe culture and its proponents must be condemned and rejected, President Mnangagwa has said.

Speaking during the commissioning parade of 149 officer cadets at the 35rd Commissioners’ Cadet Ceremony at the Zimbabwe Military Academy (ZMA) in Gweru Thursday, Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe is a peace-loving nation.
He said dialogue must be entrenched to promote peace.

“Let us always uphold our cultural values and ensure that our unique, tangible and intangible cultural heritage is not only embraced, but respected, safeguarded and celebrated.

“Violence is not part of our culture and its proponents must be condemned and rejected. The culture of dialogue should be preserved and entrenched. Each one of us must value and maintain peace, the peace that we are enjoying as it is the springboard that will help us attain upper and middle income economy status by 2030,” he said.

President Mnangagwa urged officers to be loyal and committed to their country.

“Now that you have attained this first major step in your chosen career path. I urge you to be loyal, disciplined and committed to your country. Be vigilant and watchful, avoid conduct and company that may defile your love for our great country.

“The academy is renowned for producing high grade officers, of sound professional and moral character. You must therefore, measure up to the expectation that comes with being a graduate of this premier military institution.”- StateMedia

By Own Correspondent- The High Court of Kenya on Friday upheld a law banning gay sex, keeping same-sex relations punishable by 14 years in jail.

Giving verdict, Justice Roselyn Aburili said:

We hereby decline the relief sought and dismiss the combined petition.

We find that the impugned sections are not unconstitutional, accordingly the combined petitions have no merit.

Campaigners who filed the petition to decriminalize gay sex have since promised that they will appeal the ruling which they described as erroneous and very biased.

The petition was thrown out on grounds that the ban on gay sex dovetailed with broader, traditional moral values encapsulated in Kenya’s constitution. The verdict left some gay rights activists weeping outside the courtroom.

Speaking to Reuters, Alfred Rotich a Catholic bishop said:

We cannot be another Sodom and Gomorrah.

Most African countries have criminalised same-sex relationships. Only South Africa has legalised gay marriage. Globally,  more than 70 countries have banned homosexuality.-Reuters

By Own Corespondent- The Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA) has described the way in which the late ZIPRA Commander and intelligence supremo, Dumiso Dabengwa was treated during the Gukurahundi as a mistake.

Dabengwa was together with fellow ZIPRA Commander Lookout Masuku incarcerated in 1983 at the height of Gukurahundi massacres for four years on alleged treason. He was later released and installed the Home Affairs Minister in President Robert Mugabe’s administration.

Douglas Mahiya, the spokesperson of the war veterans’ representative body said that the organisation sympathised with the way Dabengwa was treated.

He said:

We do sympathize, you cannot have a process where no mistakes are made. Whatever is perfect today is out of a lot of mistakes in the process, so whatever mistake was done is not what we should always highlight and forgetting the good things that would have been done. So we are talking about Dabengwa’s personal life commitment and result which is political independence for the people of Zimbabwe.

When you do not make mistakes you are not doing anything. People who do not do anything do not make mistakes.

Mahiya added that Dabengwa’s national hero status was an obvious thing. He, however, entreated the ZNLWVA Bulawayo Province to formally write to the ZANU PF Politburo requesting the former ZIPRA commander be declared a national hero.

The former Home Affairs Minister passed away yesterday in Kenya on his way back home from India where he was seeking treatment for a liver ailment.

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky urged the officials to hang not his portrait in their offices, but the pictures of their children and look into their eyes before making any decision. He said it in his inauguration speech, broadcasted by Ukraine TV.

“I would like that you don’t have my portraits in your offices. Please, because the President is not an icon, not an idol. The President is not an icon. Hang there the pictures of your children, and look into their eyes before every decision,” Zelensky urged.

The inauguration of Volodymyr Zelensky to the post of president of Ukraine took place today, on May 20 at 10:00 Kyiv time.

Zelensky dismissed Ukrainian Parliament at his inauguration and announced early elections after he took an oath of allegiance to the Ukrainian people.

By Own Correspondent- MDC-T president Thokozani Khupe has said that her party is preparing to hold an extraordinary Congress in line with a recent High Court ruling by Justice Edith Mushore.

The High Court ruled that the late MDC founding president Morgan Tsvangirai acted unlawfully when he appointed Nelson Chamisa and Elias Mudzuri as deputies alongside Khupe.

As such, Chamisa’s ascendancy to the MDC presidency was declared null and void.

In a statement issued through her spokesperson Khaliphani Phugeni, Khupe said:

The preparations for the MDC-T extraordinary congress are at an advanced in line with the High Court Judgment.

Very soon all the delegates of our 2014 congress will have an opportunity to once again regain our movement to its former glory days of steadfastness to the culture, character, values and principles of Social Democracy.

There is, therefore, no need to panic or even employ money and energy in stopping some gathering purported to be our congress as such a gathering is null and void and only amounts to a jamboree.

I will soon be visiting all the districts and wards of our Movement in preparation for the MDC-T legitimate Extra-Ordinary Congress.

Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) has learnt with deep sadness of the passing on of Dr Dumiso Dabengwa, the leader of ZAPU party and liberation war stalwart on Thursday 23 May 2019.

Dr Dabengwa’s death is a great loss not only to his family but also to the nation, the African region and the world as a whole.

Dr Dabengwa was and shall remain a leading icon of the nationalist struggle for liberation from the oppression of the people of Zimbabwe by the colonial regime prior to the gaining of the country’s national Independence in 1980.

ZLHR will always value the contribution to fostering a culture of human rights that Dr Dabengwa made. As a client of ZLHR, we salute him for actively litigating to protect the political rights of citizens.

Through several legal cases that he brought in court, he sought to foster a culture of human rights, democracy and constitutionalism in Zimbabwe.

ZLHR extends its deepest condolences to his wife, the Dabengwa family, friends and the nation at large.

We thank him and his family for all they have done for Zimbabwe, Africa and the world.

Dr Dabengwa will be greatly missed and may the Dabengwa family and the nation take comfort in that he fought a good fight and his legacy of a tolerant, open and just society.

May His Soul Rest in Eternal Peace.

By Own Correspondent- Since time immemorial, Zimbabwe has been churning out stars who have touched hearts of many with their amazing talent.

Some have gone on to conquer the world while others dominated locally and regionally.

However, it is their departure to the other world which has exposed most of them for their planning boobs.

It also appears that some don’t invest in the future when they are at their peak.

This follows the death of mbira grandmaster Sekuru David Tafanei Gweshe whose family is desperately looking for help to give him a dignified send-off.

Nicholas Moyo (National Arts Council of Zimbabwe director)- You will remember that NACZ did introduce the Cell-brity Funeral Plan through Cell Funeral and there were no takers. It was a sad response from the sector.

Muwengwa was the first artist to be covered then.

It is important that artists should view themselves as equal citizens to others. Zimbabweans are generally known for embracing social schemes like burial societies.

This has been a culture from the communities that we come from and these had nothing to do with status.  An artists should therefore not be an exception.

Artists like any other professionals should embrace social services schemes like funeral and medical policies.

The Council however has been engaging insurance companies to design packages for special groups that do not have regular income. Tailor made schemes may be more attractive to the sector.-HMetro

By Own Correspondent- State Broadcaster, the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) has denied allegations that it is politically biased in favour of the ruling ZANU PF party.

Appearing before the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Media chaired by Prince Dubeko Sibanda on Thursday, the ZBC head of news and current affairs Gilbert Nyambabvu said:

There is an inherent perception by certain individuals that they will not be covered by ZBC.

When I was an editor of a certain media organisation before going to ZBC, I was in regular communication with some members of the MDC and they gave me their diaries.

However, after I joined the ZBC, I have not had any request from MDC members to cover any of their events and perhaps they think that they are not going to be covered

Musician Tocky Vibes, real name Obey Makamure, was forced to change the name for his newborn baby after irate nurses refused to sanction the name that he had chosen.

Tocky had named his son, Chamakuvangu, after an album he did last year. However, the nurses at the clinic protested against the name and informed the musician that they were not going to write the name on the baby’s card.

The affable musician did not take this to heart and renamed the baby after himself, calling him Obey Junior.

Speaking to online publication, 263chat, the musician said,

I had named him Chamakuvangu but manurse akabva azviramba ndikazongomuti Obey Junior Makamure (nurses denied the name and I had to settle for Obey Junior Makamure).

By Own Correspondent- MDC-T president Thokozani Khupe said that her party is preparing to hold an extraordinary Congress in line with a recent High Court ruling by Justice Edith Mushore.

The High Court ruled that the late MDC founding president Morgan Tsvangirai acted unlawfully when he appointed Nelson Chamisa and Elias Mudzuri as deputies alongside Khupe.

As such, Chamisa’s ascendancy to the MDC presidency was declared null and void.

In a statement issued through her spokesperson Khaliphani Phugeni, Khupe said:

“The preparations for the MDC-T extraordinary congress are at an advanced in line with the High Court Judgment.

Very soon all the delegates of our 2014 congress will have an opportunity to once again retain our movement to its former glory days of steadfastness to the culture, character, values and principles of Social Democracy.

There is, therefore, no need to panic or even employ money and energy in stopping some gathering purported to be our congress as such a gathering is null and void and only amounts to a jamboree.

I will soon be visiting all the districts and wards of our Movement in preparation for the MDC-T legitimate Extra-Ordinary Congress.”

By Own Correspondent- Self proclaimed spiritual consultant Diana “Mangwenya” Samkange has urged people to uphold their culture especially in these trying days.

Mangwenya, who is billed to share the stage with Good Child and Dziva Rembira on Saturday at Solomons Lifestyle Café in Glen View said people should know where they are standing spiritually.

“People should go back to their traditions and spirituality and know where they are standing.

“Sometimes we should stop blaming top officials for failing us and seek spiritual guidance ourselves.

“People should also know that not having a culture is just the same as not having and an identity card, it means you cannot be recognised.

“Without culture there is no belonging,” she said

Mangwenya said traditional bira ceremonies were still relevant in our life.

“Our Zimbabwean culture is being diluted and as a nation we no longer have something to point as our very own.

“We are standing in the middle of nowhere as far as culture is concerned.

“There reason of having this African Gig or Bira on Africa Day is to revive our culture and help others know its worth.

“As Africans, as Zimbabwean we should be proud of who we are and stop people from taking advantage of us, of what we believe in,” she said.

“I am here to help my fellow Zimbabweans to uphold our culture.

“People should know that culture has nothing to do with wealth, uptown or down town lifestyle, culture is culture and that is why we are having this gig in Glen View,” added Mangwenya.

Her show comes at a time when Mangwenya has been doing on the showbiz.

She is one of the few active female artistes who has managed to stay afloat.

Buoyed by the success of her latest album Kumandinde, Mangwenya has vowed to fight for the girl-child.

Her album, produced by the country’s top producers, carries seven tracks.

These include the title track Kumandinde followed by Tovera Mudzimu Dzoka, Tsitsi Rudo Neunyararo, Hondo, Mudiwa John, Ndine Rudo, Chandinoda and Gara Pedyo.

Mangwenya went full circle in search of quality sound which saw her engaging the services of Maselo, Oskid, Walter Mabayi and Casper Beatz of Bazooka Studios in the capital.

It is being distributed by Spinalong. -HMetro

Farai Dziva|Community Tolerance Reconciliation and Development(COTRAD) has condemned the harassment, persecution and detention of human rights activists by Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government.

See the COTRAD statetement below:

COTRAD CALLS FOR THE RELEASE OF HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS

Community Tolerance Reconciliation and Development (COTRAD) calls for the release of Human Rights Defenders Gamuchirai Mukura (COTRAD) Director, Tatenda Mombeyarara of the Citizen Manifesto, George Makoni Center for Community Development Zimbabwe ( CCDZ) Advocacy officer, Nyasha Frank Mpahlo of Transparency International-Zimbabwe (TIZ), and Farirai Gumbonzvanda of Rosaria Trust.

The Human rights Defenders were arrested at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport on Monday night on allegations of plotting to subvert President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government. The State alleges that the Human Rights Defenders allegedly participated in a meeting held in Maldives last week, where they hatched a plot to topple Mnangagwa’s government through civil disobedience.

The Human Rights Defenders were denied bail when they appeared before a Harare magistrate yesterday (23/May/2019.

Farai Dziva|A respected African Statesman is expected to grace the MDC A Congress in Gweru, party leader Nelson Chamisa has said.

“Gweru is lit and painted MDC, painted red…the colour of love, freedom and people power.I love the mood and atmosphere.

Democracy never fails. Expecting a revolutionary
@HEBobiwine of Uganda as one of the special guests from the African continent,”tweeted Chamisa.

By Own Correspondent- Chiefs here have been identified as important players in peace building and conflict resolution in their communities to promote family values and facilitate development.

Addressing chiefs from Matabeleland North during a meeting in Bulawayo recently, Vice President Kembo Mohadi, who is responsible for national healing and reconciliation, said the role of traditional leaders is vital and recognised by the Constitution.

Said Mohadi:

“Chiefs should guide us in resolving conflicts in their communities so that their people live in peace and harmony, in accordance with customary law. They should promote and uphold cultural values of their communities and in particular to promote sound family values.

Chiefs also preserve culture, traditions, history and heritage of their communities, including sacred shrines. They also play a role in facilitating development.

This is the second meeting I am holding with chiefs in the provinces, having held the first one in Mashonaland Central last month.

This is a crucial programme that I am engaged in, consulting and involving all chiefs in their areas of jurisdiction on how to build and sustain peace in our country.

By making our cultural approach the foundation of our peace-building architecture, I’m not ignoring or playing down other institutions that are involved in peace building and conflict resolution like the church, civic society and constitutional commissions. “However, these other institutions complement this fundamental cultural approach to peace-building and conflict resolution,” said VP Mohadi.

The VP challenged young chiefs to follow traditional values so that they earn the respect of their people.

“I’m aware that we have a good number of our chiefs who are young. They should realise that they have a challenge of earning the respect of their people. They should also know that wisdom comes with age and experience,” said VP Mohadi.

By Own Correspondent- 90% of Zimbabweans are not paying radio and TV licences to the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC), Parliament was told.

ZBC chief executive officer Patrick Mavhura appeared before the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Media on Thursday where he made the sensational claim.

Mavhura claimed that the public broadcaster has therefore been prejudiced of hundreds of millions of dollars in unpaid fees. Said Mavhura:

The forecasted budget for 2019 is $45 million and we expect $34 million from advertising revenue and $10 million from licencing.

The potential licence revenue we are supposed to collect is around $220 million per annum, but the compliance rate is very low at less than 10%, and what it means is that less than 10% of the country’s population is paying licences.

The ZBC official said nonpayment was attributable to poor TV and radio signals in many areas.-Newsday

Farai Dziva| A woman from Dulivhadzimu, Beitbridge has appeared in court for attempting to trade her daughter for three cars to a Zimbabwean businessman based in South Africa- in a suspected ritual case .

Agness Sheron Teverashe Pedzisai(19 ) was charged with conspiracy to murder, when she appeared before Beitbridge Regional Magistrate Crispen Mberewere on Wednesday.

The court heard that that sometime in April, Pedzisai obtained contacts of Brian Musekiwa Mungofa, who is based in South Africa and started communicating with him through text messages.

Pedzisai allegedly told Mungofa that she was offering her child, who was staying in Chivi, so that he would kill her and obtain body parts for the enhancement of his transport business.

She demanded a Nissan Caravan, Honda Fit and Altezza in exchange for the child.

Pedzisai was then arrested and investigations established that she had a daughter who was staying with her grandmother at Mbavare village in Chivi, who she reportedly wanted to trade for the cars.She was remanded in custody.

By Own Correspondent- The first group of Chinese tourists under the Touch Road Project arrived in the country recently, for a four day tour of Zimbabwe.

This follows the successful signing of a Memorandum of Agreement between Zimbabwe and China recently. 

The delegates, the first batch of the expected 10 000 tourists set to visit Zimbabwe under the “Touch Road project” arrived aboard a chartered Air Ethiopian Airways and were received at the Robert Mugabe International Airport by Environment, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Prisca Mupfumira and other senior government officials.

In her welcoming remarks, Mupfumira said the arrival of the delegation is the beginning of the implementation of the agreed areas of cooperation between Zimbabwe and its all weather friend, China.

She said:

“We are happy to note that our cooperation with China Touch Road International Group has contributed to the growth of tourists arrivals in Zimbabwe. There will definitely be a marked increase as we want to draw all our Chinese visits to Zimbabwe to a meaningful number.”

Before coming to Zimbabwe the group went through Djibouti and Tanzania as part of their 10-Day African journey.

Mupfumira also revealed that the grand group will tour the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Great Zimbabwe, the National Monument and the majestic Victoria Falls.

She added:

“Our delegates will get a chance to experience our wonderful  people, our culture, our heritage and our rich history. They will also see Zimbabwe’s pristine wildlife and nature, the mythical Kariba Dam, the mighty Zambezi and not forgetting the mountainous areas of the Eastern Highlands.

This visit will not be a once off visit from such groups since we are expecting more Chinese groups to come to Zimbabwe. Through this initiative, we are expecting about 10 000 Chinese tourists.

Our country has not been performing well as a tourism destination for the Chinese market since the closure of the Zimbabwe Tourist Office in Beijing and the withdrawal of Air Zimbabwe flights in September 2011. These negative market developments saw tourists’ arrivals from China declining from 30 549 arrivals in 2011 to 11 439 in 2018.”

The Tour Africa- The New Horizon Tourism Project has been identified as one of the opportunities meant to open the Chinese market to destination Zimbabwe considering that tourism is one of the key pillars of economic revival in Zimbabwe.

Farai Dziva |Zimbabweans strongly feel Emmerson Mnangagwa is feigning concern about Dumiso Dabengwa’s death.

See below comments on Mnangagwa’s statement about Dabengwa’s death:

Sijabulisiwe Masilela: He is so good when it comes to condolences. Thus what he knows best.

Tafadzwa Makuwarara:
Dabengwa was a better man than him,that’s why he insulted him,but at the end of the day respect to Cde Dabengwa .MHDSRIP.Tazz Dee Siba:May Dabengwa’s soul rest in peace.

Lovemore Gowe:It’s natural, those are crocodile tears.Portia Mar: Anofarira zvitunha quote by R.G Mugabe.

Wayne Mrengwe:President ED is a mature leader who knows how to forgive and forget, thank you President.
Flabba Flabba: crocodile tears.Poisson Muchetura: That’s politics isu tinopinda papiko.

Farai Dziva|Several Zimbabweans have said the Marondera woman who was arrested after being found in possession of mbanje should not be prosecuted as she was only trying to fend for her family.

The woman was arrested after being found in possession of 52 kilograms of mbanje.

Sandra Rusenza said: Don’t blame her, the situation is bad ari kuedza kurarama. Better pane kuba.

Cathew Manyani commented:It’s very unfortunate. She needs a good lawyer. I don’t believe the weed is hers. She could have been used by someone. If she doesn’t get legal representation she will definitely go to jail.

Prosper Chibvura:Please this is not fair. A woman of her calibre should be cautioned and given another chance and supported with a legal project so that she continues to do the best for her family. Haana kuba haana kuuraya haana kumukira hurumende haana kuita chitadzo kunaMwari. REGERERAYI VAKADAYI VANOITIRA ZVINHU FOR A REAL CAUSE!!!

Shepherd Mukuta:God bless her she is doing this for her living.
Pana Pana:Hupenyu hwakaoma arikutsvagawo yefood neyevana yexul fees ….may God bless her family.

By Own Correspondent- A Mabvazuva Primary School headmaster who violated tenets of good corporate governance by single handedly picking a company to supply an assortment of ICT equipment, instead of going to tender, was last Thursday convicted of criminal abuse of office and jailed for three years.

Benson Matare, (59), was posted to the school by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education three years ago following his demotion from the position of Makoni district deputy schools inspector due to a number of alleged scandals.

He was found guilty of violating tender procedures and his incarceration has send jitters in the education sector in the district.

He will, however, serve an effective two years behind bars after the magistrate Mr Shane Kubonera suspended one year of the initial sentence on condition that he does not commit a similar offence and good behaviour.

Matare, who was represented by an unnamed Harare-based lawyer, had pleaded not guilty to the charges.

He has since instructed his lawyer to lodge an appeal against both conviction and sentence at the High Court.

Matare was convicted after a full trial which saw incriminating evidence being adduced from his subordinates and officials from the parent ministry.

Matare awarded a contract worth $42 837, 00 to Lifemark Computers Pvt without following proper tender procedures.

Prosecutor Mr Gift Mtigwa told the court that Matare was supposed to source for three competitive quotations from different suppliers.

He instead hand-picked Lifemark Computers Pvt.

In so doing he usurped the powers of the sub-procurement of the School Development Committee (SDC) which is mandated at law to preside over the supplier selection process and compile a comparative schedule justifying its decision.

“Sometime in October 2017, the parents with students enrolled at Mabvazuva Primary school resolved to acquire computer laboratory equipment comprising of 40 modern computers and nine interactive smart boards affixed with projectors.

“Matare, as the headmaster had the mandate to spearhead the process of acquiring the said computer laboratory equipment. Instead of advertising for at least three competitive quotations from different suppliers for the supply of the equipment, since the purchases were above the $10 000 stipulated at law, Matare hand-picked and entered into a contract with Lifemark Computers Pvt to supply the equipment at a cost of $42 837, 00.

“This was contrary or inconsistent with accused’s duties as a public officer. The offence came to light sometime in April 2018 when numerous complaints of misappropriation of funds at the school were received by the Makoni district schools inspector Nathaniel Machini,” said Mr Mtigwa.-StateMedia

By Own Correspondent- The Zanu-PF Youth League executive will address inter-district meetings in all provinces beginning with Mashonaland Central, in a bid to lure young people to participate in national development, an official has said.

The meetings, will run till June 8 and will also see the launch of the “10-hectare project”, an initiative that will see party youth create employment in farming and retail.

In an interview, Zanu-PF secretary for Youth Pupurai Togarepi (55) said the national leadership was also going to appraise members on prevailing economic developments.

“We are starting in Mash Central and the leadership is going to meet the membership to explain the vision of President Mnangagwa and activities they can engage in to participate in the economic development of the country.

“We will also explain the prevailing economic challenges and talk about the youth about their issues,” Togarepi said.-StateMedia

The day we lost the best son of the soil. This is one of the grieved day for Mthwakazi nation and Africa as a whole.

We remember you Dr Dumuso Dabengwa, the Zipra intelligence supremo. The worthy and courageous Black Russian. The militant of the great revolution. The one who gave his life for the freedom of our people.

 Crushing down imperialism and colonialism was the duty you assigned yourself to. You were prepared to pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of the armed struggle against white colonial regime. You chose duty and the struggle against blind submission. Your magnificence a hundred times will be exalted, and glorified will be your unique contribution in liberating Zimbabwe.

Incarcerated alongside with the late military general Lookout Khalisabantu Vumindaba Masuku on trumped-up charges of treason by Mugabe, Mnangagwa and cronies. The Zimbabwe regime master planned this conspiracy to make the Mthwakazi nation talentless and crippled, by killing her people in most heinous way possible through Gukurahundi. For love of country you accepted pain, torture and isolation. Those who attempted to humiliate you only succeeded in glorifying you. Your enemies shall forever harvest shame.

Your name is scribed in the story of Africa’s quest for freedom. Indeed, time can neither soil your work nor tarnish your great and proud image. Your courage, resilience and determination shall forever be our inspiring guidance in the struggle to liberate Mthwakazi nation. Your spirit of heroism shall forever strengthen our souls so that the weakening instinct of self-preservation, which may besets us in our struggle, shall not blind us of our duty to set Mthwakazi free.

Oh! Beloved son of our People. You will never be forgotten. Lala ngokuthula qhawe lama qhawe!

We Carry On! 
Vuka Mthwakazi Sizwe

The Supreme Court appeal by MDC leader Nelson Chamisa against a High Court ruling which nullified his presidency has left his rivals confused. The application was made on the eve of the MDC elective congress which opens today in Gweru.

According to Tonderai Bhatasara, a Harare lawyer, the appeal suspends the judgment of the lower court.

Speaking to the Daily News, Bhatasara said:If you note an appeal, it suspends the judgment of the lower court. In this case, the noting of an appeal by the appellants will have the effect of suspending the judgment by Justice Mushore.

He added that implementing the High court ruling was not a walk in the park. Bhatasara added:
The problem in this case, however, is that the judgment itself is difficult to enforce. It ordered the conducting of an extraordinary congress after 30 days; I don’t think the 30 days have elapsed.

So the applicants in the Supreme Court appeal are not yet in contempt. The order has got so many terms but the most critical one is the holding of an extraordinary congress, which is not yet ripe.

The remarks by Bhatasara are preceded by a High court ruling yesterday afternoon which dismissed an application by Maureen Tavengwa which sought to bar Chamisa’s party from conducting the elective congress.Daily News

By Own Correspondent- The Presidential Advisory Council (PAC) yesterday made recommendations to President Mnangagwa and Cabinet ministers on how to fight corruption, in a development expected to add impetus to Government’s commitment to combat the vice.

President Mnangagwa and several Cabinet ministers held a three-hour meeting in which the PAC tabled a comprehensive report of recommendations on how to turn around the economy with measures to fight corruption taking centre stage.

In an interview after the meeting, PAC acting coordinator Mr Edwin Manikai said: “We presented our PAC fourth advisory note to His Excellency the President and he invited some of his Government ministers and officials. The fight against corruption was top on the agenda and we made some recommendations on how we believe we can improve and accelerate the fight against corruption,” said Mr Manikai.

He said President Mnangagwa accepted most of their recommendations as his Government had already been contemplating implementing some of them.

“The President agreed with us. I cannot tell you the exact nature of the input we made but we had two resolutions to support the fight against corruption which we believe are not only positive for the fight in order to improve the business environment but tried and tested in other jurisdictions. So we are not going into uncharted territories, we have examples. In fact, one of the things we recommended we have done it in this country successfully before,” said Mr Manikai.

“The President was actually supportive and he said it was not new, it was something that his Government was contemplating and our endorsement confirms that it is the right direction. So we hope to see virtually immediate traction and velocity in the fight against corruption. We have proposed to fortify the capacity to do the job, we have also proposed to utilise local but experienced qualified people to assist the Government.”

On the economy, Mr Manikai said the PAC had long advised that Government liberalise the foreign exchange and fuel markets, which he said Government had embraced recently.-StateMedia

By Own Correspondent- A commercial farmer from Chipinge, who shot and injured his security guard while shooting dogs that had strayed into his cattle pens, was last week convicted of the crime.

Joubert Francois Johannes, (36), of Lushon Farm appeared before senior Chipinge magistrate Mr Joshua Nembaware last Thursday facing charges of negligently causing serious bodily harm.

In convicting him, Mr Nembaware noted, among other things, that Joubert acted unreasonably.

“He did not exercise proper care and he was not even remorseful after the shooting. He blamed the complainant for his negligence,” said Mr Nembaware.

In mitigation, through his lawyer Mr Langton Mhungu, of Kwirira and Associates, the farmer pleaded for a non-custodial sentence saying he was a first offender and that he had no intention to injure the complainant.

However, in aggravation, the State pressed for a deterrent sentence.

The court then adjourned in terms of Section 54(2) of the Magistrates Courts Act to seek for increased sentencing jurisdiction from the Prosecutor General.

The matter was remanded to June 11 for sentencing.

Prosecutor Mr Gift Bikita said on October 5 last year at around 6am, the suspect and his employee Francis Makuyana (63) were at the shed at the accused’s house.

Johannes then saw some stray dogs which had entered into his cattle pens. He went into his house and armed himself with a shot gun.

The complainant then went to the guardroom where he intended to prepare his meal.

Johannes then fired two shots hitting one of the dogs which died instantly, but the other shotgun pellet strayed and hit the complainant in the stomach.-ManicaPost

On behalf of all members of Mthwakazi Liberation Movement (MLF) and the whole Mthwakazi at large, we learnt with great shock that His Excellency Honourable DD has passed on.

Our sincere condolences go to the family of our dear hero and to ZAPU. He passed on at a very bad time after having revealed that ZANU pf abjectly refused to shelter UMkhonto Wesizwe after Zimbabwe’s independence and worked with the Apartheid regime and their joint plan (ZANU pf and Apartheid SA) resulted in the Gukurahundi GENOCIDE and the delay of South Africa’s independence by at least 10 years.

Because of such revelations, we knew that ZANU would do all it could to silence him from telling more but we never thought it would be so soon and we wonder when will ZANU stop murdering Mthwakazi people. Recently, it was Misheck Velaphi Ncube, and barely two weeks after, it is Dabengwa. How on earth would death strike on Ex Zipra camp only and leaving out the Ex Zanlas?

It is high time ZANU realises that we have eyes, we can see and we will not sit back anymore while our human history books are being taken away from us just like that.

It is painful that the likes of Dumiso Dabengwa, Mishack Ncube etc, you passes on before seeing the Mthwakazi Independence, but may we make it a promise to them all that we will in whatever cost, deliver Mthwakazi from Zimbabwe colonialisation. 

Rest in peace

Qhawe lama qhawe! Mrashy’omnyama!Imbabal’eyal’ukudl’amath’eZanu Yakheth’ukubuyel’emanxiweni.

Lala kahle sohlala sikukhumbula!

By Own Correspondent- Members of Parliament here have implored government to allocate them separate service stations alleging that they cannot be seen to be jumping the prevailing long winding queues because “the anger on the ground is unhealthy.”

The legislators who are also demanding a salary hike, claim that their earnings have been eroded by galloping inflation.

MPs reportedly earn a basic salary of about $2 000 per month. Their seating allowances fall between $800 and $1 000 monthly.

Responding to Norton MP Temba Mliswa (Independent) who had raised the issue of legislators’ remuneration, Speaker of the National Assembly Jacob Mudenda said:

The first (grievance) one under welfare, I think it goes without saying that you have a valid point and we should be able to deliberate on that issue tomorrow (yesterday). It is on the agenda of the Committee on Standing Rules and Orders (CSRO).

Mliswa also called on Parliament to allocate MPs their own service station so that they will not have to spend time in fuel queues jostling with “angry” citizens.

He said:

I think the fuel situation requires probably a specific service station to be allocated to members of Parliament because what is happening is totally impossible.

We get fuel coupons but we have no access to the fuel. The queues which are there, for us to be seen having to jump the queues again creates a lot of problems because the anger which is on the ground is not healthy.

The MPs argued that their conditions of service should be upgraded to the level of that of the other State organs, that is, the Executive and Judiciary.-DailyNews

Jane Mlambo| Leading poll watchdog, the Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN) has heightened calls for President Emmerson Mnangagwa to rope in opposition leader Nelson Chamisa in the national dialogue if the country is to entertain hopes of proffering lasting solutions to the current economic challenges facing the country.

In a statement yesterday, ZESN also called for the inclusion of parties which participated in the July 2018 harmonised elections as well as other electoral stakeholders including civil society, churches, the media, women and persons with disabilities.

“The network also notes that some political parties which participated in the harmonised elections are not participating in the political dialogue raising  issues around the legitimacy of the dialogue, which issues, in our view, merit consideration by the conveners of the dialogue, so that no political player is left out.

“ZESN reiterates its position that the dialogue must be inclusive of all electoral stakeholders namely civic society organisations, churches, the media, women, persons with disability, and youths among others,” said ZESN.

The elections lobby group urged government to make use of the Mothlante Commission recommendations that there be a multi-party reconciliation initiative with national and international mediation to address post election problems that continue to haunt Zimbabwe.

“The Motlanthe Commission into the 1 August shootings recommended the establishment of a multi-party reconciliation initiative, including youth representatives, with national and international mediation to address the root causes of the post-election violence.”

Though ZESN acknowledged the establishment of an inter-ministerial task-force to address recommendations and issues raised by the various election observer missions as well as the Motlanthe Commission, it raised concern that government was reluctant on implementing the recommendations.

ZESN recommended that the national dialogue results in an Electoral and Political Reforms Taskforce or a Working Group comprising of Parliament, institutions supporting democracy, political parties, CSOs and faith based organisations and other key stakeholders to closely monitor the timeous implementation of recommendations proffered by local, regional, and international election observers ahead of the 2023 elections.

By Own Correspondent- A survey done by the state media shows that commuter buses price hikes is now causing people to go to work late because they will be waiting for cheap ZUPCO buses.

Pressure on ZUPCO buses is now increasing because commuter buses are increasing prices every day.

In an interview commuters said it was better to be late for work than to use commuter buses, they are too expensive.

“We chose to wait for buses because they are affordable, we will not use commuter buses whilst cheap buses are there.”

“We wait for the ZUPCO buses even if we late for work, we cannot afford to pay $5 to go to town every day,” she said.

Shopkeepers said are willing to open shops late because they cannot afford to use commuter buses every day.

“I work in a shop so we will open the shop anytime I get there because if I use commuter buses I will starve my children at home,” he said.-H Metro

Former Zimbabwe National Road Administration (Zinara) chief executive officer Frank Chitukutuku, who is under investigation for fraud, has been given a 30-day ultimatum to give an account of how he acquired an array of immovable and movable assets worth over US$20 million.

High Court judge Justice Erica Ndewere ordered a freeze of the assets pending finalisation of the criminal case.

Chitukutuku now has to give a detailed statement to the head of the police’s Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) within a month.

The State claims Chitukutuku may have acquired his property through criminal activities, hence the need to have the same frozen.

The decision was made following an ex-parte application by Prosecutor-General Mr Kumbirai Hodzi for an unexplained wealth and asset freezing order in terms of Section 37B as read with Section 37H of Presidential Powers (Temporary Measures) (Amendment of the Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Act (Chapter 9:24) and Exchange Control Act) Regulations, 2018 (Statutory Instrument 246 of 2018).

Justice Ndewere ruled in favour of the State and barred any interested parties from dealing, in any way, with the property in question.

The order was issued after convincing arguments by the prosecution team led by chief law officer Mr Chris Mutangadura.

Mr Mutangadura heads the asset forfeiture unit at the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).

Chitukutuku is said to have acquired 10 motor vehicles between September 2013 and April last year.

These vehicles include two Mazda T35 trucks, a Hino Dutro truck, Toyota Land Cruiser, Toyota Prado, Nissan NP200, Range Rover, Hino Ranger and a Land Rover Discovery.

Sometime in 2011, Chitukutuku reportedly acquired residential properties namely: Property measuring 4 048 square metres held under Deed of Transfer 3232/11 situated at Lot 1 of Lot 3 of Lot 56A Borrowdale Estate, Harare and another one measuring 8 853 square metres held under Deed of Transfer 3885/11 situated at Lot 3 of Subdivision C of Subdivision B of Subdivision D of Nthaba of Glen Lorne.

The State also claims Chitukutuku built or acquired a multi-million dollar thatched precast-walled house at the top of a mountain at Belmont Farm, Goromonzi, adding he also has six state-of-the-art fowl runs, five tractors, a 10-tonne UD truck, 4 x 200-litre PVC water tanks, as well as several structures at the farm.

Apart from a long list of expensive properties, Chitukutuku is also said to be the owner of two renowned companies, Farm Pride (Private) Limited situated at 49 Kent Road, Chisipite, Harare and an insurance company, Champions Insurance, which boasts of assets estimated at over US$15 million.

According to the State, Chitukutuku acquired the properties at a time he was lawfully earning a combined $8 500 from Zinara as well as his farming activities.

-State Media

The government is adamant that ZUPCO is profitable despite a 50 percent reduction in bus fares. Whilst all local urban routes now cost 50 cents from $1, the company charges, in that order, $0.75 and $1 for a distance of up to 30km and 40km.

Professor Amon Murwira, acting minister of Local Government, Public Works, and National Housing said transport is actually overpriced in the country. Professor Murwira said:
With this card there is no need for the customer to carry cash anymore.

You will be having the card which has money in advance and then you can use it every time. It therefore means 0.50 cents, according to calculation, can make a big bus make profit. The transport in this country is overpriced. We are proving through technology that we can have proper prices. So, I think that is basically the issue of introducing efficiencies using technology at Zupco. This is why we say Zupco will make profit even at 0.30 cents.

He added that fuel prices had no direct bearing on the bus fares. Murwira also said that the vision is to transform into a situation whereby business does not over-profiteer or under profiteer based on the efficiency of their collection system.

Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Ziyambi Ziyambi added that the government was assuming its role of a public protector.State media