Energy and Power Development Minister Dr Jorum Gumbo says the Cyclone Idai devastating effects did not affect the feruka pipeline which pumps fuel from Beira to Zimbabwe as being reported.

Dr Gumbo made the remarks this morning at the presentation of a forensic report into the operations and affairs of ZESA Holdings to the new board led by Mr Collins Chihuri.

“It is the docking terminals at Beira port in Mozambique which were damaged not the pipeline itself,” said Dr Gumbo.

Minister Gumbo said it will take at least a week to reconstruct the terminals but the country has sufficient stocks to last 62 days for petrol and 32 days for diesel.

This is contrary to reports by a private fuel supplier alleging that the pipeline was heavily damaged.

-State Media

Responding to reports that President Emmerson Mnangagwa chartered a plane from Dubai to come and take him to Bulawayo, a Twitter user has gone ballistic lashing out at the Zanu PF leader for spending big at a time the nation’s attention is focused on Cyclone Idai which hit parts of Manicaland and left a trail of destruction and loss of lives.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has appealed for unity as the nation comes to grip with the devastating loss of lives and property as a result of cyclone idai which hit Zimbabwe last weekend.

Writing on Twitter to announce the declaration of two days of mourning, Mnangagwa said the unity and love shown during this challenging time should guide the nation through and months ahead.

Former Energy minister Samuel Undenge has been taken to High Court by CBZ Bank Limited over a US$121 062 debt.

The financial institution recently issued summons against the former minister, who is yet to respond to the litigation.

According to the bank, Undenge approached the financial institution on November 12, 2009 and was offered a loan facility which he duly accepted and utilised.

The bank said some of the terms of the offer letter for the loan facility, which Undenge accepted were that the granted amount would not exceed US$48 000 and that the working capital facility would expire on April 30, 2010 and the input facility on June 30, 2010.

As part of the agreement, the bank reserved the right to give notice of any alteration in the rates of interest and thereafter the bank would be entitled to charge such other rates as it may prescribe.

“That all interest payable in terms of any credit facilities provided by the bank to the borrower (Undenge) will be calculated on the balance outstanding each day at the close of business and the interest outstanding at the end of each calendar month shall be capitalised and interest thereafter, shall be charged on such increased capital,” the bank said.

“That all cost and other charges incurred by the bank and arising out of or by reason of the grant or recovery of the facilities, including legal costs on a legal practitioner/ client scale and collection charges which the bank may incur in taking action of the recovery of any amount due to it will be recoverable by the bank on demand, from the borrower.”

However, as of February 5, 2019, the bank said, the balance outstanding on Undenge’s account was US$121 062,79 and despite repeated demands, the ex-minister had failed and/or neglected to pay the bank prompting the latter to approach the court for recourse.

The matter is pending.

-Newsday

Seven of the 13 Chivhu men who were last week arrested for touting have been sentenced to five months in prison, while the other six were fined $100.

The seven, who appeared before a Chivhu magistrate on Monday, will, however, serve an effective three-month jail term each, after two months were suspended on condition of good behaviour.

The incarceration follows a police blitz in Mashonaland East province to remove touts from ranks.

Provincial police spokesperson Inspector Tendai Mwanza yesterday said more touts will be rounded up as they move to bring sanity at commuter ranks in all towns and growth points in the province.

“ZRP Mashonaland East is on an overdrive to rid the province of any lawlessness. Recently, touts in Chivhu were arrested after frequent reports of harassment and theft against citizens at ranks. This prompted the police to embark on an operation targeting ranks and those operating the illegal Mushikashika.

“We applaud the judicial system for the stiffer penalties, because this will go a long way in bringing sanity to the bus ranks. We urge members of the public, who may fall victim to such rowdy behaviour, to report to police so that those behind the act are brought to book,” Mwanza said.

The jailed touts were arrested at the weekend, while the other six who were fined were arrested on March 12.

Touting is prevalent in most towns and cities in the country, with most perpetrators oblivious that it is a crime chargeable under criminal nuisance.

-Newsday

A VIDEO of the late music superstar and national hero Oliver Mtukudzi promoting the Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF) scheduled for March 29 has appeared online, stirring people’s emotions.

Posted on the official Tuku Music social media pages, the video seems to expose cracks in the late musician’s family as it is promoting the South Africa gig at the expense of the Selmor Mtukudzi-led gig set for the same day at Andy Millar Hall.

While Selmor has the sympathy of the fans and the old Black Spirits band members, the other faction has used the video of the late musician inviting people to the festival, a video which was done before his death.

The video has seen the late musician’s followers being taken back into mourning, remembering Tuku’s music while others take it as a plot to scuttle the scheduled Selmor gig.

Black Spirits manager Walter Wanyanya was not picking his phone when contacted for comment.

After the musician’s death, a number of events were held as tribute to him with Selmor and her sister participating at one of the events in South Africa.

However, a message appeared on the Tuku social media pages, trashing all the other events saying the first of such events will be the Cape Town Jazz Festival where Tuku was supposed to showcase.

They announced that the late musician’s band, the Black Spirits, will participate at the festival.

“We are still trying to come to terms with the loss of our pillar of strength and as such, we have not engaged any organisation or individual to organise, plan any events on behalf of and for the Mtukudzi family here in Zimbabwe and elsewhere. 

“We would like to distance ourselves from any events or gatherings that are being held in the name of the Mtukudzi family as we are still grieving.

“All events that have the endorsement of Tuku Music and the Mtukudzi family will be posted on the official Tuku Music social media pages, the first such official event being the Cape Town Jazz Festival that Dr Mtukudzi was meant to have performed at this year and the show will now be a celebration of his life in music by his backing band, the Black Spirits,” read the message.

Tuku was supposed to be part of the festival where he was supposed to perform with singer-songwriter Vusi Mahlasela.

CTIJF management confirmed the line-up for the commemorative tribute, billed as Tuku Music: A Celebration of Oliver Mtukudzi’s Life through his Music, will fill Mtukudzi’s original slot on Saturday, March 30.

Mahlasela will be joined on stage by rising crooner Mbeu, Maduvha and Berita. 

G

Own Correspondent|Residents in Bulawayo’s Entumbane suburb have encountered a stunning situation of an aunt and nephew who decided to get married amid reports that the woman is now two months pregnant in what the man also claims was a pre-planned arrangement with his late uncle so that they could safeguard the family’s wealth.

Antony Mawewe (25) and his aunt, Chipo Mugati believed to be in her 40s decided to steal the limelight for all the wrong and unbiblical reasons when they got married following the death of his uncle Mike Mawewe on 3 December last year.

Antony’s father, Mawewe-Munyaradzi and the late Mike Mawewe were biological brothers, making the aunt his “mother” in a traditional sense. Mugati and Mike’s eight-year-old marriage was blessed with one child.

According to a mole close to the development, Mugati decided it was better to marry her nephew because she didn’t want to marry her late husband’s brothers, who had been reportedly looking to get her as a wife.

Antony was also more than willing to marry his “mother”, and even told his aunt’s family he was going to pay off part of the lobola his uncle still owed them when he passed away.

“What makes the two’s sins so obnoxiously unforgivable is that Mugati invited Antony from the village to come and assist her to nurse Mike when he was not feeling well. Mugati also claimed she wanted to teach Antony to sew since she is self-employed as a dressmaker.

“Shockingly, when Mike died and a few weeks after his burial, the family was stunned when they discovered that the two-Antony and Mugati — were now staying as husband and wife.

“When they were confronted by family members the two confessed that they were madly in love and were now staying together as husband and wife with Mugati saying that it all started at work during a joke which led to sex later in the night when they returned home.

“Chipo told the family gathering that she agreed to her nephew’s demand for sex and thought it was just to satisfy his sexual feelings, but somehow, it became a daily thing until they decided to get married,” said the mole.

In an interview Mugati, who said she was not ashamed or rattled by the development, promised to take their relationship to another level by walking down the aisle.

She said they would not allow anyone to derail their plans to solemnise their “illicit” relationship.

“We started staying together in December last year when his uncle died. I don’t see anything wrong with that since the practice of a son inheriting his widowed mother is prevalent in my home area in Bikita.

“Antony has always been there for me, when his uncle was ill and even after his death. That’s why I saw it better for me to marry him because my late husband’s other brothers were also looking to get me as a wife,” said Mugati unashamedly.

She said her family had since endorsed Antony as their “new” son-in-law.

“People, especially some men at our workplace are just jealous that I have moved on with my nephew as a husband. This is because I turned down their proposals. Before we got married Antony was single and searching and I don’t see any reason why people are casting aspersions on me as if I snatched him from another woman,” said Mugati.

“Nothing will separate us and we are planning to wed anytime soon,” said Mugati while expressing her undying love for Antony who had accompanied her to the B-Metronewsroom to set the record straight on their “weird” relationship.

Antony also echoed his wife-cum-aunt’s sentiments saying the marriage was a pre-planned arrangement with his late uncle so that he could look after the family.

“My uncle was the one who proposed that I take her in as my wife when he was ill at that time. This is because upon his death, he didn’t want her (Mugati) to go back to her family. When he died my family also saw it fit that I take over. I really love her and nothing will separate us. People should just come to terms with the news that I am the one who is now in charge. We are also not the first to have such a marriage arrangement,” boasted Antony.

“This rare act of a man sleeping with his aunt is the reason why it is no longer raining favourably in our city,” a neighbour who refused to be named tersely said as she threw her hand helplessly into the air.

Contrary to claims by Antony that his family blessed the marriage, his father in a telephone interview from his rural home in Muzarabani, breathed fire over the two parties’ marriage describing it as an abomination and disgrace to the family.

“I’m distressed. I don’t know how to handle this matter. It would have been better for her (Mugati) to get another man to satisfy her rather than going into a love affair with Antony who is culturally her son. It is a very shameful thing and an abomination,” fumed Antony’s father.

He added: “The whole family is against the marriage and as a biological father I have since disowned him as my son. Anything that happens to him I am not involved. I am suspecting the two started sleeping together when my brother was still alive.

“It is really an embarrassment to the family and when we reported the matter to the chief he said it was an abomination and that the two should pay 10 beasts for putting the name of the family and area into disrepute”.

Views from Zimbabwe Traditional Healers Association (Zinatha):

Zinatha president George Kandiero: “This is not allowed in our culture, makunakunachaiwo aya, (This is an abomination). In the past they would have been killed but today we cannot do it because we are afraid of the law. They should immediately break off their marriage or they risk experiencing a bad omen in their lives.”

View from a traditional leader:

Chief Mpakwa: “The whole act is evil and not part of tradition. As one of the traditional leaders from Bikita where the woman claims the practice is allowed, let me say we don’t have such a weird practice where a son is allowed to marry his mother.

“The man might not be the woman’s biological son but the nature of their relationship does not allow them to sleep together and they should be severely punished for what they did.”

View from a pastor: “Pastor Jacob Katsekera of Apostolic Faith Mission of Zimbabwe (AFM): “This is an abomination and not acceptable at all. The two should face the wrath of God. The prohibition of their marriage is found predominantly in Leviticus 18:8-18 and the chapter in question specifies punishments for incestuous unions.”

Own Correspondent|MOURNERS at a funeral gathering in Emncwazini Village in Figtree, about 40 kilometres south east of Bulawayo had the shock of their lives when body viewing was cancelled amid claims that the corpse was bleeding.

The burial of Ncenga Ndlovu reportedly left tongues wagging as people came up with different theories on what happened on the burial day.

A reliable source from the village said they were told that there was no body viewing due to some circumstances beyond control.

“Surprisingly even family members did not view the body. The matter was kept a secret, but some people close to the family then got word that the corpse was bleeding,” said the source.

It is reported that even mourners who attended the burial were ordered to control themselves and not weep too much.

“We do not understand the way things were handled at that funeral. It ended up happening as if the old woman had committed suicide. People are usually ordered not to cry at a funeral of a suicide victim and even the barring of body viewing left a lot of questions,” said the source.

One of the deceased’s sons, Ephraim Ndlovu, could neither confirm nor deny the reports.

“There is no story there. Whoever told you must be on a mission, why is she bothered that we did not have body viewing? I think she wanted to bewitch us.

“Anyway, whatever we did at the funeral, it was my mother’s wish. As a family we agreed to handle things the way we did. And my mother was very old (92) and she had been ill for a long time, that is the reason people were encouraged to control themselves,” he said.

He revealed that when an elderly person dies, his or her life is also celebrated because she would have lived a long and full life.

Own Correspondent|State media has sensationally claimed that arrested journalists Zenzele Ndebele was yesterday arrested at the Bulawayo State House with grenades.

Ndebele was actually arrested for possessing used tear gas canisters at State House where President Mnangagwa was meeting Matabeleland civil society leaders.

The government run media claimed that police arrested Ndebele for conduct likely to breach the maintenance of public peace, in an incident with a chilling reminder that President Mnangagwa was bombed at White City Stadium last year.

Sources said alert security officials recovered items that could threaten public peace as Ndebele drove into the State House.

Ndebele, is a journalist and director of Centre for Innovation and Technology (CITE), an online media organisation.

A security source said he was found with suspicious articles used by security agents, but could not elaborate further according to the media.

“(His arrest) it has to do with his conduct that was likely to breach the maintenance law and order. He was likely to breach maintenance of public peace considering that this was a public gathering. So he had no reason at all to go into that gathering carrying some items which in actual fact are items which are used by security services and he is not a member of the security services.”

The security source added: “The law is very clear no one should go into any public gathering carrying items which legally no one would be allowed to be in possession of. He had no reason at all to carry those items to the gathering. Whatever he was carrying he had no reason to be in possession of those items.”

He said Ndebele is likely to appear in court today.

Agribank has approached the courts seeking to recover a real time gross settlement of a (ZWR) $33 720 loan advanced to former Finance minister Ignatius Chombo six years ago.

The former minister was issued with the court summons recently and he is yet to respond to the litigation.

According to Agribank, sometime in January 2013, Chombo applied for and was granted a loan facility of US$30 000 by the bank and in terms of the facility agreement he was supposed to settle the debt by October 31, 2013.

“In terms of the loan facility agreement, payment of the full amount fell due on October 31, 2013. Penalty interest began to run at the rate of US$18 per annum from the date of maturity. In default and, therefore, in breach of the agreement between the parties, the defendant has failed to pay the capital sum and interest thereon in the sum of ZWR$33 720,55,” the bank said.

“Despite demand, the defendant (Chombo) has refused to and/or neglected to pay the amount due to the plaintiff (Agribank).”

Just recently, the High Court dismissed Chombo’s application for permanent stay of prosecution in a matter in which he is facing a plethora of criminal cases involving corruption, fraud and criminal nuisance.

High Court judge Justice Nicholas Mathonsi said Chombo’s abduction by the members of the Zimbabwe National Army, during operation restore legacy in November 2017 was not meant to extract a confession for criminal offences against him.

Following his arrest and subsequent appearance in court on criminal charges, Chombo last year sought a High Court order to compel the National Prosecuting Authority and its boss Prosecutor-General Kumbirai Hodzi, to permanently suspend his prosecution alleging violations of his constitutional rights as enshrined in the Bill of Rights.

But, in his judgment dismissing Chombo’s application, Justice Mathonsi said the violation of Chombo’s rights by the army appeared to have been undertaken for no discernible reason at all, adding that excessive force and violence was used to capture him, leaving a trail of destruction.

The Judge further said Chombo was not subjected to physical assault and neither was there an attempt to extract evidence or a confession from him in respect of the offences he is now facing, hence he must face trial at the magistrates’ court.

NewsDay

Former Energy minister Samuel Undenge has been taken to High Court by CBZ Bank Limited over a US$121 062 debt.

The financial institution recently issued summons against the former minister, who is yet to respond to the litigation.

According to the bank, Undenge approached the financial institution on November 12, 2009 and was offered a loan facility which he duly accepted and utilised.

The bank said some of the terms of the offer letter for the loan facility, which Undenge accepted were that the granted amount would not exceed US$48 000 and that the working capital facility would expire on April 30, 2010 and the input facility on June 30, 2010.

As part of the agreement, the bank reserved the right to give notice of any alteration in the rates of interest and thereafter the bank would be entitled to charge such other rates as it may prescribe.

“That all interest payable in terms of any credit facilities provided by the bank to the borrower (Undenge) will be calculated on the balance outstanding each day at the close of business and the interest outstanding at the end of each calendar month shall be capitalised and interest thereafter, shall be charged on such increased capital,” the bank said.

“That all cost and other charges incurred by the bank and arising out of or by reason of the grant or recovery of the facilities, including legal costs on a legal practitioner/ client scale and collection charges which the bank may incur in taking action of the recovery of any amount due to it will be recoverable by the bank on demand, from the borrower.”

However, as of February 5, 2019, the bank said, the balance outstanding on Undenge’s account was US$121 062,79 and despite repeated demands, the ex-minister had failed and/or neglected to pay the bank prompting the latter to approach the court for recourse.

The matter is pending.

NewsDay

Own Correspondent|First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa is reported to have cut her prolonged stay in New York allegedly to return home and attend to cyclone Idai crisis ravaging the country.

Women Affairs, Community and Small to Medium Enterprise Development Minister Sthembiso Nyoni said this at a CSW side presentation on Tuesday where the First Lady was expected.

“As Minister and leader of this delegation, I saw it fit to invite our First Lady to this year’s CSW to come and share her most humbling and wonderful works which she is doing through her Angel of Hope Foundation back home.

“I also want to convey an apology from our First Lady who could not be here with us today as we all know that our country was hit by a cyclone which affected parts of our country and our First Lady, as a responsible leader, had to fly back home to see to it that the affected citizens are assisted,” said Minister Nyoni.

Mrs Mnangagwa left the country over a fortnight ago a week ahead of the UN women conference with a delegation of women drawn from across the country. She was heavily criticised for leaving the country far too early ahead of the meeting which she has since failed to attend.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa yesterday held discussions with Matabeleland civic groups at the State House in Bulawayo, stressing the need for national cohesion and collective efforts in taking the country forward.

The meeting saw the President interfacing with some organisations that had previously been hostile towards the Government expressing commitment to contribute towards the development of the country.

He heeded calls for engagement by the Matabeleland Collective, a grouping of non-governmental organisations, faith-based organisations, community-based organisations, trusts, savings clubs and social movements from Bulawayo, Matabeleland North and Matabeleland South.

The closed meeting discussed among other things, compensatory development, national healing, devolution and inclusivity.

After the meeting, President Mnangagwa hailed the interaction which he described as the first of its kind in terms of social dialogue.

He also revealed that he had not brought a prepared speech but came with an open mind to listen to the people’s concerns.

“I came here with an open mind to listen and I am satisfied that I made the correct decision because non-interaction creates fear, suspicion where there ought to be no fear, where there ought to be no suspicion at all.

“I go back today knowing that the social groups, non-governmental organisations, civic organisations have their country at heart. We have different perspectives on the issues that affect our different communities where we stay or where we operate, not to make things worse but to make things better,” said President Mnangagwa.

“What the Government would not want to hear are persons who would not want to make things better. I think we had heads in the sand, our heads are out now, I’m afraid you may begin to run away from us when we look for you,” he chuckled.

President Mnangagwa said after yesterday’s meeting, the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Dr Sekai Nzenza is going to create a platform so that dialogue and interaction can continue and where necessary he would attend when invited.

“Most importantly, let me congratulate the Matabeleland Collective for initiating and beginning this process which of course other sectors and sections of our community are going to follow but you are the leaders. I congratulate you and I say thank you,” said President Mnangagwa.

Dr Nzenza said the Matabeleland Collective has set the pace for social dialogue.

“I want to thank Jenni Williams for her openness in what she has done for us today and also to say what she represents and the President’s response clearly shows the way forward for the Zimbabwe that we want it to be,” she said.

Speaking on behalf of Matabeleland Collective, Ms Williams who is also director of Women of Zimbabwe Arise (Woza) before and after the meeting hailed the President for lending them an ear saying the country’s economy was a top priority for any sober thinking Zimbabwean.

She expressed hope that relevant ministries would open their doors as swiftly as the President did his when they called for dialogue.

“I think this is God’s blessing on Zimbabwe. I think we should realise as Christians that this is a time for us to talk, a time for us to come together, a time for us to realise that if this horrible economy where there is such suffering is to be fixed, it will be fixed by all of us together,” said Ms Williams.

“It is now time to realise that what divides us must be put aside and let’s concentrate on what unites us.”

Giving introductory remarks before the closed meeting, Ms Williams said:

“Realising that we could not continue to cry tears of destitution and despondency, we decided instead to raise our heads and out them together to develop a new approach to development work for the betterment of our region.”

Ms Williams said the country is stronger together and Matabeleland Collective is working to help citizens look ahead for hope and energy than looking backward with sadness.

“The people you see in front of you have cracked their heads and debated together on how we can lead our communities towards a lived sense of peace and healed hearts. We talked about economic renewal and pointed fingers at Government but when you point a finger there are three fingers pointing back at you, reminding you that you have a role to play,” she said.

MDC-T legislator Mrs Priscilla Misihairabwi-Mushonga paid tribute the President Mnangagwa for his patience and openness.

“I’m happy for two things,” she said, “firstly that we started a new phenomenon that the President is not only seen in Harare but comes down to the people, even this State House. I last came here when my uncle (the late Canaan) Banana was still President. People have never come here. The mere fact that people came here and held a meeting is important.”

She said she was also happy with the frank discussion around the need for healing in the country.

“The President did not rush anyone to speak or said he was in a rush to go somewhere, he came here, sat and listened patiently to all the contributions,” said Mrs Misihairabwi Mushonga.

Habakkuk Trust director Dr Dumisani Nkomo said:

“It was a good meeting and we are thankful that the President has said for example issues such as Gukurahundi should be openly discussed in the media. He was very open to issues of compensatory development and devolution, issues to do with infrastructural development, healing and the importance of ensuring that people tell their story.”

State Media

Opposition leader Nelson Chamisa, pictured, believes that President Emmerson led government could have prevented the loss of lives in Manicaland and Masvingo if it had evacuated people well before these areas were hit by Tropical Cyclone Idai.

More than 500 people are feared dead after winds of up to 170 kilometres per hour — accompanied by heavy rains — swept buildings in Chipinge and Chimanimani, triggering landslides and causing floods. Roads and bridges were swept away by the powerful cyclone which did not spare people’s homes.

On Tuesday, Chamisa — leader of the MDC — said since it was clear that a natural disaster was on its way, government should have acted much-much earlier to save lives. The 40-year-old lawyer said what did not help matters was that help took long to reach victims of the cyclone due to the country’s poor infrastructure and unplanned settlements, especially in rural areas.

“The response of the people was better than the response of the State which came like an afterthought when cyclones are a scientific phenomenon whose formation and trajectory can be detected and forecast. Although we all saw the cyclone coming, the State did little to warn and remove people from harm’s way.

“With the advent of climate change, cyclones have become regular in our part of the world. Citizens would have thought by now the State has learnt something about how to save lives and to protect the people during these deadly cyclones.

The sad reality is that the disaster preparedness of the entire infrastructure of the State is itself a disaster. Indeed, devastation caused by Idai, especially the tragic loss of life, has exposed the clear and present danger that the State itself is a disaster,” said Chamisa.

Defence minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri early this week admitted that government’s response in the face of the cyclone that has left a trail of destruction in Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Malawi, was slow.

“We had heard that floods were coming and a cyclone, but we had not moved or done anything to help ourselves.

I think we as people of Manicaland (province) have learnt a lesson and next time we will protect lives and urge people to move knowing what will happen, and we move into camps together with the government’s help,” she said after visiting victims of the floods.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who toured the area on Tuesday, has declared the devastating cyclone a national disaster.
On Tuesday, deputy minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Energy Mutodi said government has done everything it can to contain the natural disaster that has left over a 1 000 people homeless and destroyed food stocks.

“…Mnangagwa has done what a reasonable Head of State and government would do in the face of Cyclone Idai. He cut short his United Arab Emirates trip, set up a Cabinet team to assess the damage, deployed the army to rescue survivors and will today (Tuesday) tour the affected areas,” Mutodi said on Tuesday.

But Chamisa said the problem is not about the current response but rather the state of the country’s roads and other infrastructural facilities that are in a state of disrepair and a nascent danger to users. “Most of our road infrastructure and bridges are substandard and of poor workmanship.

What we want here is a national infrastructure plan for the whole country spanning into 20 to 50 years that speaks to national focus on … roads and rail networks, bridges and bullet trains,” said the MDC leader. Chamisa described the haphazard settlements in the countryside as a ticking time bomb, calling for an integrated national settlement plan for rural areas.

“We must put in place effective disaster preparedness and early warning systems to be put in place through a revamp of the current inadequate mechanisms.

“We need an accelerated industrialisation and urbanisation upon an integrated upgrade of rural facilities to state-of-the-art level in health, energy, communication and housing,” said Chamisa. — DailyNews

Own Correspondent|NORTON member of the House of Assembly Temba Mliswa (INDEPENDENT) has been kicked out of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Mines and Mining Development Committee by the no-nonsense Speaker of Parliament Advocate Jacob Mudenda.

The portfolio committee had been dissolved by Parliament’s Committee of Standing Rules and Orders on 18 February to pave way for investigation into allegations that Mliswa and three other MPs demanded a $400 000 bribe from a private contractor intending to mine in Hwange.

All members except for Mliswa were reappointed to the Mines and Mining Development Portfolio committee, the Speaker announced, much to the chagrin of Mliswa whose face could not betray that he was shell-shocked by the decision.

“I would like to inform the House that all members of the dissolved Mines and Mining Development Committee have been reappointed to the same Committee except Hon. T. Mliswa,” Mudenda announced in Parliament yesterday.

He added: “For the avoidance of doubt, the following are the Members of the Portfolio Committee on Mines and Mining Development — Hon. R. Bhila; Hon. S. Bhuda; Hon. L. Chikomba; Hon. S. Chikwinya; Hon. M. Chombo; Hon. Dzuma; E. Gwanongodza; Hon. N. Kachepa; M. T. Karimazondo; Hon. C. Kashiri; Hon. T. Khumalo; Hon. P. Machando; Hon. C. Machingauta; Hon. B. Majaya; Hon. T. R. Matangira; Hon. S. Matsunga; Hon. D. Mawite; Hon. E. Mkaratigwa; Hon. M. M. Mpofu; Hon. S. Mudarikwa; Hon. M. Mugidho; Hon. E. Musakwa; Hon. C. P. Mutseyami: Hon. E. Ncube; Hon. A. Ndebele; Hon. T. Nyabani; Hon. J. Paradza; Hon. E. Samambwa; Hon. A. Samson; Hon. T. Saruwaka; Hon. P. D. Sibanda; Hon. S. Sithole; Hon. D. Svuure; Hon. F. Taruvinga; Hon. J. Toffa; Hon. Zhou.

“The newly constituted Committee shall be chaired by Hon. Mkaratigwa.”

Edmond Mkaratigwa is the Zanu PF Shurugwi South legislator.

Mliswa interjected: “On a point of privilege Mr. Speaker…”

But the Speaker was in no mood to entertain Mliswa. “There is no debate on the announcement,” Mudenda said, before proceeding with other announcements.

Mr Mliswa, who chaired Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Mines and Mining Development, was implicated with three other members — Cde Leonard Chikomba (Gokwe Kabuyuni, Zanu-PF), Mr Anele Ndebele (Magwegwe, MDC-Alliance) and Mr Prince Sibanda (Binga North, MDC-Alliance).

The Speaker also announced that Chegutu West MP Dexter Nduna had been relieved of his post as chairperson of the Transport and Infrastructure Development Portfolio Committee.

Said Mudenda: “I also wish to inform the House that Hon. Gorerino has been appointed Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Transport and Infrastructural Development. The Committee membership remains unchanged except that Hon. D. Nduna is no longer a member of that Portfolio Committee.”

Nduna was recently appointed as chairperson of the portfolio committee which he leaves before presiding over as chairperson.

Known to the MPs as “The Headmaster” over his no-nonsense approach to parliamentary rules, Mudenda had previousyl said Section 194 (1) (a) of the Constitution required that Members of Parliament demonstrate high standards of professional ethics.

It read as follows: “Public administration in all tiers of Government including institutions and agencies of the State and Government-controlled entities and other public enterprises must be governed by the democratic values and principles enshrined in the Constitution, including the following principles, (a) a high standard of professional ethics must be promoted and maintained”.

Mliswa and Nduna had a brawl in Parliament in February during which Mliswa accused Dexter Nduna of illegitimately benefiting $11 million from the Zimbabwe National Roads Administration.

Mliswa also accused Nduna of not taking his Anti-Retroviral treatment which he alleged were causing him to be mentally ill. He challenged Nduna to go and get tested for HIV/Aids.

Nduna would not take it lying down and threatened to deal with Mliswa “outside of Parliament.”

The two later apologized to Mudenda.

A 62-year old self-proclaimed prophet burst into tears in court after he was arraigned for allegedly raping and impregnating a 22-year-old woman.

Columbus Christopher Gangata of Mzilikazi suburb appeared before Western Commonage magistrate Mr Franklin Mkhwananzi and pleaded not guilty to a charge of rape and was remanded in custody to April 2 for trial.

The magistrate ordered him to go for mental examination as he showed signs of being unstable.
Gangata said he did not rape the woman but instead he proposed love and wished to marry her.
“After proposing love to the woman, she came to my house demanding money. I gave her $10 and she stripped naked before touching my body, begging me to have sex with her.

“We had unprotected sex because l told her l would not make her fall pregnant. I am a prophet and cannot do such a shameful thing,” he said, tears streaming down his cheeks.

The prosecutor, Mr Mufaro Mageza said sometime in January at around 1PM, the woman was walking from Sibantubanye Jairos Jiri training centre in Nguboyenja towards the Baptist Church in Mzilikazi.

“She found the church gate locked and decided to go to Makokoba to see a church elder. The woman passed by Gangata’s house and asked for water to drink.

“Gangata led the woman to his kitchen and while she was in the kitchen, he locked the door. He ordered her to undress but she refused,” he said.

The court heard that Gangata dragged the woman to his bedroom, pushed her onto a bed and had sex with her while covering her mouth with his hand.

He gave the woman $10 and told her not to tell anyone about the matter before releasing her.
On March 13, the woman went to her rural home and was suffering from stomach pains. Her sister took her to a clinic where they were told the woman was pregnant, said Mr Mageza.

“Nurses referred her to the police. She made a police report and was referred to Mpilo Central Hospital for medical examinations,” he said.

A medical report was produced in court as an exhibit.- state media

Farai Dziva|In spite of the ensuing tension between Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa and his former boss Robert Gabriel Mugabe the former still adores his mentor.

Speaking at a media briefing in the United Arab Emirates at the weekend, Mnangagwa described Mugabe as a champion of the liberation struggle.

Mnangagwa has repeatedly refused to utter negative words about his former boss and he has elected to be evasive when asked about his relationship with the former strongman.

“President Mugabe is our father.He is the founding father of the struggle for black empowerment, he is a living legend,” said Mnangagwa.

“We will never forget the role he played during and after the liberation struggle. He pioneered the land reform programme and up to now we are still enjoying the fruits of his efforts,” said Mnangagwa.

Farai Dziva|Declared Zanu PF sympathiser, Jimaya Muduvuri has claimed Emmerson Mnangagwa has been anointed by God to lead Zimbabwe.

Muduvuri’ s blasphemous remarks have angered the people of Zimbabwe.

Barely a week after Mnangagwa equated himself to the Creator, his fervent follower Muduvuri has sensationally claimed that “the President” is a God given leader.

Muduvuri has further claimed that efforts to remove Mnangagwa from office are futile.

“You see, President Emmerson Mnangagwa has been anointed by God to lead Zimbabwe and nobody can force him out of the country’ s highest office.

God knows what President Mnangagwa is the leader of this country- as such he will not be pushed out of office by noisemakers,” declared Muduvuri.

“We have to thank God who gave us such a leader.Everything happens in a the right season and we have to be cognisant of the fact that President Mnangagwa has been appointed by God to lead the nation,” added Muduvuri.

By Own Correspondent- Responding to a question on government policy regarding the distribution of inputs to farmers under Command Agricuture, Deputy Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Climate and Rural Resettlement Dougas Karoro told parliament that inputs were supposed to be distributed on time in order to allow farmers to make informed decisions.

Karoro said Command Agriculture was adequately funded.

He said:

“Government’s position is that inputs must be distributed early and on time to allow farmers to make informed decisions.  If inputs are distributed late, it will seriously inconvenience farmers.  The position is that inputs must be distributed early before the onset of the season.

The programme (Command Agriculture) was adequately funded. I want to make it clear to the other Members that Government allocated various inputs to specific companies, individuals and private sector.  As such, according to our records, all the inputs that we have requested the private players to supply have been met.”

KADOMA Cemetery has been turned into a booze and sex haven by some people who have defied the sacredness of the place.

The city’s youths are among those enjoying quality time in the graveyard while beer guzzlers and drug addicts also using the cemetery located in Westview Suburb to the west of Kadoma.

Kadoma City Council decommissioned the cemetery adjacent to Kadoma General Hospital a few years back after it ran out of space and it now only has reserve graves.

Socialites and residents came out guns blazing attacking the city council on social media for failing to at least fence the graveyard which is now a sex haven.

“Kadoma cemetery. No fence…looks like teenagers are partying there weekly. If the council aren’t doing anything maybe the funeral homes can,” said a socialite.

A resident, Tinarwo Mafukidze (63), however spared council blame instead blaming fellow residents for failing to respect the dead.

“It is shocking how people can have intimacy inside the graveyard, they should at least show some respect for the deceased. During our days it was unheard of that people can have sex in the graveyard,” he said.

Kadoma Mayor, Alderman Action Nyamukondiwa yesterday said council was seized with the matter and plans were underway for the construction of a security wall as a way of curbing the shameful deeds.

“The housing department is going to clean up the cemetery and in our 2019 budget we have put money for construction of ‘durawall’ (security wall),” he said.

Culturally a cemetery is a sacred place, but that phenomenon is not the same in urban areas where residents see nothing sinister about graves.

H-metro

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has declared two days of national mourning this coming Saturday the 23^rd and Sunday the 24^th after the worst ever weather related disaster and flooding killed 139 people so far, with the death toll expected to reach several thousands.

The President made the announcement at State House this evening, where he was giving an update on Cyclone Idai.

Zbc News online

By Own Correspondent| President Emmerson Mnangagwa has commended civil society organisations (CSOs) that turned up at the CSOs/ Government Interface in Bulawayo today (Thursday).

He said that the interface presented opportunities for both government and CSOs to communicate openly.

Mnangagwa who ironically is on record threatening CSOs following the January 14 fuel protests accusing them of supporting the regime change agenda expressed optimism of further engagements adding that today’s deliberations were fruitful.

He said:

“Today, we engaged in important dialogue with faith organisations, NGOs and civil society groups from Matebeleland. No issue was left untouched as we listened to each other in the spirit of unity. Thank you to all those who took part and I look forward to further such meetings.”

Media Statement By Total Zimbabwe|Following the devastating effect of cyclone Idai experienced in Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe, the fuel supply chain logistics into Zimbmabwe have been negatively affected.

Based on the information we have received, the following has since been established:

The jetty in Beira has been damaged and can’t receive vessels to discharge.

Pumping House roof has been blown away, the electrical board was affected, and the status is not yet known (damage yet to be established).

The condition of the pipeline from Beira to Zimbabwe is yet to be established and we still await NOIC update on the same.

Given the above, the stocks in the tank in Msasa may not be replenished in due time as is required and this is likely to put pressure on the supply chain.

We are seized with finding a quick supplying option and we will keep you posted on the developments and any cost structure implementations as we progress.

Malaysian Airlines has repossessed four planes which had been sold to Zimbabwe Airways, the ill-fated Air Zimbabwe proxy, informed sources said.

Former President Robert Mugabe personally negotiated the acquisition of the four Boeing 777-200 planes which had been retired by Malaysian Airlines after one of the fleet disappeared without trace and another was shot down over Ukraine.

Zimbabwe, seeking to build a debt-free airline under the pretence that it was privately-owned to avoid inheriting Air Zimbabwe’s $300 million debt, negotiated to buy the four planes for a discounted $70 million.

But aviation sources said on Wednesday that the planes, two of which are in Malaysia and the other two in the United States, had been repossessed after the Zimbabwe government failed to meet the terms of payment.

“Here’s how aviation purchases are structured. One, you have the seller; two you have the buyer; three you have the seller’s bank; four you have the buyer’s bank and five you have the owner. In the case of these four planes, Zimbabwe negotiated directly with the seller only to be referred to number three (seller’s bank),” a source familiar with the deal said.

“Once the Zimbabwe government made a payment for two planes that you see branded, and made a commitment for the other two, they were then removed from the sales portal. But months down the line the Zimbabweans failed to collect what they had paid for. They failed to pay the balance after the commitment fees.

“Storage and maintenance costs started piling up until this point. There are other costs that the Zimbabweans had not calculated that made the planes actually more expensive.”

Two of the planes, bearing registration 9M-MRL and 9M-MRM, were flown for checks in the United States last year, and are believed to be still in Kansas in the state of Missouri. Two others, 9M-MRQ and 9M-MRP, only conducted test flights in 2017 and remain in Malaysia.

“The government of Zimbabwe wanted the planes delivered to Harare, I’m not sure what changed. What has happened though is that the planes were eventually all repossessed.”

Our source added that “no money was made” by Zimbabwe. “It was a huge loss.”

Transport Minister Joel Biggie Matiza could not be reached on Wednesday after travelling with President Emmerson Mnangagwa to cyclone-hit Manicaland. His deputy, Fortune Chasi, declined to answer questions on the planes, insisting only the minister could provide an update on the matter.

Only in February, Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa told a post-Cabinet briefing with journalists that the Ministry of Transport had been directed to “rebuild Air Zimbabwe by acquiring four Boeing 777 aircraft from Malaysia and to seek delivery of Embraer aircraft from the United States.”

The Zimbabwe government desperately wants to shore up Air Zimbabwe, which is now operating just one plane.

The mishandling of the acquisition of the Malaysian planes, which took the back-burner after Mugabe was ousted in a military coup in November 2017, will invite fresh questions into the deal.

Commercial pilot and aviation blogger Jerry Haas, writing on Twitter on Wednesday, said the four planes had already been sold on for $12.5 million each. Zimbabwe Airways had been quoted $18,5 million for two of the planes and $16,5 million for the other two, according to former Transport Minister Joram Gumbo.

“Unfortunately for Zimbabwe Airways or Air Zimbabwe they were repossessed for obvious reasons,” Haas tweeted.

Some aviation experts have argued that the four planes are not what Air Zimbabwe currently needs, pointing out to high fuel and maintenance costs.

Instead, they have suggested smaller planes like the Brazilian-made Embraer ERJ as agile alternatives to ply regional routes to regrow the airline before it secures bigger aircraft to resume overseas flights

Correspondent|Three women spent nearly 24 hours hanging onto a tree naked before they were eventually rescued after Cyclone Idai-induced floods swept away 80 houses at Dzingire Growth Point, popularly known as Kopa in Chipinge.

The houses were washed away when three rivers, Rusitu, Nyahode and Chipita flooded, confluenced and changed course, washing away all the houses and a police station situated between the rivers.

Several of the houses where owned by agricultural extension workers. Kopa possibly experienced most of the devastation.

One of the three women, Majiva Magweva (32), lost her two children to the floods as well as her mother. She also lost a niece and is now the only survivor in a family of three.

In a heart-rending account, Magweva said she hung onto her two-year-old child while she was being swept way by the floods, but was hit by debris and lost grip of the baby in the process.

“It was around 9pm on Friday when water started entering our house. I took my two-year-old child and went outside to look for a secure place,” Magweva said.

“I walked a few steps and was knocked down. I tried hard to keep a tight grip on my child, but was hit by a rock on the chest and forced to let off the child.”

She added: “I was thrown onto the river bank and I realised I was marooned and more water was coming. That time, I saw another woman. We rushed and helped each other up a tree, pushing and pulling each other. One more woman came and in no time, we were up three branches. We were all naked; we had been stripped naked by the floods.”

The women were forced to brave the rains for the whole night and tried to look for help after day break, which did not come until around 3pm.

“Around 3pm on Saturday, rescue came, but in a very difficult way. A group of men with three ropes, which did not reach us. One of them volunteered to have a rope tied around his waist and dived into the water while the other men held the rope to ensure that he does not drown. He arrived at the tree and went up, tied the rope on the branch to allow us to hold on it before they dragged him out using the same rope.

“When we were up the tree, we prayed the whole night for rescue. We wanted to join others, we didn’t know they had all been washed away. My two kids, my sister’s child and my mother are gone. I don’t know where they are,” she said, tears racing down her frail cheeks.

After the rescue, that is when Magweva realised hundreds of people had been washed away by the floods. What used to be their residential suburb is now littered with huge rocks, leaving no sign that it was a residential place.

“I am sure our relatives are trapped under these stones. Just there (pointing to a place littered by the rocks) was were our house was.”

Harryman Kazembe, a teacher, said his wife and daughter were woken by the sounds of the flood water at around 10pm and they attempted to move out of
the area to higher ground.

“I briefly got stuck in the mud and my wife and children continued to go up. But suddenly, a wave of floods came and swept my wife and my five-year-old daughter away right in front of me. I was briefly swept away too and I had to hold onto a tree, where I was marooned for nearly 24 hours when local rescuers came with ropes and pulled me and others who had hung onto trees, to safety,” Kazembe said.

“One of my daughters, who survived, sustained burns on the neck after she got into contact with (live) electricity cables as she had taken refuge on poles that were carrying a transformer.”

As professional and State rescue took long to come, locals ended up taking matters into their hands because they could not continue to watch their fellow residents stuck up on trees as the water levels took long to subside.

It took five days for the first police and army trucks to reach Kopa and by that time, some who could have been rescued, had been swept away downstream.

My fellow Zimbabweans

I am appealing to you all to set aside your differences, especially political differences, so that together we can tackle the huge task before us that needs our attention in all our millions. This is no time for politics. This is no time for apportioning blame.

There will be plenty of time for us to sit down as a Nation family and draw lessons from this most unfortunate and unforgettable calamity. We can learn where we went wrong and who was supposed to do what so that if God forbid there is a next time, we will be best prepared.

I can tell you first hand that the situation is desperate indeed. The devastation was unforgiving and typically of nature, indiscriminate.

For now the focus is on massive humanitarian and relief requirements and needs. The job of cleaning up after this disaster falls on each and every one of us and it is a responsibility that can only and easily be executed through our collective efforts.

The world’s eyes are fixed on us. Let us show one spirit through one love.

May God bless Zimbabwe

Farai Dziva|Respected political analyst Dr Pedzisai Ruhanya has pointed out four factors that influence election results in Zimbabwe.

“Elections in Zim are never determined or won by votes. To win elections one needs FOUR THINGS 1. Money 2. Security apparatus 3.ZEC 4.Judiciary. This is the view of the Zaka villager after analysing electoral outcomes in Zim especially after 2000,” argued Dr Ruhanya.

“There4 MONEY, SECURITY APPARATUS, ZEC and JUDICIARY are the four centres of ZANU PF electoral gravity that the opposition led by @nelsonchamisa need to work on apart from controlling the VOTE/VOTERS in order to defeat ZANU PF in 2023. Centres of manipulation must FALL.”

By Own Correspondent| Deputy Minister for Information, Media and Broadcasting Services, Energy Mutodi said that evacuations of villagers in Manicaland could not be carried out as they were likely going to resist.

Mutodi asserted that this would have necessitated the involvement of the army which would naturally apply minimum force to overcome the resistance.

Such a move would then result in reports of fake rape, fake torture and fake abduction claims.

Writing on Twitter on Thursday. Mutodi said:

Evacuations would do for those who complied but in this case, it would’ve been eviction as villagers would resist moving. The exercise would have required the police & the army to use minimum force & as usual, there were going to be fake rape, torture & abduction claims.

Meanwhile, journalist Mduduzi Mathuthu has ‘corrected’ the Honourable deputy minister, saying that ‘you wouldn’t know the difference, but it’s significant. It’s EVACUATE not EVICT‘.

Own Correspondent|Prominent Bulawayo journalist Zenzele Ndebele was on Thursday morning taken away by state security agents at State House in Bulawayo when he was found with tear gas canisters in his car.

Ndebele who heads innovative Bulawayo media CITE had his car searched as he entered State House to cover the dialogue between President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Bulawayo Civic Society Organisations.

On searching the vehicle, state security discovered, what sources close to him say were used tear gas canisters in the boot of his car.

The sources claim, Ndebele kept the canisters in his car after picking them up in the streets of Bulawayo during the January citizen protests and may have forgotten to get rid of them before going to State House.

Details on his where abouts were still sketchy at the time of writing but reports indicate that he was whisked away by army and CIO operatives.

Own Correspondent|President Emmerson Mnangagwa has held high profile closed door dialogue with Matabeleland based Civil Society Organisations under the Matabeleland Collective banner.

Representatives of over fifty organisations met with Mnangagwa at the Bulawayo State House for a dialogue on which the Gukurahundi atrocities issue was paramount.

The civic organisation groups demanded that Mnangagwa decriminalize the Gukurahundi discussions and open the issue for national dialogue. The group also demanded that Mnangagwa gives urgent attention to having a closure on the matter.

In response, Mnangagwa guaranteed the region that his government is giving the Gukurahundi issue a priority through the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission.

On the issue of the implementation of the devolution of power, Mnangagwa also assured the region that the constitutionally provided for matter will be sorted within the time frame of the current parliament.

Mnangagwa further promised Matabeleland that he will prioritise infrastructural development of the region after years of marginalisation by the previous government.

This is a developing story……

Farai Dziva|MDC A leader Nelson Chamisa has lamented the glaring lack of disaster preparedness in the country.

“The sad reality is that the the disaster preparedness of the entire infrastructure of the State is itself a disaster.

Indeed, devastation caused by Idai,especially the tragic loss of life, has exposed the clear and present danger that the State itself is a disaster.

With the advent of Climate Change, cyclones have become regular in our part of the world. Citizens would have thought by now the State has learnt something about how to save lives and to protect the people during these deadly cyclones,” Chamisa posted on Twitter yesterday.

“The response of the people was better than the response of the State- which came like an afterthought when cyclones are a scientific phenomena whose formation and trajectory can be detected and forecast.Saw Cyclone coming but state did little to warn and remove pple from danger zones,” added Chamisa.

“Haphazard settlement system in the countryside is a ticking time bomb.We need integrated national settlement planning upon accelerated rural upliftment program.Have standards even models for structures and houses certified for human habitation thru a district planning commission.

Most of our road networks and bridges are substandard and of poor workmanship.What we want here is a National Infrastructure plan for the whole country spanning into 20 to 50 years that speaks to national focus on ..roads and rail networks, bridges and bullet trains.”

Farai Dziva|Declared Zanu PF sympathiser, Jimaya Muduvuri has claimed Emmerson Mnangagwa has been anointed by God to lead Zimbabwe.

Barely a week after Mnangagwa equated himself to the Creator, his fervent follower Muduvuri has sensationally claimed that “the President” is a God given leader.

Muduvuri has further claimed that efforts to remove Mnangagwa from office are futile.

“You see, President Emmerson Mnangagwa has been anointed by God to lead Zimbabwe and nobody can force him out of the country’ s highest office.

God knows what President Mnangagwa is the leader of this country- as such he will not be pushed out of office by noisemakers,” declared Muduvuri.

“We have to thank God who gave us such a leader.Everything happens in a the right season and we have to be cognisant of the fact that President Mnangagwa has been appointed by God to lead the nation,” added Muduvuri.

Farai Dziva|In spite of the ensuing tension between Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa and his former boss Robert Gabriel Mugabe the former still adores his mentor.

Speaking at a media briefing in the United Arab Emirates at the weekend, Mnangagwa described Mugabe as a champion of the liberation struggle.

Mnangagwa has repeatedly refused to utter negative words about his former boss and he has elected to be evasive when asked about his relationship with the former strongman.

“President Mugabe is our father.He is the founding father of the struggle for black empowerment, he is a living legend,” said Mnangagwa.

“We will never forget the role he played during and after the liberation struggle. He pioneered the land reform programme and up to now we are still enjoying the fruits of his efforts,” said Mnangagwa.

WATCH VIDEO BELOW….

The Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services has announced the latest number of Cyclone Idai casualties.

Number of casualties in Zimbabwe as of 20/03/19

Total deaths 139

Missing 189
Injured 144

By Own Correspondent| Over 100 trucks transporting wheat into the country are stuck at Beira, Mozambique following extensive destruction of the road network by Tropical Cyclone Idai, the Grain Millers’ Association of Zimbabwe (GMAZ) has revealed.

The cyclone which has killed close to a 100 people so far leaving hundreds others missing has been described by a United Nations body as the country’s worst ever natural disaster.

The disaster has also seen the destruction of infrastructure leaving some places in Chimanimani resembling “a war torn zone” according to a local government minister.

Said GMAZ Spokesperson Garikai Chaunza:

“As I am speaking we have over 100 trucks of wheat which are stuck in Beira because of the road networks which were destroyed by the cyclone.

We are further expecting another consignment of 30 000 metric tonnes of wheat, which is coming from abroad and will be docking at Beira.

We have, however, made arrangements that the consignment be transferred to Maputo and is offloaded there.”

In view of the infrastructure damage in Beira, he said, considerations were being made to transport the 30 000 metric tonnes of wheat into Zimbabwe through Chikwalakwala in Beitbridge as an alternative route. 

By Own Correspondent- The Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe has claimed that Public Service Commission (PSC) officials are harrassing teachers in Chimanimani and Chipinge districts forcing them to consent that they engaged in industrial action in February.

PTUZ secretary general Raymond Majongwe said that the PSC has dispatched teams to the district, where they are demanding teachers to fill in forms indicating they were on strike in February.

Said Majongwe:

Can someone tell me how the government, aware of devastation in this area, can dispatch PSC teams demanding teachers to fill in Forms indicating they were on strike in February? Teachers in Chimanimani and Chipinge are being harassed. But WHY???

The two Manicaland districts were ravaged by Tropical Cyclone Idai over the weekend. The cyclone destroyed roads, bridges and buildings, leaving hundreds of people feared dead.

By Own Correspondent- Nyaradzo Funeral Assurance Company has deployed its team in Manicaland with equipment to accord relief and services to the survivors and ensure decent burials of the deceased.

The move by Nyaradzo follows unconfirmed reports that Cyclone Idai victims are being buried in tomato box caskets.

Nyaradzo Funeral Assurance Company released a statement on Wednesday which reads as follows:

“Our prayers and thoughts go out to all who have lost loved ones and those who have been made homeless. Nyaradzo has deployed staff and equipment to Manicaland, which stands ready to help bring the much-needed relief to those affected by Cyclone Idai.

In situations like this, it is meticulous planning, teamwork and coordination that carry the day. We are in constant communication with teams on the ground to ensure that those affected are provided with the aid they so desperately need as soon as it is logistically possible.”

We are working hand in hand with other organisations to ensure decent burial for those who sadly lost their lives in the aftermath. The measure of a nation is seen in how it treats its most vulnerable and how it buries the dead.

By Own Correspondent- Former Cabinet minister Supa Mandiwanzira has applied for the temporary release of his passport to allow him to travel to China.

However, the state has strongly opposed his application maintaining he is a flight risk.

Mandiwanzira has offered another property worth $100 000 as surety and Deputy Chief Magistrate Elisha Makomo will hand down his ruling on Friday.

Meanwhile, suspended Chief Magistrate Mishrod Guvamombe’s bail reporting conditions have been reviewed amid revelations that he will report once weekly to the police and the restriction to a 50 kilometre radius has been uplifted.-

By Own Correspondent- There was drama in Parliament on Wednesday as Zanu Pf legislator for Nkayi South Stars Mathe confronted opposition MDC Zengeza West legislator Job Sikhala and threatened him with death over a comment he had passed while she was making her contribution in the August House.

A highly charged Mathe, left her seat and approached Sikhala, pointing a finger at him while at the same time threatening him with death.

Sikhala however remained calm and did not retaliate only to speak after the Speaker of Parliament Jacob Mudenda had reprimanded Mathe for her actions.

Said Mudenda:

“Hon Mathe, we do not encourage that type of behaviour and approach in this House. You do not go about pointing fingers at other legislators but you point fingers at each other through debate. Apologise for you actions.”

In response to the threat, Sikhala said:

“I know she (Mathe) has threatened me with death but i did not take her seriously because, she does not have the capacity.”

By Own Correspondent- The government and the civil service have agreed on RTGS $400 million cost of living adjustment (COLA) across the board effective April 1, 2019.

Sector-specific negotiations are however set to continue on non-monetary benefits and allowances.

This will translate into a salary increment of $129 across the board effective April 1. The lowest-paid worker in Grade B1 will now be getting $570, up from $441.

An agreement reached after a Joint Negotiating Council (JNC) meeting held in Harare reads:

The parties took note of the challenges being faced by members of the Public Service and agreed to implement a COLA of $400 million to be effected across the board from April 1 to December 31, 2019.

In addition to the COLA, the parties also agreed to continue their engagement in order to address the following; (i) to employ additional Public Service buses to augment the current fleet, (ii) to implement Statutory Instrument 52 of 2019 that exempts the Public Service from paying vehicle import duty within the set monetary thresholds, (iii) to undertake the agreed study tours to facilitate the establishment of Public Service Collective Bargaining Council by June 2019 and (iv) for Government to provide appropriate medical services to civil servants.

Meanwhile, Apex Council chairperson Cecelia Alexander said:

Though we have our demands which we want to be met, at least this is a sign of fruitful dialogue which has culminated into this agreement.

As Apex Council we will continue negotiating with the employer and this agreement is subject to review in June. We have agreed that developments in the economy, whether positive or negative, will see the parties sitting on the table to dialogue.

By Own Correspondent- UK’s Opposition Labour Party Leader Jeremy Corbyn, said that there is an urgent need to deal with pollution as it contributes to climate change.

Corbyn admitted that the industrialised counties in the Northern Hemisphere are responsible for pollution and yet, the poor countries in the Southern Hemisphere suffer the most.

He said:

“The devastating cyclone affecting millions of people in Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi is yet another reminder that while corporations in the global North are the main polluters, the poor in the South suffer most. Climate change is killing people. We must do more, now.

Corbyn’s sentiments come as millions of people were affected by Tropical Cyclone Idai, which, according to the United Natiions, is possibly the deadliest storm to ever hit Africa.

By Admire Machiwenyika| The FreeZim Congress president Joseph Busha has criticised the lacklustre government of President Emmerson Mnangagwa by calling Zimbabweans a leaderless population, over the lack of seriousness and preparedness to deal with a series of recent disasters.

With the recent ongoing cyclone Idai that had claimed a lot of lives in Manicaland and other neighbouring countries, Busha castigated the government for ignoring the cyclone warning prior to the disaster.

“The unfortunate part is that there was a full warning about this disaster, on the part of government there was not sufficient preparations and they could have send rescue teams. The government knew this was coming and yet they did not prepare.

“In the recent three months this has shown that as a country we are going nowhere we are leaderless population, where we do not have people with a plan to take us forward,” expressed Busha.

With reference to Battlefields Mines disaster the FreeZim president expressed concern over the government’s lack of commitment to address National disasters.

“Earlier as you are aware in February or mid-March we had the issue of mining disaster as well, it’s quit sad, yes government is trying to promote artisanal mining, for the young.

 l also believe it’s politicking if you then promote anyone to go to a mine without operational safety measures in place and without risk management measures in place for jus an individual to be told you can go underground and do as you please.

“The government should always have a rescue plan in place and we saw that as we lost about 70 lives during that time,” he added.

Whilst addressing journalist in the capital the outspoken leader has called president Mnangagwa a coward for failing to grant him a one on one discussion   despite his numerous requests.

“Then there is the issue of interparty dialogue, l am not part of that. I wrote to the president, to say meet and have a shared vision about the country and he refused, so my position is that he is scared ideas, he is coward from a discussion perspective,” said Busha.

The FreeZim Congress leader just like the MDC-Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa have decided to snub the earlier calls by President Mnangagwa for an all-political parties dialogue, by both describing the process as compromised.

MDC President Nelson Chamisa has postponed his Bulawayo Thank You rally “to allow the party and the nation to put maximum concentration on Cyclone Idai, a party official has said.

Chamisa had scheduled his Bulawayo Thank You rally on the 23rd of March but with the nation currently engrossed in the cyclone idai disaster, proceeding with the meeting would have brought catastrophic consequences to the reputation of the party.

By Own Correspondent- Zambia has reportedly banned an energy drink on Wednesday after it was shown to have been adulterated with the male sex booster Viagra, according to authorities in Ndola, the city of manufacture.

The banning of Power Natural High Energy Drink SX comes as Zambia’s medicine regulator complained in December 2018 that the drink had been spiked with viagra.

The manufacturer, Revin Zambia Ltd, could not immediately be reached for comment on the ban.

The drink is also exported to African countries such as Uganda, Malawi and Zimbabwe, the manufacturer said last year.

The Zambian government has ordered the manufacturer to withdraw the drink after tests showed it contained Sildenafil Citrate whose brand name is Viagra

Sildenafil is an active ingredient in oral therapy in erectile dysfunction in men.-SowetanLive

By Own Correspondent- A Married man from Chitungwiza got the shock of his life when he caught his wife sleeping with another man at their matrimonial home after he had returned home from work unannounced.

Grace Pama (31) and Terence Chirubvu were not given time to dress up after they were caught having quality time by Nathaniel Nyagura, who together with his sisters, forced the duo to march to the police naked.

In an interview with a local publication, Nyagura confirmed the incident and said he was contemplating om taking Chirubvu to court.

” I caught them red-handed sleeping on our matrimonial bed. People have been telling me that my wife was involved in extra-marital affairs, but all along I did not believe it because I believed in our marriage.”

Nyagura and his wife, Grace are legally married under the Marriages Act Chapter 5:11.

” I stay in Mutare where I am trying to make ends meet, so I came back home today around 2:38 am and I saw my wife sleeping with another man on our matrimonial bed. I could not believe what I was seeing and I then invited my sisters to be witnesses,” said Nyagura.

Upon arrival at the police, Nyagura was then advised to approach the Civil Court. Nyagura furnished the publication with details that he was now processing divorce papers.

In an affidavit, Chirubvu admitted being in an adulterous relationship with Grace and also added that he was to pay Nyagura $5000 on or before three weeks as compensation.-StateMedia

By Own Correspondent- President Emmerson Mnangagwa has said no victim of Tropical Cyclone Idai should die of hunger adding that government was aware of the plight of those affected by the natural disaster which has so far claimed 98 lives leaving hundreds missing.

Mnangagwa, who visited the disaster struck Chimanimani in Manicaland on Wednesday said his government would ensure that those affected by Tropical Cyclone Idai are assisted considering their vulnerability following the devastating phenomena.

Said Mnangagwa:

“Hatidi kunzwa kuti pane munhu afa nenzara. Ndonzwa kuti mhuri dzakaenda, mombe dzakaenda, kwava nenhamo yakakura mudzimuri. Ndichiku UAE (United Arab Emirates), ndanzwa nyaya idzi mutungamiri weko vakafungawo kuti vangabatsira neyi, vakati vachatibatsira. (We do not want to hear that there is someone who died of hunger. I heard that lives were lost, cattle were lost, and there is great distress in families. Whilst I was still in the UAE, having heard about the tragedy, the leader of the UAE pledged to assist us),” said President Mnangagwa.

“Shamwari dzedu sa President weku Tanzania vaMagufuli vakati shamwari tanzwa njodzi iyi tikati hongu ndokubva vatumira mishonga, zvekufuka nezvimwe…ndege hombe yakasvika nezuro kubva ku Tanzania. Mamwe mazindege makuru achasvika na 4pm kubva ku UAE. (Our friends like President Magufuli of Tanzania yesterday sent a plane loaded with various items such as medicine, blankets….Some big planes from UAE are arriving at 4pm today,)” he added.

President Mnangagwa explained that the tragedy occurred after he had left for a business trip to Abu Dhabi meant to deepen bilateral ties between the two countries.

A HARARE magistrate yesterday relaxed bail conditions for suspended Chief Magistrate Mishrod Guvamombe who is accused of criminal abuse of office.

Guvamombe who appeared before magistrate Lucy Mungwari successfully applied to have his bail conditions, which restricted him from travelling more than 50 km out of Harare, scrapped.

He had asked the court for the relaxation of the bail conditions to enable him to visit his farm in Bindura and a rural home which is outside the 50km radius.

The suspended chief magistrate also successfully applied to have his reporting conditions reduced from twice a week to once a week.

His passport was also temporarily released to allow him to travel to South Africa for the graduation ceremony of his child. Guvamombe is expected back in court on April 9.

It is alleged that sometime in June 2017, magistrate Elijah Makomo was assigned a criminal case in which Nathan Mnaba was the accused and Nighert Savania the complainant.

During the trial, numerous applications were allegedly made by the defence which were dismissed due to lack of merit.

This allegedly prompted the defence to approach Makomo, who was presiding over the matter on June 26, 2017 demanding that he recuses himself from the case.

Makomo is said to have turned down the request and advised them to file their application with the High Court or make a formal application with him.

It is alleged that Makomo was later advised to report to Guvamombe’s office with Mnaba’s court record and was told the fact that he was mishandling the matter and as such he should recuse himself despite the fact that there was no formal application from the defence for his recusal.

The court heard that Guvamombe went on to hear the complainant’s case despite him having previously had a business relationship with Mnaba’s father.

Guvamombe is also accused of offering internship to former ministers Supa Mandiwanzira and Saviour Kasukuwere who are both studying law at the University of Zimbabwe, but are being tried for different offences at the same courts.

Prophet Bushiri claims hawks members tried to get bribes from him. Ipid said investigations into allegations Bushiri made against the Hawks have been delayed due to his busy schedule.

It appears controversial Prophet is too busy for the police. Late last year, he opened a case with Ipid, claiming Hawks members tried to get bribes from him.

Ipid spokesman Moses Dlamini said: “The suspects are yet to be identified, and there’s still a lot that needs to be done in the investigation, which depends on the availability of the complainant.”

In November, Daily Sun reported Bushiri’s lawyer Terrence Baloyi claimed cops had demanded money to make the probe go away. He said they asked for R10 million at first, but when Bushiri refused to pay they reduced it to R5 million.

He said the amount later went down to R1 million before being increased to R3 million. Baloyi said this happened in April after it emerged Bushiri was being probed for money laundering, racketeering and rape.

At the time, the Hawks dismissed the claims. Daily Sun tried for a week to get hold of Bushiri, with no success. His spokesman Ephraim Nyndo hung up the phone.

An American hunter who shot a sleeping lion, making it writhe in agony before he killed it, has sparked a global storm of repugnance, with calls for him to be hunted down himself to face justice.

Footage of Guy Gorney shooting the animal in Zimbabwe has gone viral on social media, prompting universal fury.

Some users said they would love him to be savaged by lions, others said they would enjoy attacking him, and some hoped he too died in agony.

Mr Gorney fires twice more before the guide intervenes and shakes his hand to congratulate him.

The guide says: “A very nice lion,” laughs and pats Mr Gorney on the back. 

The footage also shows the pair prodding the dead lion with the rifle and admiring it, before the guide shakes Mr Gorney’s hand again.

One Twitter user described him as a “gutless self-obsessed narcissist with a gun, overactive ego and far too much money to waste”.

The video, dating back to 2011, shows Mr Gorney being coached in shooting. He points his rifle at the sleeping lion and fires a shot, which awakes the animal.

It arches its back in pain and writhes on its back, unable to stand or run away.

Another, Silvio Pires, wrote: “Can anyone explain to me how this monster is walking freely amongst us?! Pity our society when we allow such barbaric [sic] not to be punished!”Colin Mckillen said: “No words for what this evil b*****d gets up to. Let’s hope karma catches up with him – he really deserves the worst.” 

“Trophy” hunting is legal in Zimbabwe and South Africa, where wealthy hunters – usually American – pay huge sums to shoot animals dead. 

PROTECT

Africa’s lion populations have plummeted in recent years, with estimates there could be as few as 15,000 left.

Mr Gorney, 65, from Manhattan, Illinois, has not responded to any of the torrent of criticism.

His Facebook account – where his profile picture shows him straddling another lion he killed – is not visible, and that of a woman apparently his daughter is also not public.

He has not responded to media requests to comment.

He has previously admitted having killed the “big five” species: elephant, lion, leopard, rhino and buffalo.

In 2015 he told WBBM radio he had killed 70 animals.

“I like pitting myself against these animals. And what greater trophy than an elephant?” he said.

He claimed hunting was conservation. “You can say, why’d you shoot a lion? I love zebra, so shooting a lion probably saves 70 zebra a year, give or take,” he said.

He said he follows the law when hunting and can’t abide poachers.

The US allows hunters with permits to import wildlife “trophies”.

In the UK, Lion Aid is lobbying for a ban on imports of lion parts to discourage hunting. — Independent, UK

Correspondent|Mandla Mataure, the general manager of Chimanimani Hotel, has explained why his hotel survived Cyclone Idai.

He told BBC Focus on Africa radio:” We were fortunate because this building was built soon after World War Two, so it’s got very solid concrete walls – it wasn’t damaged but just standing near a window and hearing the sheer force of the wind and the rain, I couldn’t even imagine what it was like for those who were in the village.

From the first night we have been sheltering about 400 people. It’s families – men, women, children who were just stranded and had nowhere to go after their homes were destroyed.

So we’ve opened up our doors: we’ve got a big enough conference room and lounge for people to sleep – camping style, at least until we can get something more semi-permanent.

A lot of people feel safer here [at night], maybe going back during the day to the areas where their homes were to try and salvage whatever they can find. Buildings were swept away, we’re in a mountainous area – it’s a mess. A lot of lives have been lost and we’re still counting, some people have been buried but some bodies are still under rubble.

We’ve got about four or five different roads that can bring you to Chimanimani but on each road there’s at least one or two bridges that have been damaged, making those roads impassable, so we’re pretty much stranded at the moment.

There are probably other areas in more need of rescue and support than us. Where we are is more the “Central Business District” (CBD) of Chimanimani, but the more remote areas are in desperate need of support

Own Correspondent|The Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Ziyambi Ziyambi has revealed that Government is working on repealing the willful HIV transmission law.

Section 79 (1) of the Criminal Codification and Reform Act on deliberate transmission of HIV reads: “Any person who knowingly that he or she is infected with HIV, or realising that there is a real risk or possibility that he or she is infected with HIV, intentionally does anything or permits the doing of anything which he or she realises involves a real risk or possibility of infecting another person with HIV, shall be guilty of deliberate transmission of HIV, whether or not he or she is married to that other person and shall be liable to imprisonment for a period not exceeding twenty years.

“It shall be a defence to a charge under subsection (1) for the accused to prove that the other person concerned knew that the accused was infected with HIV and consented to the act in question, appreciating the nature of HIV and the possibility of becoming infected with it.”

Ziyambi, during a Question and Answer session in Parliament today, said the law will be repealed.

Calls for the law to be repealed have been made since about 3 years ago. In 2016, Elizabeth Tailor Human Rights Award winner and HIV activist, Ms Martha Tholanah said this law must be scrapped because it stigmatised and discriminated against people living with HIV.

Ms Tholanah, who has been living with HIV for the past 17 years, said criminalisation of wilful HIV transmission was done a long time ago on the advent of the disease, when no one wanted to be associated with it.

She, however, said owing to developments in the medical field, HIV is now just like any other disease hence the law must be informed by science trends.

“Evidence has shown that chances of transmitting HIV to another person if you are on treatment are slim. The law must then speak the same language with science to achieve our national and global goals and targets,” said Ms Tholanah.

She said the current law discouraged people from getting tested thereby delaying them from accessing treatment early, reversing global efforts to end Aids by 2030.

Government and civil servants yesterday sealed a salary accord after the employer improved its offer to the workers from $350 million to $400 million.

This will translate to a salary increment of $129 across board effective April 1.

The lowest paid worker in Grade B1 will now be getting $570 up from $441.

Negotiations for a further salary review—possibly in June—will continue with other non-monetary incentives being considered.

The Government workers put pen to paper after a Joint Negotiating Council (JNC) meeting held in Harare.

An agreement sealed by the two parties states that a consensus was reached after taking into consideration “the challenges being faced by members of the public service due to rising cost of living and having noted the state of the economy.”

“(It was agreed that) a cost of living adjustment (COLA) of $400 million be effected across the board for all members of the public service with effect from April 1 2019 to December 31, 2019,” reads the agreement.

“Government undertook to clear the Premier Service Medical Aid Society (PSMAS) arrears resources permitting and provide additional public service buses to augment the current fleet of buses.”

The JNC also agreed that Statutory Instrument 52 of 2019—which allows civil servants to import cars duty-free—be implemented.

It was also agreed that study tours on the establishment of the Public Service Bargaining Council be conducted by June 2019.

“Negotiations would continue to consider sector-specific allowances and other non-monetary incentives,” reads the agreement.

Apex Council chairperson Mrs Cecelia Alexander said negotiations will continue until the welfare of civil servants improved.

“Though we have our demands which we want met, at least this is a sign of fruitful dialogue which has culminated into this agreement,” she said.

“As Apex Council we will continue negotiating with the employer and this agreement is subject to review in June. We have agreed that developments in the economy, whether positive or negative, will see the parties sitting on the table to dialogue.”

She added: “As Apex Council we are also happy that finally we have been heard on the issue of duty-free cars. This is also a sign that Government is committed to the betterment of our lives as workers and we hope all other non-monetary incentives we are pushing for will come to fruition.”

Government recently unveiled a $60 million housing facility for civil servants as part of the non-monetary incentives.

A memorandum of agreement between the employer and the National Building Society (NBS) on the rollout of the project is in place.

This is part of Government’s commitment to provide decent and affordable housing to the people, mostly civil servants and among President Mnangagwa’s interventions to alleviate hardship among citizens on the back of austerity measures Government is implementing.

State Media

African Medallion Group founder Frank Buyanga has condemned the shooting of two guards after 10 robbers pounced on his Toyota Land Cruiser in an attempt to steal gold in Boksburg, South Africa.

Two men, Francois Swart and Dale Collins, were seriously injured during the attack, sparking outrage in a country with some of the world’s worst rates of violent crime.

South Africa police have launched a manhunt for the suspects, who used armour-piercing bullets in the robbery, and fled the scene in a VW Golf.

Police spokesperson Kay Makhubele said the two occupants of the Toyota were injured after their car was riddled with bullets and are battling for life in hospital where they are receiving specialist medical care. “They were transporting gold along the R21 in Jet Park in Boksburg when they were attacked by the group,” Makhubele said.

“Unfortunately, two guards were shot and seriously wounded during the attempt.”

The suspects fled in two sedans without being able to take anything, and police have appealed to anyone with information to come forward. “We urge any member of the public who might have information which could lead to the arrests of these suspects to contact their nearest police station,” Makhubele added.

The South African-based gold trader AMG said scenes from the CIT robbery on the R21 in Gauteng were horrific and a regular occurence in South Africa. “AMG Group is deeply saddened by the events of yesterday. We would like to send our prayers and heartfelt thoughts to the families of Francois Swart and Dale Collins, who operate in our industry,” he said in a statement released on the company’s social media platforms.

AMG said the shootings have once again highlighted the phenomenon of gun violence in South Africa. Even though South Africa’s murder rate has been gradually dropping, it remains one of the world’s most violent countries.

“AMG is saddened by the high levels of crime in South Africa and continues to pray for a better and safer South Africa.” AMG – an African initiative raising awareness on wealth creation and wealth inclusion of fellow Africans – based in Sandton, is one of Africa’s greatest bullion money-making machines and develops and distributes precious metals – mostly gold and related products such as medallions and krugerrands.

Since its inception in 2017, AMG – known for its intense innovation – has produced and sold plenty of medallions within this short period of time. This included the sale of Pan African 1/4 Oz Fine Gold Medallion released last April, which sold out in record time. The start-up has continued to break records and set new standards of excellence since then.

But the gold industry it operates in in South Africa is faced with a severe crisis as a result of the daily spate of cash-in-transit
attacks and gold heists that threaten the safety of employees and members of the public. — DailyNews

By Own Correspondent- Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation, Kirsty Coventry has apologised for moving the date of Zimbabwe’s award ceremony NAMA from March 23 to April 13, 2018.

A statement from Coventry reads:

“My Ministry sincerely apologises to the Sector, Corporates, Events Manager AB Communication, the public and nation at large for inconveniences caused by this development. We assure that the ceremony will be held accordingly as had been planned at Harare International Conference Centre. As a Ministry, together with our parastatal the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe, we took the decision based on the current national situation of the effects of the natural disaster, Cyclone IDAI that have claimed lives and vastly destroyed properties. Cognisant that we are a culture Ministry that values unhu/ubuntu, we saw it noble that we move the awards ceremony and join the rest of fellow Zimbabweans in assisting the affected families.”

By Own Correspondent- Zimbabwean farmers are expected to sell up to 240 million kg of tobacco this year, a 5 percent decrease from 2018 due to drought.

This was revealed by a Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) official who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity.

TIMB data seen by Reuters shows tobacco exports have already earned $178 million since January, with South Africa and China the top two importers.

In an official circular on Wednesday, the RBZ said farmers would now be paid in the local transitional RTGS dollar currency, reversing a decision to pay them half their money in U.S. dollars. The biggest farmers’ group said it was studying the notice.

Farai Dziva| Constantino Chiwenga has triggered “twitter war after accusing MDC A leader Nelson Chamisa of “playing with people’s lives.”

Addressing villagers in Ngangu, Manicaland Province today Chiwenga attacked the youthful opposition leader claiming his visit to the area was insignificant.

“This is not the time to play with people’s lives.Surely you cannot bring two chickens and present them to traumatized villagers.

Please stop playing games during such a sensitive period. We cannot tolerate such behaviour,” said Chiwenga.

“You saw him when he came here, what did he do? Can we tolerate such childish antics?”

Government functionaries were stunned by Chamisa’ s popularity in the area, political analysts have postulated.

Farai Dziva|Respected political analyst Dr Pedzisai Ruhanya has pointed out four factors that influence election results in Zimbabwe.

“Elections in Zim are never determined or won by votes. To win elections one needs FOUR THINGS 1. Money 2. Security apparatus 3.ZEC 4.Judiciary. This is the view of the Zaka villager after analysing electoral outcomes in Zim especially after 2000,” argued Dr Ruhanya.

“There4 MONEY, SECURITY APPARATUS, ZEC and JUDICIARY are the four centres of ZANU PF electoral gravity that the opposition led by @nelsonchamisa need to work on apart from controlling the VOTE/VOTERS in order to defeat ZANU PF in 2023. Centres of manipulation must FALL.”

Farai Dziva|Constantino Chiwenga could not control his temper and literally exploded after being booed by villagers in the Ngangu area in Manicaland Province.

Chiwenga was jeered at as he attempted to silence those ” harbouring sinister political agendas during the time of bereavement.”

Chiwenga’s attempt to embarrass opposition leader Nelson Chamisa who visited Manicaland Province before Emmerson Mnangagwa’ s trip to the area, backfired when villagers jeered at him.

“This is not the time to pursue narrow political agendas.We know that there are some individuals who want to create unnecessary discord.

We will not take this lightly.Just keep quiet and remember that we are still grappling with the dire effects of the Tropical Cyclone Idai effects.You are now taking your political grudges too far,” said Chiwenga.

Chiwenga momentarily digressed from the main purpose of the event as he lashed out at ” misguided opposition malcontents. “

THE Anti-Corruption Trust of Southern Africa (ACT-SA) has called for an investigation into reports that officials at the Kwekwe Depot of the Vehicle Inspection Department (VID) are allegedly receiving bribes in exchange for drivers’ licences.

Obert Chinhamo, the director of ACT-SA said complainants have singled out four officials who are soliciting for bribes of US$100 in exchange for Class 4 and 5 drivers’ licences.

All those refusing to pay would fail regardless of how good they are.

He said on March 18, 2019, more than 18 representatives of driving schools in Kwekwe met and resolved to shun taking learners to the depot in protest against the corruption thereof.

Chinhamo claimed that he alerted one of the senior officials at the depot but nothing was done about it. “I gave him the names of the four officials implicated in the corruption scandal as well as an indication that there were several learners willing to help him set the traps and catch the culprits red-handed.

He promised to visit our offices on the same day for further discussions but he didn’t. I am not surprised that driving schools have decided to protest against this depot. Corruption is sickening and it disturbs even more when a leader of such a depot refuses to cooperate in support of his subordinates.” he said.

By Own Correspondent- President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Vice President Constantino Chiwenga have returned to Harare after meeting Cyclone Idai victims and affected communities and assuring them of government’s support.

Mnangagwa and Chiwenga arrived at the Robert Mugabe International Airport. Mnangagwa who was in Manicaland Province, today spent the whole day assessing the extent of damage in the areas that were devastated by Tropical Cyclone Idai, consoling those who lost their loved ones and assuring the people of relief efforts by government.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has flown into a mountainous town on Zimbabwe’s eastern border with Mozambique to visit the survivors of a devastating cyclone that has killed scores of people and caused widespread damage.

Since Cyclone Idai hit on Friday evening, the farming town of Chimanimani has been largely cut off from the rest of the country, with bridges destroyed and routes blocked due to mudslides and fallen trees.

Mnangagwa on Wednesday cut across a rocky stream as he visited patients in the Chimanimani District Hospital in Ngangu township. 

Boulders fell down the mountain slopes blocking all paths to the hospital, while trickles of floodwater continued to flow in some parts of the town.

“We tried to warn people; we asked those living on the downward slopes to move to higher ground, but that was just [a] warning …. we didn’t know how bad, now we are met with this tragedy,” Mnangagwa told a crowd of locals gathered around a football field.

“Many of our people have died …When we are faced with a tragedy like this, we wish that we all come together and unite and support each other through this time as one family,” he said.

The government has said that at least 98 people have been killed and more than 200 are missing in Zimbabwe as a result of the powerful cyclone, which has also ravaged parts of Mozambique and Malawi, causing flash floods, destroying infrastructure and wiping out entire communities. 

On Monday, Mozambique’s President Filipe Nyusi said the number of people killed in the cyclone and preceding floods in his country could exceed 1,000.

‘What about those missing?’

In Chimanimani, which is accessible only by air, at least 40 people have been buried since Monday, but the overall death toll and the full extend of the damage remain unknown.

Local residents told Al Jazeera there were still areas where people were trapped, while others lamented that their neighbours were still missing following the weekend’s heavy rains.

“My wife was injured and my child was hurt, but my neighbours’ children are missing. Nobody knows where the two children are [and] if they are alive,” Zviyere Ngomariya, a 44-year-old local businessman, said.

“I thank God my family is OK, but what about those who are missing?”

Mnangagwa, who cut short a trip to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has declared the cyclone a national disaster and promised that the government would provide the necessary assistance – including medicine and food relief – beyond the budgeted $50m response.

The UAE has provided $4.9m in emergency aid, while other countries in the wider region – including Botswana, South Africa, Namibia and Tanzania – have also provided humanitarian assistance.

Meanwhile, the African Union has pledged to contribute $350,000 to Zimbabwe, Malawi and Mozambique affected by Cyclone Idai and said it will dispatch an assessment mission to survey the damage affecting more than two million people in the three countries.

Mnangagwa is also visiting other cyclone-hit areas in the eastern highlands affected by the cyclone. Search and rescue missions are ongoing with at least 42 people reportedly marooned in areas around the border district.

While the threat of heavy rains remains, military units and roadworks employees are working to clear obstructed roads and bridges, albeit with very limited resources.

— Al Jazeera

Own Correspondent|ZIMBABWE National Army’s Major General Joe Muzvidziwa of the 3 Infantry Brigade who is the commander leading rescue efforts in Manicaland has said that the death toll for Zimbabwe may reach 500. He said most of the damage occurred in the Rusitu Valley.

He said: “We don’t have sufficient data on the numbers of people who died and those that are missing. In fact, when the data collation is done, we are expecting the number of missing people not to be less than 500. The good thing is that the water levels have receded and if we manage to clear the roads we could have a clear picture by end of day Wednesday.”

Meanwhile, Roman Catholic Pope Francis is praying for victims of the cyclone-induced flooding in southern Africa and is urging support for those affected.

Francis issued an appeal at the end of his weekly general audience Wednesday for those affected by the flooding in Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi that have killed more than 350 people.

Francis said: “I express my pain and closeness to those dear people. I entrust the many victims and their families to the mercy of God and urge comfort and support for those who have been struck by this calamity.”

Aid workers are rushing to rescue victims from treetops after the cyclone unleashed the devastating floods.

Own Correspondent|The Minister for Local Government, July Moyo, revealed that there could be as many as 300 bodies of Zimbabweans washed away by floods and now floating in Mozambique.

Minister Moyo said this during a post-cabinet media briefing in Harare Tuesday.

He said: “The distress calls started coming from Kopa, in Rusitu where two rivers which converge there burst and we understand there are bodies which are floating.

“Some have floated all the way into Mozambique and some of the peasants in Mozambique were calling some of our people saying that ‘we see bodies, we believe those bodies are coming from Zimbabwe.

“The total number we were told there could be a hundred, some going as far as saying there could be 300 but we cannot confirm this situation; our army is going on foot to Rusitu in order to go and assess the situation on the ground.”

FINANCE and Economic Development Minister Mthuli Ncube says treasury has managed to reduced the public wage bill by cutting salaries of senior government officials by 5% across the board, retiring over 3 000 youth officers.

Other “unnecessary expenditure and ‘perks’” for ministers and MPs, most notably the procurement of vehicles, were also halted.

These measures had helped lower monthly budget deficit from US$242m in November to a surplus of US$733m in December, and a provisional surplus of $113m for January, with the “overall picture so far (being) one of cautious optimism”, Ncube said.

Minister Ncube sees inflation – currently at 59% – declining to 10% by the end of the year.

He is banking on slowing down money supply, liberalisation of the exchange rate and other broader economic reforms, although it will “not be plain sailing” for the struggling southern African country, he says.

In February 2019, Zimbabwe’s inflation rate shot up to 59.4% from 56.9% in January. In December 2018, it was 42.09%.

Foreign currency shortages and a thriving parallel market for Forex have been blamed for the steep rise in inflation in Zimbabwe, while shortages of some commodities have also seen prices creeping up.

However, Ncube is cautiously optimistic that inflation will fall down to 10% by the end of the year.

“As all Zimbabweans know, it has not been all plain sailing. The inflationary pressures we have faced have caused uncertainty and pain, and we have made dealing with this our number one concern,” Ncube said in an economic update released on Tuesday.

Ncube highlighted that in a bid to address this, “We have pushed ahead in our efforts to narrow the fiscal deficit and slow down money supply growth, and we project inflation to slow down to below 10%” by the end of the current year.

Zimbabwe’s monetary policy has also been tweaked to include what the government is describing as the “liberalisation of our foreign currency market and discarding of the fixed 1:1 exchange rate” peg for RTGS Dollars and bond notes.

Zimbabwe is reforming parastatals and aims to raise an initial US$350m from the disposal of shares in government-controlled enterprises that include telcos TelOne, Telecel and NetOne as well as the Post Bank and Zimpost. It has targeted these enterprises for “immediate reforms”, and work is already underway to identify transaction advisors.