Farai Dziva|Political analyst Tinashe Eric Muzamindo has described Thokozani Khupe as a desperate and power hungry individual.

See his statement below:

Thokozani Khupe must report for duty at Harvest House if she is now the President of the MDC

1. Harvest House is not under threat
2. Any other assets and buildings are very safe
3. Chamisa’s Presidency is very safe
4. They can simply resort to MDC Alliance and use this congress as “Extra-ordinary Congress”
   What a heartless woman whose focus is on hard currency, when the majority of Zimbabweans are languishing in poverty !!!!
   She is more concerned about Harvest House building ?????
   Really Thoko !!!
   … She got away with a brand new vehicle which belongs to Parliament and nothing happened to her? Really. She got away with the name MDC T and brought confusion to less than 30 000 people who voted for her?? She enjoys comedy and the public will judge her in future!
   What a heartless woman, she can do anything so that she can smile all the way to the bank.
   Prices are skyrocketing, Thoko will never respond?
   Tobacco farmers are getting bond money whilst Zim Government is selling tobacco in USD, Thokozani is silent?
   The unemployment rate has reached 98.6%, Thokozani is more worried about Harvest House??.
   No drugs in Hospitals, Khupe wants to be at Harvest House?

By Own Correspondent| A 15 year-old boy is suing the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) after he was brutally assaulted by a police officer, who was reportedly investigating the theft of a mobile phone handset in Mutare’s high-density suburb of Sakubva.

The 15 year-old boy, who is represented by Peggy Tavagadza of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, recently served ZRP with a notice of intention to sue for inhuman and degrading treatment after he was handcuffed and assaulted in March by Jefinias Mazambani, a police officer, who accused him of stealing a cellphone before detaining him at Sakubva Police Station in Mutare, Manicaland province.

However, the 15 year-old boy was released from police custody without being charged.

According to Tavagadza, the 15 year-old juvenile bled profusely as a result of the assault by Mazambani.

Despite being released from police custody without any charges pressed against him, Tavagadza said some ZRP officers continued making impromptu visits to the juvenile’s residence and continued assaulting him.

The ZLHR revealed that Tavagadza will soon issue summons against ZRP, where she will indicate the total amount of damages suffered by the 15 year-old boy as a result of the ill-treatment by the law enforcement agents.

MDC Treasurer General aspirant David Coltart has denigrated Thokozani Khuphe over her remarks that she wanted to reclaim her leadership in the MDC. Khuphe’s remarks came after the High Court nullified Nelson Chamisa’s presidency in the party.

The court ordered the party to go to an extraordinary congress to elect a new leader.

Dear Thoko Zanu Khupe … You did your congress together with Gutu, Linda Masarira and others, you were elected president and you indicated that your party is the original MDC-T. You participated in the presidential race using the name MDC-T and you got 0.9 percent … Chamisa also participated and got over two and half million votes, so I don’t see the logic why you are saying you want to lead the MDC, which MDC?

Coltart further described Khuphe’s decision as total madness. He added:
You want to be a leader of 2 million people who didn’t vote for you really, this is total madness give us a break madam Khupe …This will not work, you will not work, Chamisa will work … Simple.

Chamisa has engaged advocate Thabani Mpofu to represent him in the matter. Meanwhile, Khuphe has since roped in Professor Lovemore Madhuku to help her implement the court order.

Chamisa’s supporters and sympathisers are arguing that the ruling was influenced by the ruling ZANU PF which prefers any opposition leader but Chamisa.DailyNews

Video loading below…

https://youtu.be/t6dEaaxR_xs

By Own Correspondent- The opposition MDC says it plans to introduce the Morgan Tsvangirai School of Ideology immediately after its elective congress slated for May 24 to 26.

This was revealed by the party’s national organising secretary and MDC Alliance MP for Mkoba, Amos Chibaya at a district congress held at Chiredzi Town House on Sunday.

The congress, which was meant to elect the district leadership failed to take place, because the wards in attendance failed to make a quorum. Only 10 out of 13 wards showed up after a bungle by the district party leadership in communicating the date of the event.

Chiredzi West has been a problem child for the opposition party for a long time now, leading to more than 10 party members standing as independents in the July 30, 2018 harmonised elections in both parliamentary and local government elections.

Addressing party members, Chibaya said his party is going to introduce the Morgan Tsvangirai School of Ideology in honour of the late trade unionist, leader and founder of the MDC. Tsvangirai died on February 14 last year, after succumbing to cancer of the colony.

“As soon as the congress is over, we are going to introduce Morgan Tsvangirai School of Ideology in honour of our late founding father. The first group to attend will be the party’s national council members, followed by the provincial leadership until we reach the branches.

“We want to educate our members on the party ideology. We want our members to understand our position on certain political issues. They should also understand our position on the land policy, which is misconstrued in various circles, (including) Zanu PF, in a bid to tarnish our party.

“As a party, we are saying land to the people, not to the politicians. So we are going to roll out the programme starting in June. We are going to reach out to everyone in our party until we reach the grassroots,” Chibaya said.

By Own Correspondent- The Cabinet has revealed government plans to privatise the Zimbabwe United Passenger Company (ZUPCO).

This is premised at resuscitating the operations of the parastatal to ease challenges in public transport.

The development was disclosed by Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Professor Mthuli Ncube at a post-cabinet briefing.

Meanwhile, the cabinet approved a deal to revive Cold Storage Company operations under a joint venture.

The deal shall see the partnering company, Boulstead Beef Pvt Limited taking over the management of CSC seven ranches for an initial period of 25 years. It will also be in charge of abattoirs in Bulawayo, Chinhoyi, Masvingo, Marondera, and Kadoma.-StateMedia

By Own Correspondent- Senior Doctors have said that they are confident that president Mnangagwa shall meet their grievances. 

They were speaking after meeting with President Emmerson Mnangagwa at the State House.

Dr. Faith Muchemwa said that president Mnangagwa assured them that the government was working towards addressing their grievances.

She said that the meeting was arranged by the first lady as she wanted to have an appreciation of concerns of workers in the public institutions.

Muchemwa said:

She then arranged for a meeting with the President and we were listened to. We were assured that most of the things we have requiring are actually on their way through the Minister.

She also revealed that they were promised mainly the medicines, the sundries to use in the hospitals, and some of the equipment that had broken down. Muchemwa also expressed confidence in the president.

She said:

I’m a doctor and I work with faith, so yes (i have confidence that ED will deliver).

Health and Childcare Minister, Dr Obadiah Moyo added that Mnangagwa will use his influence to achieve doctors’  wish list.

He, like Dr. Muchemwa, was, however, evasive on the matter of doctors’ remuneration saying that the issue was going to be discussed at other forums.

Doctors, like teachers, are demanding to be paid their salaries in United States Dollars. They argue that the increment that was made recently is now insignificant considering the rising cost of living as a result of the soaring inflation.-263Chat

The United States has issued a warning to its citizens over possible civil unrest in Zimbabwe, African News Agency has reported.

It reports that the US has in a notice titled ‘Zimbabwe Travel Advisory, Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution’, that was released on Tuesday warned Americans to be vigilant in Zimbabwe. 

The advisory read: Violent crime, such as assault, carjacking, and home invasion, is common. Smashing the windows of cars with the intent to steal, which can harm the driver or passengers, is also common.

Local police lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents. Read the safety and security section on the country information page.

The advisory is also said to have urged those deciding to travel to Zimbabwe to be always alert, avoid openly displaying cash, stay away from political rallies, demonstrations, and crowds, as well as monitor local media for breaking events and to be prepared to adjust plans.

In addition to the above, the advisory is said to have advised the Americans to carry with them copies of their identification and travel documents.

The deteriorating economy and living standards have resulted in increased tensions between the government and opposition parties and civil organisation groups.

Opposition parties, consumer representatives and workers representatives have threatened to take it to the streets if the political and economic crises go unabated.-African News Agency

By Own Correspondent- Musician Clive Malunga claims he quit sex for good in 2002 after divorcing his wife. The 59-year-old says he has been managing without it for close to 17 years.

“I quit sex for life in 2002 when I divorced my wife,” he said.

Malunga dared women who claim to have had slept with him after his divorce to come forward.RELATED ARTICLES

“If there is anyone who can stand in front of the people now saying Clive Malunga is lying, that person can come here and say so, because I have never heard slept with anyone after divorcing with my wife in 2002 up to now.

“I will never ever have a …. relationship with anyone in my life, handina, ndakangozvi garira zvangu inini, I am now just praying,” he said.

Malunga, who runs Jenaguru Music, Arts and Culture International Promotion Village in Belvedere, said he was also unlucky in marriage.

“I am not married; ruoko rwangu urwu rwakashata (I have bad luck in marriage).

“I think the bad luck is because some of these ladies we meet them during our show businesses.

“Later I said to myself, I no longer need to have hassles, I decided to enjoy my life, only taking care of my children, my life, my music.”

Malunga said he was also committed with studies and he has no time for ladies.

“I am currently doing my Masters in Business Administration (degree) with Great Zimbabwe University.

One of the country’s top musicians and music promoter, Malunga, has decided to go back to school – and he has chosen to study for his Masters in Business Administration with Great Zimbabwe University.

The Nesango hit-maker and award-winning musician, Malunga is enrolled with Great Zimbabwe University through the Open Learning Centre, an affiliate of the University.

“It is time for educating our minds than wasting time having sex.”

Malunga, however, urged men not to divorce their wives saying it was only him who was unlucky in marriage.

“I think I am unlucky in marriage. To all men, get me correctly here, I am not saying leave your wives, no, but I am just honestly telling you that I have a bad luck in marriage, hence decided to stay single for life with my children.

“So inini handichada, I am now just staying and educating my children who are now respecting me more because they now know that our father is an organised parent and he is a father,” he said.-H.Metro

By Own Correspondent- A Zimbabwean helicopter pilot, Kelvin Zirema has been arrested in connection with culpable homicide and drunk driving.

South African police report that the pilot hit and killed a Nigerian man and broke the leg of a 26-year-old pedestrian lady before fleeing from the scene.

Zirema who works at a helicopter charter and flight school in Port Elizabeth was however apprehended shortly afterward.

Police spokesperson Colonel Priscilla Naidu reported that Zirema lost control of the vehicle after hitting two pedestrians and he ended colliding into four stationary cars parked near the Humewood Hotel.

He shall appear again in court on Thursday where he is expected to apply for bail.

Jorum Gumbo should not just be removed from Energy Ministry and appointed into a fake ministry of Monitoring etc, he should be totally removed anywhere near public office and investigated over ZINARA etc anywhere the reshuffle is not the solution; REFORM or PERISH!

— Pedzisai Ruhanya (@PedzisaiRuhanya) May 14, 2019

Chasi put on the spotlight..given a struggling https://t.co/TssCgoallr fuel,no electricity.Regai ,tione kuti kugona basa ,kuchiri kuriita here?@fortunechasi I give you my full support.I hope you will not go Jorum Gumbos way of propaganda.Kugona basa kutaura chokwadi also!

— Facts Are Stubborn (@ChiefGuvson) May 14, 2019

https://twitter.com/GeorgeCharamba/status/1128370262360186882?s=19

By Own Correspondent| Justice minister Ziyambi Ziyambi has claimed that president Emmerson Mnangagwa has pledged to fully implement all recommendations and reforms proposed in the Kgalema Motlanthe inquiry report.

The inquiry was initiated by president Mnangagwa following the August 1, 2018 shootings which resulted in about 6 deaths. 

Ziyambi, who chairs the inter-ministerial taskforce tasked to ensure implementation of the Kgalema Motlanthe inquiry report said:

We have done all the work in terms of looking at how to implement the recommendations and these will be made public once we present them to Cabinet. What I can tell you (for) now is President Mnangagwa is committed to implement that report in full. It has not been discarded, it’s being taken seriously.

He further said that the report recommended some law reforms including electoral laws and compensation of victims.

There are doubts in some circles on whether arrests will be effected on security personnel who were implicated in the shootings. It is also not clear whether there shall be security sector reforms or not.

However, a source revealed that among other recommendations, the report advocated the commencement of a political dialogue to diffuse years of political violence.

The source also indicated that bringing to book military officers accused of shooting and killing people on the streets of Harare was the major impediment to the implementation of the report in full.-Newsday

Own Correspondent|Mthwakazi kingdom restoration activists have indicated plans to deploy a full-fledged regiment of traditional Ndebele “soldiers” known as Inxusa to protect controversial chief Nhlanhlayamangwe Ndiweni against possible attacks from ZANU PF and state security agents.

Sources who spoke to ZimEye.com in confidence said that the entire Matabeleland region is backing Ndiweni who is currently facing persecution from the government and ZANU PF after he condemned President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government.

“We want to warn whoever is behind the persecution of Chief Ndiweni that the entire Matabeleland region is fully behind him and will do anything possible to defend and protect him,” said the group spokesperson.

“We have since assembled a full regiment of “soldiers” that will be dispatched soon to give him security as it is now obvious that he is at a serious risk, ” he added.

On Wednesday morning, Ndiweni was exposed to severe threats from a mob of ZANU PF youths at the Bulawayo CBD.

The marauding youths claimed that they had been sent by senior ZANU PF officials to repossess a vehicle which was handed over to him by President Mnangagwa last year.

Ndiweni escaped the ordeal when he pretended to be cooperating with the youth to hand over the car. He asked for them to allow him to get personal belongings from the car, point at which he drew a 20 litre can of petrol and sprayed it all over the car as if to set it on fire.

The terrified youth and other members of the public fled from the scene leaving Ndiweni to safely drive his car home.

The Mthwakazi grouping claims that the special regiment of “soldiers” that will be armed with traditional weapons should be taking over the chief’s security as a matter of urgency.

Ndiweni has been heaving serious clashes with ZANU PF heavyweight Obert Mpofu who at one-time threatened to strip Ndiweni of his chieftainship and throw him out of the area.

Ndiweni could not be reached for a comment at the time of writing.

By Thokozile Usuwana| My first ever memory of any money concept was of the iconic rabbit on the Zimbabwean 5 cent coin. This was enough to buy that ever refreshing freezit or two to quench the thirst that comes inevitably in the hot African sun. As a precocious and early reader, one thing I enjoyed the most was reading the Kwayedza newspaper sipping and savouring my delicious drink. I was about 3 years of age then.

Sadly, now 26 years later, our rabbit is now extinct and newspapers are permeated with propaganda and millennials do not have the slightest idea of the significance of neither what that rabbit meant to us nor what it means to enjoy a good newspaper read.

This is the sad reality of Zimbabwe. Any brainwashed ZANU PF activist can and will easily argue that this sort of scenario is imminent in any country including and especially the United Kingdom with an example being the 6 pence piece. On the other hand, any individual with the basic requirements for common sense can see the vast disparity between the economic impasse in Zimbabwe and the inflation that hits any other country.

In the past few weeks, news filtered in about the shocking price hikes of basic commodities that took a sub-quality loaf bread from ZWL$2 to ZWL$3.50 a price that many can barely afford. Surely the ZANU PF government should be answerable to such appalling conditions.

In an article published on the 26th April 2019 in the online newspaper NewsdzeZimbabwe, the party’ secretary for administration, Obert Mpofu, is quoted ,”This is ZANU PF speaking and we are against these price increases. It is not the government that is increasing the prices, it is individuals for whatever reasons. We are saying as a ruling party, these are unjustifiable and unacceptable.”

Why is it so easy for the ruling party to shift blame of these price upsurges on the people who are suffering and hence attributing their own suffering to be because of their own choosing? No sane mind would rather put themselves in the path of suffering!

In my personal opinion, if any mortal is going to drastic and criminal extremes in the midst of adversity and hardship, it is because of desperation and the sovereign need to provide for their families through a difficult season that they did not impose upon themselves. If what the government says about individuals taking liberties with the prices is indeed true, then evidently the Zimbabwean community is committing a crime.

The question always then is , “ what is leading a mass of people to commit financial crimes such as this?” From face value, Zimbabwe is destroying its own economy but the layer just below the surface exposes the ripple effects of the government’s feral actions.

When the coup d’etat took place in Zimbabwe in November 2017, many argued that having Mr E.D Mnangagwa as the president would benefit the country financially. At almost a year and a half later, the only beneficiaries are the president himself and those that he rules with.

The feeling of catharsis that optimists were expecting to get was irrevocably squashed by the heavy grey cloud of looming suffering. There is no denying all the photographic images that we have been seeing of the president and the rest of his “squad” as he has been living it large travelling from country to country on private jets in the name of helping the country, transporting sofas for better seating while addressing cyclone victims and then there is Mr Mthuli Ncube’s breakfast…

Every human being is entitled to a healthy and hearty breakfast as they so wish but when the minister of finance himself is showcasing such luxury mastication while the common man is scrounging for scraps of poor quality bread, what type of picture does it paint?

As I was growing up, my single mother, Ms Sarah Usuwana, always used to teach us to reach and help humanity from the little that we had and the same will be reciprocated unto us.

Most Zimbabweans that were surrounding me then and now still live by these basic fundamental morals and ethos. Clearly those in ZANU PF must have missed those teachings. To make matters worse, they deny any wrongdoing when it is as clear as day whom is the main culprit. All across the world MDC has been conducting congresses and putting together new executive teams that aim to bring about change and democracy in a civilised and non violent manner.

The reality of anguish and adversity that Zimbabwe is facing in these times of extortionate price increases without any corresponding manner of financial income is what drives us as the MDC to yearn for change.

Enough is enough! All this unethical spending done in the eyes of those who do not know where the next meal is coming from is beyond appalling and we stand as optimists that the future with MDC will not see a such profanity. ZANU PF ought to watch this space because this is the last of their repugnant rule!

Jane Mlambo| Zanu PF youths in Bulawayo reportedly attempted to confiscate Ntabazinduna Chief Ndiweni’s government vehicle as they sought to fix him over his recent remarks that President Emmerson Mnangagwa will be removed from office.

The youths descended on Chief Ndiweni real name Nhlanhla Felix Ndiweni in the central business district of Bulawayo, forcing him to surrender his Isuzu Double Cab which he got from government last year.

Ndiweni is on record calling for sanctions to remain in place until government follows democratic tenets.

Below are the pictures of the scuffle;

Anti-corruption special prosecutor Tabani Mpofu, who is handling the trial of Postal and Telecommunication Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Potraz) director-general Gift Machengete, failed to appear in court for the third time yesterday or respond to the application for exception filed by the defence.

Machengete, who appeared before Harare magistrate Hosea Mujaya, had filed an objection and application for exception to quash the charges levelled against him after the prosecutor failed to appear in court last week.

Prosecutor Zivanai Macharaga, who was standing in for Mpofu, told the court that he could not respond to Machengete’s application for objection, saying Mpofu had advised him that he was sick.

Mpofu recently dropped the main charge of criminal abuse of office against Machengete, preferring to charge him with inducing a procuring entity to engage in procurement by a method that is prohibited by the Act.

The matter was, however, postponed to April 5 for ruling on the application for exception after Macharaga had undertaken to respond to the application on April 2.

In his application for exception, Machengete is contesting the validity of the charge saying the State facts do not disclose how he induced or intended to induce Potraz as a procuring entity to engage in a procurement method that is prohibited by the Act.

Machengete, who was represented by Farai Zuva standing in for Selby Hwacha, also successfully applied for the release of his passport after he was given Cabinet authority to attend an International Telecommunications Union general meeting in Tanzania.

Macharaga said they could not oppose to the application since the accused was given authority by the government.

He further told court that Machengete was given his passport on February 20 for him to attend to his duty in Barcelona, Spain, and he returned it.

He said they were consenting to release his passport, hoping that he will abide by the conditions.

A plan to build Zimbabwe’s biggest platinum mine at a cost of about $4 billion is floundering because a military stake in the project has deterred potential backers, according to people familiar with the funding discussions.

The African Export-Import Bank has the mandate to raise money for the mine, a joint venture between Russian and Zimbabwean investors. While the bank provided $192 million of its own funds, meetings in the past year with investors including South Africa’s Public Investment Corp., the continent’s biggest fund manager, failed to bring additional commitments, one of the people said, asking not to be identified because the talks are private.

Zimbabwe has the world’s third-largest reserves of platinum, palladium and related metals such as rhodium — which typically occur together — after South Africa and Russia. President Emmerson Mnangagwa is trying to lure investment to the country to help rebuild the economy, devastated during the 37-year rule of Robert Mugabe.

The sticking point is a Zimbabwe military company that once was subject to U.S. sanctions. Zimbabwe Defence Industries Ltd. and Zimbabwe Mining Development Corp. together hold 30% of the joint venture, known as Great Dyke Investments, through Pen East (Pty) Ltd., a company they control, according to documents seen by Bloomberg.

Vi Holding, led by Russian entrepreneur Vitaliy Machitski, has a 50% stake in Great Dyke, and 20% is held by undisclosed Zimbabwean investors, the documents show. While the documents are dated 2012, the shareholdings are about the same today, two of the people familiar with the discussions said. The $4 billion figure is a government estimate of the cost to develop the mine and associated infrastructure.

Investors ‘Uncomfortable’

“If there is any kind of military shareholding it will make western investors very uncomfortable, especially the banks,” said Peter Major, a mining analyst at Mergence Corporate Solutions Ltd. in Cape Town. “Who is going to risk it? I think they will battle to get funding from traditional and western institutions.”

South Africa’s PIC declined to comment. Zimbabwe’s defense ministry, ZDI and Vi Holding didn’t respond to phone and email requests for comment.

The U.S. Treasury imposed sanctions on Zimbabwe Defence Industries, or ZDI, and several politicians in 2004 because of violence and irregularities in the nation’s 2000 and 2002 elections. Vi Holding groups Russian companies including state-controlled Rostec Corp. and development bank VEB, according to the people. Both companies also have been sanctioned by the U.S. because of Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea.

Global Witness has previously tied ZDI to diamond mining in eastern Zimbabwe through an indirect shareholding in a Chinese company. Mugabe said his government lost large sums to theft from that deposit, and Human Rights Watch in 2009 accused the military of shooting and killing 200 miners there.

This wouldn’t be the first time military involvement thwarted a mining project. In 2000, Oryx Diamonds Ltd. scrapped plans to trade in London after its adviser withdrew support under pressure from the U.K. government. Oryx had planned a diamond mine in Democratic Republic of Congo with investors that included another Zimbabwe military company at a time when Mugabe’s forces were fighting in Congo.

Repossessed Land

Mugabe handed the Great Dyke concession to Russian investors in 2006 after the government repossessed land from a unit of South Africa’s Impala Platinum Holdings Ltd., or Implats. The first joint venture to try to tap the deposit was Ruschrome Mining, according to the Zimbabwean government. Vi Holding took over Ruschrome’s shareholding in 2014, the people said.

An offer about eight years ago by a “large international mining house” to buy out Pen East from the project for $30 million was rejected, according to a proposal prepared by CDF Trust & Consulting BV, a Zimbabwean consultancy, that was seen by Bloomberg. CDF Trust Managing Director Caleb Dengu declined to comment.

Agreements signed by Great Dyke, Afreximbank, Vi Holding, the Russian Export Center and African Finance Corp. to develop the mine were exchanged at a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Mnangagwa in Moscow in January.

The project could produce more than 800,000 ounces of platinum-group metals a year, only one-fifth less than Zimbabwe’s total current output from mines owned by Implats and Anglo American Platinum Ltd. Afreximbank is seeking funding at a time when supplies of the metal are balanced and a significant increase in production could depress prices.

Afreximbank, which is based in Egypt, will allow potential backers of the mine at Darwendale, north of the capital, Harare, to use a $1.4 billion guarantee it provided to Zimbabwe, one of the people said. Afreximbank is partly owned by African governments. African Finance Corp., whose holders also include African governments, has agreed to invest $75 million, said Hesphina Rukato, Great Dyke’s chairwoman. Afreximbank will complete financing details for the project around June, she said.

Afreximbank doesn’t comment on “ongoing transactions,” said Obi Emekekwue, the bank’s spokesman.

-Bloomberg

Own Correspondent|The much talked about British Investor set to be taking over the Cold Storage Commission in Bulawayo might just not be what Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa pronounced it to be.

Details about the company on the internet show that the company is actually a dormant company with some of the directors linked to Zimbabwe and also in the books of the defunct Rhodesia Meat Company.

Some of the details extracted from the British Companies House website reveal the below:

This is a developing story more details to come..

Farai Dziva|A Zimbabwean opposition leader was beaten up by his lawyer after failing to settle a bill for legal services.

Bryn Mteki, was allegedly assaulted by his lawyer Moses Nkomo over a money dispute.Mteki was one of the 23 candidates who contested in last year’s elections.

The assault incident reportedly occurred on 26 March this year when Mteki and Nkomo were attending court at the Harare Magistrates’ Civil Court.

It is alleged that Nkomo was representing Mteki in a civil case in which he (Mteki) successfully applied for postponement of the case.

Nkomo, who was irked by the postponement, demanded outstanding legal fees from Mteki.

He assaulted Mteki while hurling obscenities at the dreadlocked politician.

Nkomo was not asked to plead to assault when he appeared before Harare magistrate Obedience Matare.

He was remanded out of custody on his own recognition and will be back in court on May 31.

Jane Mlambo| ZANU PF youths have reportedly attacked Ntabazinduna Chief Nhlanhla Felix Ndiweni over his recent remarks that President Emmerson Mnangagwa will leave office soon.

According to an eye witness in Bulawayo, the ruling party youths attempted to take Chief Ndiweni’s vehicle which he got from government.

“They wanted to take his vehicle and he asked them to remove his stuff,” said the eye witness who preferred anonymity.

Ndiweni attracted the ire of ZANU PF leaders over his Mnangagwa remarks with Matemadanda warning that the popular traditional leader was playing with fire.

Ndiweni has also called for more sanctions on Zimbabwe saying the current government had brought more misery to the majority.

Below are pictures of Chief Ndiweni’s scuffle with ZANU PF youths in Bulawayo.

Farai Dziva|A member of the MDC A Youth Assembly has described Thokozani Khupe as a misguided dim-wit who has compromised the people’s struggle for cash.

Arnold Batirai Dube, a national executive member of the MDC Youth Assembly castigated Khupe for letting down the souls of millions of party members who were tormented by the Zanu PF regime -after being hoodwinked by Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Batirai Dube is also a councillor for ward 24 in Bulawayo and he is vying for the post of national vice chairperson of the Youth Assembly.

“Khupe is a misguided element and we will not allow her to seize the people’s project.

Khupe and her people are daydreaming.As far as we are concerned the court ruling counts for nothing.

Our Constitution is crystal clear on issues of the presidency.

You get the mandate from the people, that’s very simple,” said Batirai Dube.

Farai Dziva|The Institute for Community Development is deeply concerned about the onslaught on the civil society.

In a statement released on Tuesday the organization said it would petition the Parliament of Zimbabwe to exercise its oversight role on fundamental rights of marginalised groups.

“During the meeting held last week the Institute for Community Development resolved to develop a petition to Parliament beseeching Parliamentarians to exercise their oversight role on the rights of people with disabilities, as well as an urgent chamber application which will be filed with the High Court of Zimbabwe on the rights of the LGBT people in Zimbabwe.

This will enable them to express themselves like all citizens of Zimbabwe.

We are making calls to the government of Zimbabwe to be much more proactive on safeguarding the rights of the LGBT fraternity as well as fighting corruption – which is prevalent in most municipalities and government departments.

We are also disturbed by the current crackdown on CSOs.With recent suspensions of CSOs the rate at which the civic space is closing is alarming hence the organization is calling on the government to widen the democratic space for civic groups,” said the Institute for Community Development in a statement.

A PROMINENT Harare lawyer has been arrested on charges of assaulting one of last year’s losing presidential candidates, Bryan Mteki, over a misunderstanding on court proceedings at the Harare Civil Court.

Moses Nkomo (40) yesterday pleaded not guilty when he appeared before magistrate Obedience Matare, who remanded him out of custody on free bail.

It is alleged that on March 26 this year, Mteki was attending court at Harare Civil Court and Nkomo was the defence counsel of the applicant in the undisclosed matter.

During the court session, Mteki asked for change of court date and the magistrate told him to go to the clerk of court and be given another date.

The State alleges that on their way to the clerk of court, Nkomo reportedly said to Mteki: “President, give us our money. Why do you want to change dates when you know you have won the case You want to change dates, that is why you are not winning elections.”

It is further said while at the clerk of court’s office, Mteki was given May 11, 2019.

But Nkomo demanded May 20 and he purportedly assaulted Mteki by pushing him using an elbow once on the chest.

The State further avers that Nkomo stated that: “F**k you, that is why you failed to win elections.”

It is alleged Mteki then went back to court, where he told the magistrate and Nkomo allegedly apologised.

Mteki is not new to the court. Early this year, he was acquitted of assaulting his employee after he demanded his salary.

Tapiwa Zvidzai appeared for the State.

-Newsday

Source State Media|In a landmarking move, cabinet has approved a joint venture between the Cold Storage Company (CSC) and a United Kingdom firm, Boulstead Beef (Pvt) Limited, which will see the investor injecting US$130 million into the meat processing firm.

The deal just but dispels long standing ZANU PF claims of British sanctions against the country. The British firm would never have been allowed to invest in Zimbabwe if the country was under sanctions.

A few Zimbabwean people and companies aligned to ZANU PF were put on targeted sanctions by the EU and America. The ruling party has been deliberately misinforming the country on the sanctions claiming that they are the reason behind government’s economic failures.

The deal was announced by Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa during a post- Cabinet Press briefing yesterday.

“Cabinet was informed by Finance and Economic Development Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube that the CSC is to be revitalised through a Concession Agreement under Rehabilitate, Operate and Transfer (ROT) terms,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.

She said under the agreement, Boustead would “raise and invest a minimum of US$130 million into CSC over five years”.

The funds will be for capital expenditures and working capital for the business.

It will also pay off CSC’s financial debts totalling US$42 530 597 and pay rentals of US$100 000 per annum during the first five years of the concession agreement.

Boustead will also take over and manage CSC ranches in Maphaneni, Dubane, Umguza, Chivumbuni, Mushandike, Willsgrove and Darwendale for an initial period of 25 years.

Minister Mutsvangwa said Boustead will take over and run CSC abattoirs in Bulawayo, Chinhoyi, Masvingo, Marondera and Kadoma for an initial period of 25 years.

It will also take over and manage CSC’s distribution centres and residential properties in Harare, Gweru and Mutare for the same period.

Minister Mutsvangwa said the benefits to accrue to Zimbabwe from the investment agreement include, “increased capacity utilisation at CSC ranches and abattoir plants; increased prospects for restoration of the enterprise’s viability and higher throughput; stemming of further deterioration of equipment which is currently lying idle, and the growth of the local livestock and beef industry.”

Asked if 25 years was not too long while CSC was being operated by the private investor, Prof Ncube said the period was sort of a standard across the world, and can stretch to 35 years, since they are funded by debt.

Prof Ncube said 25 years would allow the investor to recoup their US$130 million and then give the CSC back to Government.

He said there are numerous advantages which include bringing back abattoirs to full functionality, providing raw materials to industry such as fat for soap making, and setting up out-growers.

Boustead Beef also plans to export products to countries like China, Botswana, and Angola, said Prof Ncube.

“So the benefits are incredible for the economy. We are happy with the progress so far and as Government are supporting them to make sure that they can really resuscitate CSC to its former glory,” said Prof Ncube.

He explained that Boustead Beef is “already on the ground” and has audited CSC’s infrastructure.

In the first year, Boustead is expected to invest US$45 million, with US$10 million set to be channelled towards the purchase of cattle to replenish the stock.

The herd had dwindled to 341 animals across the country as of March 2017.

Boustead will invest US$6 million into abattoirs’ refurbishment, canning factory, distribution infrastructure, working capital and IT systems while US$500 000 plant equipment has been ordered and paid for.

The equipment is ready for shipping and would be installed upon arrival.

The investor has started paying employee salaries from February this year and is also cleaning its facilities.

Boustead has also started buying cattle from South Africa and is also looking at restocking through facilities in Botswana, while some tenants who were occupying CSC ranches without permission have been relocated.

Illegal hunting in CSC ranches is also being stopped.

Willowvale Motor Industries would assemble Boustead’s vehicles, creating backward and forward linkages.

2The revival of CSC is in line with the Transitional Stabilisation Programme which seeks to arrest the rot in most parastatals.

On May 9, 2019 the Minister of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing, Honorable July Moyo told Parliament that local authorities are allowed to engage debt collectors as a way of recovering debts owed by residents.

The Minister’s pronouncement reveals huge policy inconsistency on the part of the government regarding the engagement of debt collectors by local authorities.

In November 2018, Minister Moyo tabled a Ministerial Statement in the National Assembly in which he warned local authorities against engaging debt collectors saying it was illegal to do so.

The Minister reiterated that there is no legal provision supporting the engagement of debt collectors in the Urban Councils Act or the Rural District Councils Act. He also made reference to the Local Government Circular No. 3 which directed all local authorities to desist from engaging debt collectors.

His latest pronouncement (on May 9, 2019) to the effect that local authorities are allowed to engage debt collectors is a cause for concern.

In 2017, the Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA) ran a series of community engagements during which we urged residents to resist debt collectors and instead, approach council for payment plans.

We reiterate that the operations of debt collectors are illegal as there is no Act of Parliament that allows debt collectors to attach property or issue threats on behalf of creditors. CHRA will continue on the same path of mobilizing residents to resist the debt collectors.

The operations of debt collectors amounts to daylight robbery as they charge an extra 10 percent on top of what the residents owe council. In some cases, the money collected by the debt collectors is not remitted to council and residents remain in debt despite having parted with their hard earned money.

CHRA would also wish to draw the attention of Minister Moyo to the 2018 High Court ruling that declared the operations of debt collectors illegal in the case of the Law Society of Zimbabwe and Wellcash Debt Collectors (Pvt) Ltd.

We are also fully aware that government departments (primarily the Ministry of Local Government and Defence) owe the Harare City Council huge amounts of money and the Minister has no moral ground to authorize the engagement of debt collectors against residents when government itself is equally a bad debtor.

Failure by the government to pay rates to the Harare City Council amounts to over taxation of residents who are now being forced to subsidize the government.

By Own Correspondent- Papers filed in Zimbabwe’s high court by lawyers for Shupikai Chiroodza allege that former first lady Dr Grace Mugabe used her fists and then her shoe in a prolonged attack that left a government employee at her residence injured.

Mugabe is accused of beating the housekeeper with a shoe until blood ‘gushed’ from her face before threatening to kill her if she told anyone about the assault.

Mugabe, is accused of attacking the employee at the family’s home with a shoe in 2017, lawyers said Tuesday. She also faces an arrest warrant in neighbouring South Africa for her alleged assault with a power cable on a female model in Johannesburg in the same year.

Mugabe allegedly attacked Chiroodza after accusing her of “milking” her husband because she had accepted a cash wedding gift from him, the papers say.Chiroodza was a government employee working at the Mugabes’ private Blue Roof mansion in Harare when the alleged attack took place in March 2017, eight months before then-president Mugabe was forced from office.

“I represent Chiroodza, who was part of the domestic staff at Blue Roof in a case of unlawful dismissal,” lawyer Douglas Coltart told AFP.

In her court papers demanding her job back, Chiroodza said Grace Mugabe punched her and ordered her to return an unspecified amount of money. “She started beating me with clenched fists shouting, ‘Who do you think you are? You are milking my husband behind my back’,” Chiroodza said in her court application.

‘I was terrified’, “I was terrified. She removed her shoe and continued assaulting me with it and blood started gushing out of my forehead, mouth and nose. The assault continued for about 20 minutes.”

Chiroodza said she received a dismissal letter two months later. Coltart said the civil service commission had indicated it would not contest the case. “We are hoping to get some form of settlement,” he said.

Mugabe, 53, was seen as a possible successor to her husband in a race against Emmerson Mnangagwa, the current president. Mugabe, now 95, was ousted following a brief military takeover in 2017 after 37 years in office and replaced by Mnangagwa, the favoured choice of the military.

Jane Mlambo| Zimbabwe cricketer Brendan Taylor’s wife was mugged by four men who were driving a red Honda Fit outside their house two days ago amid reports of an increased number of robberies since the beginning of massive load shedding in the country.

Posting on Twitter yesterday, Taylor narrated the events that unfolded outside their house when four armed men who were driving a red Honda Fit descended on his wife who was coming home.

“Just had an alarming situation outside my house, I was waiting for my wife’s return in my driveway. I started hearing her screaming about 100m from my gate, she was getting mugged by 4 armed men. I ran outside and they sped away in red Honda Fit.

“Fortunately she only lost her handbag and it could of been a lot worse. People are getting desperate, be vigilant when entering your property and try keep off the roads after dark. With all this load shedding we’re easy targets,” said Taylor.

Reports of muggings since the intensification of load shedding have been many especially in Harare.

1) Just had an alarming situation outside my house, I was waiting for my wife's return in my driveway. I started hearing her screaming about 100m from my gate, she was getting mugged by 4 armed men. I ran outside and they sped away in red Honda Fit.

— Brendan Taylor (@BrendanTaylor86) May 14, 2019

2) Fortunately she only lost her handbag and it could of been a lot worse. People are getting desperate, be vigilant when entering your property and try keep off the roads after dark. With all this load shedding we're easy targets.

— Brendan Taylor (@BrendanTaylor86) May 14, 2019

Jane Mlambo| Constitutional law expert and fierce Zanu PF critic, Fadzayi Mahere has hailed the appointment of former deputy minister of transport and infrastructure development Fortune Chasi to the position of Minister of Energy and Power Development saying his capacity to engage, listen and take ideas on board is a breathe of fresh air.

Posting on Twitter, Mahere said she recognized the value that Chasi brings on the table even though he will not be able to everything immediately.

” I’m opposed to the flailing Zanu govt but at the same time I recognize that @fortunechasi brings a lot to the table. He’s demonstrated the capacity to engage, listen & take ideas on board. Even if he doesn’t fix everything immediately, he’s a breath of fresh air. Good luck boss!”

I’m opposed to the flailing Zanu govt but at the same time I recognize that @fortunechasi brings a lot to the table. He’s demonstrated the capacity to engage, listen & take ideas on board. Even if he doesn’t fix everything immediately, he’s a breath of fresh air. Good luck boss!

— Fadzayi Mahere?? (@advocatemahere) May 15, 2019

Socialite and business woman Pokello Nare has advised men to date and marry women within their “price range”.

According to the former Big Brother Africa housemate, females are naturally expensive so men should be careful when entering relationships by choosing the women in their ‘price range’

The social media personality said this in her latest message directed at all men as she posted a whole lot of saucy pictures of herself on social media.

She said:

“Choose The Female In Your Price Range.”

By Own Correspondent- Health and Child Care minister Dr Obediah Moyo has revealed that government has started a massive rehabilitation programme for public health institutions in a development expected to result in a marked improvement in standards and the availability of critical health services.

Dr Moyo said the programme, which is going to be implemented in partnership with private players provided for under the 2015 Joint Ventures Act, will initially target central hospitals, after which similar joint ventures will cascade down to other health institutions throughout the country.

Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, Mpilo Central Hospital and United Bulawayo Hospitals have since invited bidders interested in partnering them in refurbishing and re-equipping various sections of the hospitals.

Successful firms or groups will also operate a super-specialty hospital wing within each institution

Said Dr Moyo:

“We want to make sure that the healthcare facilities are of very high level, providing first-class service. We want to make sure that our customers access affordable services, which is also within easy reach so we want to make sure that all the facilities are all rehabilitated.

“Our facilities had gone for a long time without going major rehabilitation and at the same time we also need to replenish all the institutions with medicine, surgical sundries so that it make sense,” said Dr Moyo.

“For us to be able to tackle all these problems, as a Government and on our own, we cannot be able to fulfil it, that is why you here the Zimbabwe is open for business mantra and this is not just in other industries, it includes the healthcare industry as well.”-StateMedia

THE Zanu-PF Politburo convenes its 328th Ordinary Session today.

In a statement, ZANU-PF Secretary for Information and Publicity and party spokesman Simon Khaya Moyo confirmed the meeting.

“The ZANU-PF Secretary for Administration, Dr Obert Mpofu, wishes to advise all members that there shall be a Politburo meeting to be held on Wednesday, the 15th May at the party headquarters commencing 1000 hours.

“All members should be seated by 0945 hours,” he said.

As MLF, we warn Zimbabwe and ZANU not to dare touch Chief Ndiweni and we say absolutely no one under the sun will insult our Chief and get away with a mile.

What Zanu is doing, is simply trying to pick up a fight not only with him but all Mthwakazi people.It must be known to whoever that OkaMdladla is not only Chief but PARAMOUNT Chief in Mthwakazi.

HE IS CHIEF OF CHIEFS and a true custodian of all Mthwakazi people. All he does or say is in the interests of Mthwakazi people. Anyone who disobeys or persecutes our Chief is a Mthwakazi enemy.

In this regard, we urge the MLF Youth High Command to take drastic action to teach this uncultured so-called war veteran never to play with our Chief. It is very true to the core that the Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa is temporary President to Mthwakazi because we are going to have our own President in Mthwakazi. He is temporary just as Ian Douglas Smith was. Just as all Colonial Presidents are to the colonized countries.

We take this time to remind this closed war veteran that Mthwakazi is colonized by Zimbabwe as a British proxy.If he cannot accept that he must ask his President whom we think he is grown enough to know that.  

By Own Correspondent- Rural communities in Zimbabwe are beginning to stand up to Chinese mining companies operating in the country.

This is shown by recent demonstrations against plans by Aihua Jianye, a Chinese company that sought to evict thousands of villagers in Domboshava to open a quarry mine.

The residents of Domboshava, a settlement a few kilometres north of Harare, staged the demonstration on May 6. One of the signs held by protestors said; “Leave our Domboshava alone. Go back to your Beijing.”

The Chinese company said that the $500 million mining project would generate 500 jobs, but the locals are not convinced.

A resident of Domboshava and opposition party (MDC) official Luke Tamborinyoka said:

We have seen in other areas that investment by the Chinese does not benefit people in areas they are operating in. The Chinese investors bring their own labour and they bring their own equipment.

A research coordinator with the Centre for Natural Resource Governance, Tapuwa O’Brien Nhachi said:

If mining were supposed to benefit the country, why would over 20,000 people were displaced to pave way for foreign investors who will take the minerals and the profits outside the country? … who gave them the licence to mine and in exchange for what?

Our constitution is clear on fundamental rights that the citizens have, and these include environmental and cultural rights.

Taking this into account, the community has the right to say ‘no’ to destructive and unsustainable development and that right should be respected by those who are in authority.

In Manicaland, another Chinese company, Anjin Investments is returning to the Marange area, to resume diamond mining operations.

The Marange villagers are reportedly planning to hold a protest against the company, following the example of those in Domboshava.

An NGO that promotes the of marginalized and vulnerable communities in natural resource-rich areas, the Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA), released a report in March.

Part of the ZELA reports reads:

Some of the companies that are foremost in violation of EESCRs (environmental, economic, social, and cultural rights) are Chinese mining companies.

Mountains in Chiadzwa [Marange area] are considered sacred and cultural shrines, but company officials of Chinese descent built their temple on top of one of the mountains.

… the Chinese companies violated the graves by exhuming the bodies and exposing them without carrying out the necessary cultural rights and at one point they left skeletons scattered all over, which is a taboo in Zimbabwe.-Epoch

President Mnangagwa has promoted two senior Air Force of Zimbabwe (AFZ) officers to ranks of Air Commodore.

The newly-promoted officers are Air Commodore Edgar Munyarari Kamusoko who is now Dean faculty Defence Engineering at Zimbabwe National Defence University (ZNDU) and Air Commodore Marcelino Jakuvos Jaya, new Base Commander at Josiah Tungamirai Air Force Base in Gweru.

The promotions are with immediate effect.

Speaking during the conferring of ranks at AFZ headquarters in Harare, the Air Force of Zimbabwe commander, Air Marshal Elson Moyo urged the new Commodores to be disciplined and to lead exemplary lives.

“The promotion comes with new responsibilities and expectations from junior officers under your command as well as your superiors.

“Junior officers will look up to you, hence your performance will be their yardstick in the execution of their duties,” he said.

Air Marshal Moyo said the new promotions were made with a focus on innovative and research in order to find solutions to native challenges.

“The Air Force of Zimbabwe officers have prioritised research and development and with these new ranks and appointments we expect you to lead this drive for innovation in order to find solutions to local challenges,” said Air Marshal Moyo .

“I want to congratulate you for earning these promotions through hard work and dedication in your previous work.”

Limpopo police on Monday cautioned the public not to try to apprehend seven awaiting prisoners who escaped over the weekend as they were considered highly dangerous.

Some of them are feared to have fled into Zimbabwe.

The prisoners broke out during a routine police check at the Modimolle holding cells in Limpopo.

They had been identified as Polano Ndebele, Thapelo Mello, Themba Ncube, Sello Rengane, Kenneth Shuma, Kazen Dluwayo as well as Mpho Obvious Lesese.

Police spokesperson Colonel Moatshe Ngoepe said they were investigating how exactly the escapees broke out.

“Taking into consideration the type of offences they were arrested for like house robberies… they are highly dangerous and members of the community must not attempt to arrest them. But when they see them they must just inform us, we will quickly take action and arrest them,” he said

Gushungo Dairies (Pvt) Ltd has been taken to the High Court by Auto World Harare (Pvt) Ltd for allegedly failing to pay $11 000 for service done on one of the farm’s motor vehicle.

Gushungo Dairies is owned by former President Robert Mugabe’s family.

Auto World Harare (Pvt) Ltd also urged the court to slap Mugabe’s business with costs of the litigation on a higher scale.

In its declaration filed alongside the court summons, Auto World Harare said the Gushungo Dairies Isuzu vehicle, registration number, AZC 2327, came to their garage on October 29, 2018.
Auto World Harare argued it carried out the major service on the car by providing labour and supplying motor vehicle parts as well as service sundries.

“The plaintiff (Auto World) accordingly charged the defendant (Gushungo Dairies) for the services provided as per invoice number 1653622 … in the sum of $11 004,” the company said.
“It was the plaintiff’s terms and conditions that invoices are paid within seven days upon receipt. The defendant was issued with an invoice on October 29, 2018 and to date, the invoice remains unpaid,” Auto World said.

“Notwithstanding demand, the defendant has failed and/or refused to pay the sums due and owing to the plaintiff for its labour, motor parts and professional service. The defendant is accordingly liable to the plaintiff for the outstanding invoice as described together with costs on an attorney and client scale.”

The former President’s business concern is yet to respond to the litigation.

State Media|Harare lawyer Moses Nkomo yesterday appeared in court for allegedly assaulting presidential aspirant Mr Bryn Taurai Mteki over a money dispute.

Muteki is apparently one of the losing presidential candidates who are involved in some talks with President Emmerson Mnangagwa on how to move the country forward.

Nkomo (40), a senior partner with Donsa-Nkomo and Mutangi IP Attorneys, was not asked to plead to assault when he was arraigned before magistrate Mr Obedience Matare.

Mr Matare remanded the lawyer out of custody on own recognition.

Nkomo will be back in court on May 31. It is alleged that on March 26, Mteki and Nkomo were attending court at the Harare Magistrates’ Civil Court.

The court heard that during a court session Mteki, who was represented by Nkomo, successfully applied for postponement of his civil case. While on their way to the clerk of court’s office to be given a new court date, the two clashed over payment of outstanding legal fees.

It is the State’s case that Nkomo, who was not happy with the postponement of the case, charged at the presidential aspirant demanding his payment.

He reportedly said:

“You, president, give us our money, why do you want to change the court date when you know you have won the case? You want to change dates, that is why you are not winning elections.”

The court heard that while at the clerk of court’s office, Mteki’s case was rescheduled for May 11, 2019.

Nkomo, who was comfortable with May 20 as the new court date, allegedly assaulted the politician.

President promotes two senior AFZ …
Nkomo allegedly hurled obscenities at the politician.

State Media|Cabinet has approved the Broadcasting Services Amendment Bill and the Freedom of Information Bill, which are expected to be gazetted by Friday.

Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa and Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi presented the respective Bills in Cabinet yesterday.

Minister Ziyambi chairs the Cabinet Committee on Legislation.

Briefing journalists after the Cabinet meeting, Minister Mutsvangwa said the Broadcasting Services Amendment Bill seeks to harmonise the Broadcasting Services Act (Chapter 12:06) with Section 61 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe.

She highlighted the major proposed changes to the country’s broadcasting laws.

“The proposed amendment Bill provides that every person has the right to freedom of expression and freedom of media,” she said.

“It also proposes that freedom of expression and freedom of the media excludes incitement to violence, advocacy of hatred or hate speech, malicious injury to a person’s reputation or dignity, and malicious or unwanted breach of a person’s right to privacy.”

The proposals, Minister Mutsvangwa said, also included the freedom to establish broadcasting and other electronic media of communication, subject only to State licensing procedures.

“That all state-owned media of communications must be impartial and free to determine independently the editorial content of their broadcasts,” she said. It is also proposed that Section 21 of the principal Act be amended to indicate that the role of BAZ is to regulate and supervise rather than to control broadcasting services bands.

“. . . that the objectives of the Broadcasting Services Act be broadened to address the diversity of opinion, ideas, values, artistic, creativity and talent of citizens in programming in order to advance the freedom of expression, multiculturalism and linguistic plurality,” she said. The Bill also seeks to provide for transparency and accountability in the appointment of members of the board among several other changes being proposed.

Farai Dziva| Legendary MDC musician Dred Field Marshall Reckless has paid tribute to party members who perished in a car accident that left Vimbai Tsvangirai seriously injured.

Said Dred Reckless:” I was desperately hoping to hear that my band manager was still alive, It did not happen and I don’t know why I blame Paul for leaving me as if it was his decision.

Sister Vimbai, please, for me and for MDC family, recover and do what we expect you to do.

This is your country, it is your duty to free it. Muka mwana wamai and work for your people’s freedom.”

Farai Dziva|The MDC A has launched a programme called “2023 Vote Nelson Chamisa Youth Campaign.”
“Vibrant,Tried,Tested and Strategy driven leadership. Masvingo Youth leadership has embarked on an overdrive recruitment and mobilization programme.

Kingsely Sibanda,Witcliff Matindike ,Bernard and Moses Mavhaire are leading the 2023 Vote Chamisa Youth Campaign,” a party official said in a statement yesterday.

NORTON’s legislator Temba Mliswa has called on the government to speed up the arrest and prosecution of those implicated in corruption.

Mliswa also says President Mnangagwa must appoint him Minister of anti-Corruption as he will do the job which he says Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi has failed to do.

Mliswa said ZANU-PF is full of land barons and gold barons which were stalling progress in key economic sectors.

Said Mliswa: “It’s common knowledge that ZANU-PF is responsible for the creation of land and gold barons. They’ve been ruling since 1980 and it’s unfair of them not to own up. ED Mnangagwa is loved by more people out of the party than in and it’s time he reshuffled Cabinet and got rid of the corrupt.

“When you have a Parliamentary portfolio committee full of gold barons who lead makorokoza, can you see it representing ordinary people’s rights and wishes?

“How will it run Independently when the Chair funds a trip for it to SA? Why doesn’t it call people to answer for the deaths of illegal miners?”

Mliswa also said tourism minister Prisca Mupfumira was removed from the labour Ministry by former President Robert Mugabe because she was corrupt with her handling of NSSA funds.

“Let’s hope those handling the NSSA audit report don’t try implicate Patrick Zhuwao as he was only a Minister for a short time and didn’t make any transactions.

“The housing developments were during Mupfumira’s tenure and she was removed by Robert Mugabe because of corruption and scandals.

“One thing about the “G40” faction was that they had files on everyone! Let’s use their files to weed out the corrupt and call a spade a spade so that we can freely focus on rebuilding the country.”

President Emmerson Mnangagwa yesterday chided Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs minister Ziyambi Ziyambi in public, accusing him of poorly executing his duties.

Mnangagwa made the remarks while officially opening the new Labour Court building constructed by the Judiciary Service Commission (JSC) in Harare.

“The Minister of Justice, who also chair the inter-ministerial taskforce in Parliament is relaxing; don’t relax,” Mnangagwa said. “I am disappointed that corruption cases are not moving. I implore all those who play a mammoth role in dealing with corruption cases to remain steadfast and deal with the cases,” he added.

Ziyambi, who also chairs the inter-ministerial taskforce in Parliament, was told to pull up his socks and be vigilant as Mnangagwa lamented the pace at which corruption cases were being handled.

Mnangagwa said his government was alive to the challenges being faced by the courts, but said he was not happy by the pace at which corruption matters were being executed. The President added that government will not interfere with the decisions of the court, but strive to respect the principle of separation of powers.

By Own Correspondent- Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Monica Mutsvangwa has said that the government has come up with a number of measures to cushion customers in the face of the soaring inflation.

She was speaking to Zimbabweans staying in the UK at the country’s London Embassy recently.

The minister added:

Some of these companies seem to be trying to find ways of removing the government. On the eve of independence, we woke up to a new price of bread. This is despite that the President is preaching the message of engagement…he is saying let’s engage, we don’t want to effect price controls, since Zimbabwe is open for business we want the principles of demand and control to take root in our economy. The industry has been invited several times to the negotiation table so that problems are ironed out but it however decided to disregard that channel.

She added that the government was working towards disaggregating the Grain Marketing Board and redefining its functions. She also confirmed that the government has already allocated $70 million to the board for it to start selling the basic commodities.-StateMedia

By Own Correspondent- Following the High Court ruling which declared that Nelson Chamisa was not the legitimate leader of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change, leader of the other MDC faction, Thokozani Khupe has engaged Professor Lovemore Madhuku to implement provisions of the ruling.

Professor Madhuku is a renowned constitutional lawyer and lecturer of law at the University of Zimbabwe.

Speaking to the state media, Professor Madhuku confirmed that he has been engaged by Khuphe.

He also said that he has already commenced preparing on how to implement the court ruling.

Madhuku said:

After being engaged by Dr Khupe, who has been declared the legitimate MDC president by the court, I have started studying the judgment on how best to implement it.

Madhuku further said that the ruling was clear that Chamisa was no longer the party president and he was free to form his own party.

He said:

Chamisa is somebody but nobody to claim the MDC presidency, the ruling is clear and his lawyers know better that he has been rendered a somebody who can form his own party where he can declare himself president

State Media|The trial of jailed RMG Independent End Time Message leader Robert Martin Gumbura and his six co-accused on charges of attempting to escape from prison yesterday hit a snag after their lawyer indicated that his clients were not fit for trial as a result of sickness which came after consuming beef at Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison recently.

Gumbura, Blessing Chauke (29), Lucky Mhungu (42), Taurai Dodzo (51), Thomas Chacha (41), Elijah Vhumbunu (42), and Lucky Matambanadzo (43) are facing charges of attempting to escape from lawful custody, incitement in aggravating circumstances or alternatively conspiracy in aggravating circumstances for malicious damage to property.

Professor Lovemore Madhuku told the court that his clients were not feeling well and were not given time to see their doctors.

He said he had instructions to apply for referral to the Constitutional court following the dismissal of his client’s application for discharge at the close of the state’s case.

He said his clients felt an infringement of their constitutional rights.

Prof Madhuku said the question is whether or not the accused whose application for discharge at the close of the state’s case has been dismissed has an automatic constitutional right for review as part of his right for a fair trial.

Prof Madhuku said he was going to file the application today.

In response prosecutor Mr Michael Reza said the court has the power dismiss that application if it finds it frivolous and vexatious.

Mr Reza told the court that Prof Madhuku’s application is frivolous and vexatious and that he was opposing it.

“We cannot therefore proceed with trial if the accused persons are not feeling well,” he said.

Prof Madhuku last week had his application for the postponement of the trial dismissed.

It is alleged that during the morning of February 13, 2015 in B Hall, Gumbura allegedly incited other inmates to protest over the quality of food they were being served.

Chauke, Matambanadzo, Mhungu, Dodzo, Chacha, Vhumbunu, and three other inmates — who are now deceased — allegedly also influenced inmates to reject the porridge they were served, which did not have sugar, to aid their escape.

This resulted in prisoners vandalising property estimated at $500 000.

State Media|The Zimbabwe Hospital Doctors’ Association (ZHDA) has appealed to the Health Services Board (HSB) for better conditions of service saying inflation has eroded their salaries.

In a letter addressed to the HSB, ZHDA Secretary General, Dr Mthabisi Anele Bhebhe, said many government doctors were failing to meet their day-to- day costs as salaries had been devalued by the high cost of living.

“In the core of this economic decline, it is now impossible for government doctors to address their day-to-day basic financial obligations. Imperatively, since the last meaningful salary review in March 2018, transport costs, rentals, medical aid subscriptions and prices of basic household commodities have sharply increased.

“The parallel market rate of the USD remains a single determent of pricing of basic commodities,” he said.

Dr Bhebhe said they signed contracts which stipulated that they shall be paid in United States dollars under the multi-currency system and that must be honoured.

“The HSB must also recall that in the work contracts that doctors signed, salaries and allowances were clearly pegged in USD. We request the HSB to abide by labour laws and honour legally binding agreements,” he said.

Dr Bhebhe said many doctors risk contracting diseases and infections while attending to patients as hospitals were not providing them with sufficient materials to protect themselves.

A police officer based in Bulawayo reportedly teamed up with a Bulawayo City Council security officer to abduct and brutally assault a schoolboy (16), leaving him for dead after pulling his private parts.

The two accused the boy of stealing a cell phone at a carwash last month.

The boy has since filed a police report at the West Commonage Police Station, which enabled him to be attended to at the United Bulawayo Hospital.

Acting Bulawayo Police spokesperson Inspector Abedinico Ncube on Friday confirmed having received such a report.

“Yes, the report was received and is under investigation,’’ Ncube said.

The boy was in great pain when Southern Eye visited him at his Mpopoma home.

The boy, a Form Four pupil at Msitheli Secondary School and stays with his brothers, said he now stayed indoors due to the trauma, adding he was having challenges in passing urine and walking.

He said his ordeal started on April 4, when he went to download his school material using Wi-Fi at a carwash owned by his neighbour, Thulani Tshuma in the suburb of Mpopoma.

“A Bulawayo council security officer identified as Milister Shumba told me and my colleague to wash a car. Shumba said the car belonged to his relative, only identified as Malfred.

Shumba said Tshuma had told him to instruct me to wash the car,” he said.

“After a week, the owner of the car accused us of having stolen his cell phone, power bank, bank cards and a flash card from his car. He reported the matter to West Commonage Police Station.”

The boy said they were taken to the police station where they met Constable Shumba, who interviewed them and only freed them after they had spend a night at the police station.

“After nine days, the policeman, the BCC security officer and Malfred came home around 11pm and took me to a dark place near Gampu Primary School, having deceived my neighbours that they were taking me to the police station,” the boy narrated.

“They told me to remove my clothes and stepped on my feet before kicking me and pulling my private parts for almost two hours. They took me back home and while on the way, the policeman hit me on the neck with fists, telling me not to tell anyone.”

Southern Eye saw the boy’s medical report, compiled by a doctor at the United Bulawayo Hospital, dated April 24.

By Own Correspondent- Doctors say Vimbai Tsvangirai-Java, the daughter of the late opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai, “will make a full recovery” after she was involved in a head on collision near truckers Inn just outside Kwekwe last night that killed two MDC Alliance officials.

A close member of the family said, “Vimbai suffered superficial head wounds, broken left hand and broken pelvis. Doctors say she will make a full recovery.”

Tsvangirai-Java is reportedly admitted at the Avenues clinic in Harare.

MDC Alliance national organiser, Amos Chibaya confirmed the death of two party officials, Paul Rukanda, who was Tsvangirai-Java’s campaign manager and Tafadzwa Mhundwa, Tsvangirai-Java’s relative who was also an active party member.

“We are deeply saddened by the unfortunate incident which took the lives of two of our cadres. We are in prayers with the bereaved families,” he said.

“We had a meeting in Bulawayo where we are conducting provincial caucuses with candidates presenting their manifestos and they were on their way to Harare when they were involved in the accident,” he said.

Kwekwe’s Assistant District Administrator, Clemence Muduma who was one of the first people to arrive at the scene said the Tsvangirai-Java was trapped together with the other occupants in the vehicle for close to 30 minutes.

“I called the fire fighters after efforts to retrieve them failed. The fire fighters came after about 30 minutes, and one person was confirmed dead by the police at the scene while the other is said to have died on admission to hospital,” he said.

Police in the Midlands confirmed the accident and said the crash was as a result of an overtaking error by the driver of a Toyota Mark X which was driving towards Kwekwe.

By Own Correspondent- Thokozani Khupe has engaged Professor Lovemore Madhuku to implement the High Court ruling which nullified Nelson Chamisa’s MDC presidency.

Professor Madhuku is a renowned constitutional lawyer and lecturer of law at the University of Zimbabwe is also leader of his own political party, the National Constitutional Assembly (NCA).

Speaking to the national broadcaster, Professor Madhuku confirmed that he has been engaged by Khuphe.

He also said that he has already commenced preparing on how to implement the court ruling.

Madhuku said:

After being engaged by Dr Khupe, who has been declared the legitimate MDC president by the court, I have started studying the judgment on how best to implement it.

Madhuku further said that the ruling was clear that Chamisa was no longer the party president and he was free to form his own party.

He said:

Chamisa is somebody but nobody to claim the MDC presidency, the ruling is clear and his lawyers know better that he has been rendered a somebody who can form his own party where he can declare himself president.-StateMedia

Own Correspondent|Current MDC Vice President Welshman Ncube would not make a presentation of his manifesto to the party voting structures in Bulawayo on Monday.

Highly placed sources within the party revealed to ZimEye.com that Ncube who was snubbed by his own province in the Vice President nominations opted out of the dialogue after it leaked that a huge part of the gathering was going to boo him during his presentation.

The sources indicated that Ncube actually wanted to bunk the dialogue altogether but finally turned up for the event late after all the other nominated candidates had made their presentations.

A few rogue elements are said to have given him little boo as he walked into the room. – MORE FOLLOWS

By Own Correspondent| Deputy minister Transport, Fortune Chasi has been promoted to lead the Energy and Power Development ministry.

The development has seen the former Energy and Power Development minister Jorum Gumbo being reassigned as Minister of State for Presidential Affairs responsible for Implementation and Monitoring.

This is a developing story. Refresh this page for latest updates.

Correspondent|In a great development, a financially limited whizzkid who had resorted to working as a gardener despite doing well in his Advanced Levels has been offered gainful employment after a good samaritan learned of his plight.

Providence Pangira from Mutasa attained 13 points after he did Mathematics, Biology and Chemistry at Advanced Level. At Ordinary Level, he had 7 As and 4 Bs. His story captured the hearts of many after it was publicised by photojournalist Shepherd Tozvireva of Alpha Media Holdings.

19-year-old Providence Pangira who was born in Mutasa got 13 points for his A'level (MBC) but is now working as a gardener in Harare

O'level: 7 A's & 4 B's
A'level: Maths (B), Biology (A) & Chemistry (B)#Zimbabwe #Mutasa #Pangira #Harare pic.twitter.com/kmIRooMuwx

— Vhota (@vhotaapp) May 14, 2019

Fortunately for Providence, his story was seen by social media personality and businessman Kuda Musasiwa who offered to Providence employment. Musasiwa is the co-founder of Fresh In A Box and Send ALytee. He was also the campaign manager for independent candidate Fadzayi Mahere who was running for the Mount Pleasant seat in the July 2018 elections.

If we find him, he can come work with us. ???? https://t.co/QYQLjYbHLB

— K (@begottensun) May 14, 2019

Iharare

FORMER MDC national organizing secretary Abdenico Bhebhe has added his voice to the High Court ruling which last week Wednesday nullified party incumbent Nelson Chamisa’s presidency saying the party needs to be united in this turmoil.

The High Court ordered that the MDC go for an extra ordinary congress giving a lifeline to all party members who were chucked out of the party after they refused to recognize Chamisa’s appointment as the interim leader in February 2018 by the party’s highest decision making organ; national council, following the death of party founding father Dr Richard Morgan Tsvangirai.

In an exclusive interview with 263Chat, Bhebhe said the party should use the ruling as an opportunity to unite for the benefit of the generality of the people of Zimbabwe.

“If the two MDCs were genuine that a mistake happened in the past they should take advantage of the ruling and possibly reunite not only for the good of the party but also for people of Zimbabwe who are tired of the current government’s machinations where the economy is grinding to a halt,” Bhebhe said.

Bhebhe’s remarks come after MDC T splinter leader Dr Thokozani over the weekend called for a dialogue among party members mentioned as respondents in Mashavire court application.

Bhebhe warned that opposition party members should be careful not create a political environment that gives Zanu PF an opportunity to pounce on them saying Elias Mashavire’s court application would have been avoided had the MDC’s politics been clean.

“Our politics in Zimbabwe is polarized. Polarization was started by Zanu PF and unfortunately, it has spilt into the opposition. Politics by its nature in Zimbabwe is not clean. It’s always dirty.

“We have been ruled by one political party that has abused the political power such that even within the opposition. We are no longer able to play clean politics and this creates a fertile ground for Zanu PF to abuse political power by interfering in opposition political affairs.

“The opposition should learn to play clean politics. If it plays clean politics, I don’t see any member of the opposition taking party or its leadership to court. Because the opposition politics was not clean, a man from Gokwe decided to sue the party.

“I don’t think Mashavire could have sued the party and its leadership if the opposition politics was clean,” Bhebhe said.

Bhebhe further opened up on the prospects of returning to the Chamisa led MDC saying if the party fan base and leadership realize his value he will gladly welcome the idea to readmit him back into the main opposition.

“My politics is not driven on individualism but it is the interests of Zimbabweans that continue to drive my politics. If Zimbabweans decide today to say go and join party X or B I will gladly do that,” he said.

Bhebhe was kicked out of the party last year alongside Thokozani Khupe, former party chairman Lovemore Moyo and former spokesperson Obert Gutu, after they refused to abide by the party’s decision to ascend Chamisa into the party driving seat on an interim basis. — 263Chat