By Own Correspondent| Dr Thokozani Khupe’s MDC-T has vowed to stay for President Emmerson Mnangagwa initiated political parties dialogue.

Khupe said her party will not walk out of the dialogue which also comprises some of the losing presidential candidates in the 2018 election.

MDC-T  party chairperson Abednico Bhebhe said they would continue engaging with government and would quit once convinced the President was insincere.

Said Bhebhe:

There are some people that are saying we must pull out of the talks, but the whole idea is to find solutions to all the problems we face . . . We will only withdraw from the talks after we see that he (President) is not sincere; as for now, we can’t measure sincerity by withdrawing.

Jane Mlambo| Zanu PF Deputy Secretary For Youth Affairs Lewis Mathuthu has turned around from hero-worshipping former President Robert Mugabe to insulting him.

Mathuthu who a few weeks ago survived an ouster plot, accused Mugabe of looting from the country coffers adding that the nonagenarian doesn’t any respect and should be put in his rightful place as an unrepentant old man.

Just yesterday, the party’s women’s league lashed at Mugabe over his remarks that President Emmerson Mnangagwa was behaving like god by killing protesters against his rule.

Mugabe made the remarks during his 95th birthday celebrations at his Blue Roof mansion in the leafy surburb of Borrowdale in Harare.

https://twitter.com/matutulewis/status/1101189482307563520?s=21

By Own Correspondent| Zanu Pf legislator and prominent Harare lawyer Jonathan Samukange on Wednesday warned the prosecutor who is presiding over the matter of suspended chief magistrate Mishrod Guvamombe to be professional.

Samukange advised the “overzealous” prosecutor, Zivanai Macharaga that he will face persecution if the regime changes.

Said Samukange:

“You must be professional and not be overzealous. You must not humiliate, persecute and embarrass your brother, who is also an officer of the court and I told you you’ll also be persecuted when this regime changes.”

Samukange later applied for the temporary release of Guvamombe’s passport, saying he wanted to attend his child’s graduation ceremony.-Newsday

Magistrate Nemadire postponed the matter to March 18.

By Own Correspondent| Two new cholera cases have been recorded in Shamva mining area recently.

The two patients were however treated and discharged.

The first cholera case was recorded at Mhondoro mining area. The second case was recorded on Thursday last week.

Shamva district medical officer, Tendayi Kamuriwo confirmed the two cholera cases but said the government was on top of the situation.

Said Kamuriwo:

“Indeed, we received two patients who tested positive for cholera, but they have since been discharged and we do not have any admissions. The two have since recovered. We are very much alert.”

Own Correspondent|A MAN from Matshobana in Bulawayo was arrested after he severely beat his daughter and her boyfriend whom he found having sex in his house.

Zanele Hadebe (22) brought her neighbour cum boyfriend Tanaka Moyo (30) home. She didn’t suspect that her father Felix Hadebe (55) would walk in on them playing the adult game.

When he did, he wasn’t amused and attacked the pair who cut short their act. Moyo made the great escape after a few hits leaving his lover at the mercy of her angry father.

Using a metal rod, Hadebe struck them hard but because Zanele was at home and was slow to react she was heavily beaten. Her cries were heard by neighbours but they came a little bit late. The only thing that could be done was ferry her to Mpilo Central Hospital.

For the offence, Hadebe was arrested. Zanele who has since recovered from the nasty beating said that her father should have first knocked instead of barging into her bedroom.

“He should have knocked because I have the right to privacy because it’s my room,’’ she said.

She believes that’s not the way her father should have reacted in the first place.

“Anger should not make a parent beat a child this way,” she added.

With bruises all over her body she can’t do house chores or even properly bath. With her father behind the slammer, she felt pressure to drop charges and let him come home. But that does not change her father’s perception — if she goes out of line he will discipline her again.

“I will not allow such nonsense in my household, if she wants to behave in such a manner she must get married so that she can do whatever she wants in her own house,’’ he said.

The sneaky boyfriend thinks her girlfriend’s father belongs behind bars.

“He is a violent father who abuses his daughter, he must be arrested,” said Moyo.

Apparently it was a known thing that whenever Hadebe was at work, Moyo and Zanele played “husband and wife” at the house.

ZANU PF legislator Jonathan Samukange yesterday warned the presidential special anti-corruption prosecutor, who is presiding over the matter of suspended chief magistrate Mishrod Guvamombe that he must stick to professionalism and not be overzealous, cautioning that he will face persecution if the regime changes.

Samukange had applied for Guvamombe’s matter to be moved to the High Court because the presiding magistrates were his subordinates.

But prosecutor, Zivanai Macharaga said the defence were in the habit of raising unnecessary complaints.

This irked Samukange, who then told Macharaga that they were persecuting his client based on politics and warned that he would also be persecuted when the regime changes.

“You must be professional and not be overzealous. You must not humiliate, persecute and embarrass your brother, who is also an officer of the court and I told you you’ll also be persecuted when this regime changes,” Samukange said.

Samukange later filed a notice to apply for the release of Guvamombe’s passport, saying he wanted to attend his child’s graduation ceremony at a destination not revealed in court.

Nemadire postponed the matter to March 18.

NewsDay

THE country’s former top envoy to Japan, Kenya and Uganda, Ambassador Buzwani Donald Mothobi has died.

He was 80.

Ambassador Mothobi who was Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Japan and the Republic of Korea from 1994 to 1998 died on Wednesday after a long illness.

He was born on August 22 in 1939 in Nyamandlovu District.

Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (PRAZ) chief executive officer Mr Nyasha Chizu sent his condolence message yesterday, describing Ambassador Mothobi, who was also former PRAZ board deputy chairperson as an astute leader and a father figure at the board and in the procurement profession at large.

“His passing away has left a void in the profession and the procurement fraternity shall always remember his leadership and guidance,” he said.

Amb Mothobi was one of the longest serving members of the State Procurement Board and was selected to lead its transformation into the PRAZ.

He served as the Executive Chairman of the transitional State Procurement Board from December 2015 to December 2017.

He was pivotal in the development of the new Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Act (Cap 22:12).

Ambassador Mothobi resigned from PRAZ in 2018 due to illness.

Before his appointment as the deputy chairperson of PRAZ, he had chaired many boards including the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, Zimre Property Investments and SFG Insurance among others.

He was a High Commissioner to Kenya and Uganda from 1998 to 2001. At one time, he was the Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the United Nations Commission on Human Settlements/Habitat.

Ambassador Mothobi was Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Supplies from 1985 to 1987; Permanent Secretary for Labour, Manpower Planning and Social Welfare from 1984 to 1985; Permanent Secretary for Transport from 1982 to 1984.

He was Research and Planning director in the Ministry of Manpower Planning and Development in 1980 and a lecturer in the Department of Political Science, during University Of Rhodesia from 1976 to 1977.

The late diplomat is survived by a wife and three children.

Mourners are gathered at number 48 Folyjon Crescent, Glen Lorne in Harare.

State Media

PEOPLE living with HIV (PLHIV) have blamed some prophets and faith healers for the upsurge in the number of people who default from the first line antiretroviral therapy (ART).

After defaulting on first line ART, the patients are enrolled to the toxic and more expensive second or third line of medication.

They said prophets are in the habit of misleading PLHIV to stop taking medication claiming they have been healed of HIV. This comes at a time when statistics from the National Aids Council show that about 4 000 people in Bulawayo are now in the second and third line of ART.

PLHIV are put on a life time ART which they should adhere to daily to suppress the viral load in their system.

Phophetic Healing and Deliverance Ministries leader prophet Walter Magaya was recently convicted and fined $700 after he claimed that he had found a cure for HIV and Aids which he called Aguma.

His company, Aretha Medicines, was convicted of contravening the Medicines Control Act after Mr Magaya publicised his unfounded claims without following due process.

The recent botched resurrection miracle by a South African prophet also shows the extent that faith healers are willing to go to deceive gullible members of the public.

In an interview yesterday, Zimbabwe National Network for People Living with HIV (ZNNP+) chairperson, Mr Sebastian Chinaire said:

“We are aware that we still have a number of our own defaulting medication and though 4 000 is too big a number, we are grateful because figures have been decreasing. Our number one enemy towards ending Aids by 2030 remains prophets and faith healers who lie to our members that they should stop taking ART as they would have been healed.”

He said at the moment PLHIV heavily relied on donors for medication and it would be impossible for them to continue getting adequate supplies if they continue defaulting.

Mr Chinaire said there is a large margin between the cost of the first line of ART and other lines, and given the current economic conditions it was safer for PLHIV to stick to first line.

“There is no cure for HIV and Aids hence no one should ever reach a point where they are tricked into stopping medication,” added Mr Chinaire.

“Secondly, our members default when they get results showing that their viral load has reached the undetectable stage. This development trends to make them feel better or healed and they default thinking they are completely cured.”

According to experts, an undetectable viral load only means one does not have enough HIV in their body fluids to pass on to a partner or baby.

A local HIV and Aids activist Mr Dumisani Nkomo said it was undeniable that PLHIV on second and third lines had defaulted.

“One of the reasons why we default is because antiretroviral medication cannot be taken on empty stomachs and we do need food for the tablets to work in the body,” he said.

“The situation could even be worse in rural areas because we have people who would rather skip the daily dose when they do not have any food.”

Mr Nkomo said it was important for the Government and responsible authorities to revive feeding programmes for needy PLHIV.

“We also have people suffering from self stigma who instead of embracing the free treatment choose to default. People should remember that defaulting does not only weaken one’s system but also put loved ones at the risk of contracting drug resistant HIV,” said Mr Nkomo.

Zimbabwe still has a dream of ending HIV and Aids by 2030 and part of the goals entails a majority of PLHIV achieving viral load suppression which comes through adherence to medication.

State Media

The witness in the case in which former President Robert Mugabe’s son-in-law, Simba Chikore, is accused of unlawfully detaining former ZimAirways legal head, yesterday developed cold feet and wrote to the State withdrawing from testifying, saying she was compromised.

Phillipa Philips, who is also a lawyer, was expected to testify in the case, but asked the court to withdraw, saying both Chikore and the complainant, Bertha Zakeyo were her clients.

But the State, represented by Mirirai Shumba, told the court that they will try to convince her to testify.

Magistrate Victoria Mashamba postponed the matter to March 8 and endorsed on her record that if Phillips failed to appear in court, that would be the end of the State case.

Last week, the court went for inspection in loco at the ZimAirways offices and Simon Musakasa, former ZimAirways human resources manager, who was testifying, gave conflicting testimony.

However, the inspection proved that there were issues which Musakasa did not tell the court.

Musakasa told the court that his office and the main gate of the premise were five metres apart, but the court found out that the distance was more than 40 metres and one could hardly hear people talking at the gate.

Musakasa had earlier told the court that he heard Zakeyo and Chikore’s co-accused Simbarashe Mutimbe arguing at the gate while in his office.

Their offices were more than 10 metres apart and could hardly hear people talking in other rooms if the doors were closed.

The witness had told the court that their offices were separated by glasses, but the court found out that they were separated by brick walls. — NewsDay

A BOY (14) allegedly severely assaulted his sister (6) and threw her into a river resulting in her drowning in Binga.

The boy, who was last seen with the now deceased on Tuesday morning while they were on their way to school, is on the run.

He allegedly told family members that he had left his sister at Gongo River, where she was bathing after she had messed herself due to a running stomach but they searched for her in vain.

When family members went to the river on the second day, the boy whose name has been withheld as he is a minor, fled when her body was found.

Matabeleland North police spokesperson Chief inspector Siphiwe Makonese confirmed the incident.

She said investigations were underway.

Chief Dobola said sources within the family informed him about the juvenile’s hatred for his sister who had recently relocated from Tsholotsho where their mother is now married.

Last week, the juvenile is alleged to have seriously assaulted his sister and she missed school for a week, accusing her of speaking in Ndebele in a Tonga community.

“I’m told last week he allegedly beat up his sister but the family concealed the matter. They nursed the girl at home and she did not attend school the whole week. When she finally recovered this week and went to school, this unfortunate incident then happened. I am told the two were among three other children on their way to school when he dismissed the other children and committed the crime,” said the chief.

While they were in a bush near Gongo River, Chief Dobola said, the boy instructed the three other children to run to school and check if lessons had started.

“They only returned later during the day and found him in the area close to the river and he joined them home. Realising that she was missing, the family embarked on a search which went on until other villagers were engaged. He told them that he had last seen his sister bathing in the river after having messed herself following a running stomach,” said Chief Dobola.

The chief said at around 8PM, the family approached him and reported that the minor was missing.

On the following day, they continued to search for her and family members asked the boy to lead them since he was the last to have been seen with her.

“The search continued early the next morning and this time, they went to the other side of the river.

When small feet were spotted in the river, it is at that time that people realised that the suspect had disappeared,” said the chief.

A report was made to the police who attended the scene.

Chief Dobola said police informed him that the body was bruised and it is suspected that the girl was severely beaten up before she was drowned.

He said what pains him most is that family members concealed the juvenile’s abusive behaviour.

The chief said had they reported the matter, the girl might not have continued to suffer at the boy’s hands.

State Media

MDC Statement| The vehicles scandal involving senior employees at the Ministry of Mines is an insult to the taxpayer and an indictment to the military government’s rhetorical intention to fight corruption.

The MDC has been arguing that the country needed saving from the hands of a very dangerous cartel which fits the description of George B.N. Ayittey that states that a Vampire state, is one in which the government has been hijacked by a phalanx of bandits, gangsters, crooks, and scoundrels, who use the machinery of the state to enrich themselves, their cronies, supporters, and members of their own ethnic, racial, or religious group and excludes everyone else.

It is unacceptable for the State to lose half a million US dollars to less than ten individuals who imported cars in the name of government only to change ownership in a blink of an eye.

These individuals park imported vehicles and proceed to hire cars for daily duties yet the imported cars were supposed to serve that purpose.

Yet again, millions of public funds are lost in this hiring exercise.

Surprisingly, Mnangagwa in his lack of wisdom created a so-called corruption crack unit in his office in violation of the constitution, supposedly to intensify the fight against corruption.

The crack unit is not only illegal and a waste of tax payer’s funds but clearly ineffective. If anything, corruption continues to blossom.

A few weeks ago, a shocking announcement of the resignation of the entire anti-corruption commission was made with no details provided.

It is, therefore, concerning when these incidences are exposed in the absence of a very important Constitutional independent Commission. Sad to say, even in the presence of the said Commissions, they are pacified, politicized, incapacitated and undermined by the military government.

We saw the undermining and attack on the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission recently for releasing an objective report on human rights violations in January by the state. The courts were swift and ruthless on a man who was charged with stealing a plough during the National Shutdown yet people who swindle the state of millions get away with it.

State security details targeted innocent MDC members and mass arrests took place only for hordes to be acquitted. Yet those with clear cases to answer walk scot-free.

The MDC calls for a comprehensive investigation into this scandal and a full investigation of all vehicles imported for executive use in all government departments.

More importantly, the MDC reaffirms that the following must be done in respect of corruption;-

1. The introduction of criminal sanctions for all corruption-related offences.
2. Strengthening, professionalization and ensuring the independence of all institutions meant to combat corruption including the National Prosecution Authority, Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission, Zimbabwe Republic Police and the Judiciary.
3. Declaration of assets by all public office bearers and senior public executives including those in State Enterprises.
4. State-sanctioned lifestyles audit for all senior public servants and public office holders.
5. Introduction of limited terms of office for senior public executive offices including heads of parastatals.

Behold the New. Change that Delivers!
Jacob Mafume
MDC National Spokesperson

A Murehwa man allegedly committed suicide on Tuesday after assaulting his mother who had chided him for bringing his friend to a family meeting.

Trevor Munetsi (34) of Chikwira Village under Chief Mangwende, Murehwa allegedly hanged himself from a roof beam with a rope at his homestead.

Mashonaland East police spokesperson Inspector Tendai Mwanza confirmed the incident and said investigations were underway.

“I can confirm that we received a report of a man who hanged himself after allegedly assaulting his mother, Charity Munetsi (61),” he said.

“His body was discovered by his wife Catherine Dhlamini (30) on the same day at around 11:40pm and a report was made at Murehwa police who attended the scene.

“We appeal to the public to desist from using violence and to always engage third parties whenever there are disputes, to prevent unnecessary loss of lives.”

It is alleged that on February 26 at around 1800hrs, Trevor was at a family meeting with his mother, his uncle Joseph Munetsi (48), his father Norman Munetsi (68), his wife and a friend identified as Johannes.

An argument arose between Trevor and his mother after she asked him why he had brought Johannes to the meeting.

Trevor became violent and started assaulting his mother with fists before he was restrained by his uncle.

He turned on his father and started assaulting him as well and then rushed to a nearby well and dived into it.

He was retrieved by his uncle and wife.

It is reported that after being rescued, Trevor attacked his mother again who rushed to her bedroom and locked herself inside together with her daughter-in-law.

Trevor went to the kitchen, took a rope and tried to hang himself, but was restrained by his uncle who then left with his father and friend.

At around 11:40pm, Trevor’s wife went outside and found his body hanging from a rope on the veranda.

The body was taken to Murehwa Hospital mortuary for post-mortem.

Police have intercepted a contraband of mbanje weighing 810 kilogrammes believed to have been smuggled into the country from neighbouring Mozambique.

The dagga was found in Cephas Sibanda’s (35) car, which had broken down along the Mpandawana-Chatsworth Road last Saturday.

Police allegedly pounced on Sibanda before he had a chance to stash the dagga in a nearby bush after he realised law enforcement agents were circling his Toyota Mark II vehicle.

Masvingo provincial police spokesperson Chief Inspector Charity Mazula confirmed the incident yesterday.

On the fateful day, she said police officers from Chatsworth who were on routine patrol came across Sibanda’s vehicle which was parked by the roadside and was not occupied at the time.

Sibanda was allegedly seated in a Honda Fit vehicle that was parked behind the Mark II vehicle.

The police officers allegedly became suspicious and demanded to search the Mark II vehicle.

The officers were further alerted by the smell of dagga that filled the air when Sibanda opened the vehicle’s doors.

They searched the vehicle and discovered several 90kg bags of dagga.

They then arrested Sibanda and he implicated an accomplice who is still at large.

The recovered dagga will be presented in court as an exhibit.

State Media

Energy and Power Development Minister Joram Gumbo yesterday dismissed reports circulating on social media that fuel prices will increase.

The reports claimed that fuel industry stakeholders and the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) met and agreed to increase the price of petrol to $5,50 from $3,30 and diesel to $5,15 from $3,10.

Minister Gumbo said: “There are statements circulating on social media alleging that fuel prices are going to increase to $5,50 for petrol and $5,15 for diesel. These statements are false. I would, therefore, like to dispel these rumours.

“According to the statement circulating on social media, a closed door meeting was held between fuel stakeholders and the RBZ. The ministry would like to assure the general public that no such meeting was ever held and no plans to increase fuel were ever considered,” said Minister Gumbo.

He said following the review of fuel prices on January 12 this year, Government was not planning to increase fuel prices again.

“The RBZ Governor Dr John Mangudya in his Monetary (Policy)Statement indicated that foreign currency requirements for Government expenditure and other essential commodities that include fuel, cooking oil, electricity, medicines, and water chemicals shall continue to be made available through the existing letters of credit facilities and the Foreign Exchange Allocations Committee.

“The false statement being circulated on social media could have a negative effect of causing motorists and the public to engage in panic buying and hoarding of fuel for speculative purposes,” said Minister Gumbo.

He emphasised: “I, therefore, want to assure the nation that there is not going to be a fuel price increase as being falsely circulated on social media, save for the usual small price changes of a cent or two caused by movements in the international fuel prices.

“Though the fuel supply in the country remains constrained as evidenced by the fuel queues which developed over the weekend, especially due to diesel shortages, which was a result of logistical glitches, Government is doing everything possible to ensure that fuel is available in the market.”

State Media

A representative of Walter Magaya’s Prophetic Healing and Deliverance (PHD) Ministries appeared in court yesterday for trial on charges of the church evading paying tax on income amounting to more than $28 million.

Magaya and his wife Tendai also stand accused of drawing millions in salaries from the church account without paying Pay As You Earn (PAYE).

Before the trial could commence yesterday, defence lawyers made an application for more time to prepare their defence, arguing that they were served with the relevant papers on Wednesday.

Regional magistrate Mr Hoseah Mujaya acceded to the application and set March 21 as the new trial date. Mr Nelson Marimo was the church representative, while Mr Everson Chatambudza was the defence lawyer. Mr Chatambudza said he was served with the relevant papers on Wednesday by prosecutor Mr George Manokore, hence the need for additional time to prepare the defence. To support his application for postponement, Mr Chatambudza indicated that there were some issues they needed to verify and agree on with the State before the trial commenced.

Magaya’s church is being charged for breaching Value Added Tax (VAT) regulations on over $28 million realised from sale of church wares since 2013.

According to the State, the church raises revenue from selling church regalia, anointing oil, holy water and from its guest house. It is alleged that sometime in October last year, the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) conducted tax investigations and recovered financial statements from PHD for the period extending from 2013 to 2017.

The court heard that ZIMRA recovered financial statements from the Commercial Bank of Zimbabwe which were submitted by PHD for a loan application.

The statements showed that the church realised sales amounting to $28 706 040 between 2013 and 2017.

It is alleged that during that period, the church did not submit income tax returns to ZIMRA. The court heard that during the same period, PHD paid remuneration amounting to $950 522,99 to Magaya’s wife, Tendai, directly into her personal Stanbic Bank account.

PHD also transferred remuneration of US $2 403 658,24 to Magaya’s Stanbic Bank account and on both occasions, the church evaded tax by not paying Pay As You Earn.

It is the State case that Magaya’s church had no records of all goods and services that it sells and purchases, in violation of the VAT Act.

State Media

Botswana President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi has confirmed the 1 billion pula Botswana credit facility that will be channelled towards Zimbabwe’s private sector.

Fielding questions from journalists at the close of the inaugural session of the Zimbabwe-Botswana Bi-National Commission Summit jointly presided over with President Mnangagwa in Harare yesterday, President Masisi said Botswana had increased the facility from 600 million pula to a billion.

“We increased from 600 million pula to 1 billion, the details of which will be sorted out later on,” he said.

President Masisi also handed over health assistance worth 2,1 million pula to the Government of Zimbabwe.

The facilities came as a tonic to a number of agreements that the two Southern African neighbours made in a culmination of meetings that were held since the start of the week under the aegis of the inaugural BNC.

Zimbabwe and Botswana signed six Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) spanning political, social and economic fields that will bring the two countries closer.

The MoUs included the Extradition Treaty, Diplomatic Consultations, Rules and Procedures Governing the Meetings of the Bi-National Bi-National Commission, Mining, Geology and Metallurgy, Cooperation in the Energy Sector and Science and Technology.

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Dr Sibusiso Moyo and his Botswana counterpart Dr Unity Dow signed the MoU on Diplomatic consultations.

The two ministers also signed the MoU on Rules and Procedure governing meetings of the Bi-National Commission.

Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development Minister Professor Amon Murwira signed the MoU on cooperation in the field of Science, Technology and Innovation while Botswana was represented by Minister Dow.

The Extradition Treaty was signed by Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Cain Mathema and Botswana Defence, Justice and Security Minister Shaw Kgathi.

Energy and Power Development Minister Dr Jorum Gumbo signed the MoU on Cooperation in Geology, Mining and Metallurgy on behalf of his counterpart Minister Winston Chitando, while Botswana was represented Minister of Mineral Resources, Green Technology and Energy Security Eric Molale.

The two ministers also signed another MoU on Cooperation in the field of Energy Development.

In his remarks at the closure of the highly successful summit, President Mnangagwa said: “I am pleased that at this inaugural session, we witnessed the signing of six agreements which set the legal framework for broad cooperation in the agreed areas. Through our collective efforts, may the conclusion of these agreements not be an end in itself, but the beginning of greater bilateral cooperation for the benefit of our people and future generations. History has shown us that where people and nations get used to working together, they grow to share the same vision and aspirations.

“I am confident that Zimbabwe and Botswana have set themselves along this path.”

President Masisi who was also the co-chairman of the summit echoed the sentiments saying: “Today’s meeting is the beginning of a strong and long journey which is ahead of us. More work still needs to be done especially to open our private sector business people and private citizens to play a meaningful role in our efforts to further strengthen our bilateral relations. There is no doubt that our success in implementing the commitments we make today will go a long way in ensuring a conducive environment for our people and businesses to increase their interaction.”

He said the Extradition Treaty would go a long way in serving justice between the citizens of the two countries.

Reading out the communique issued after the summit, Minister Moyo (Foreign Affairs and International Trade) said the two Presidents underscored the importance of the MoU on Geology, Mining and Metallurgy in enhancing cooperation in the mining sector especially in the diamond sector where Botswana had considerable experience and expertise.

“The two (Presidents) also noted the importance of the MoU on cooperation in the energy sector in the development and industrialisation efforts of the two countries,” said Minister Moyo.

“The two Presidents directed the senior officials to expedite the conclusion of the outstanding agreements and MoUs by the midterm review to be held in November 2019. The two Presidents noted the need to increase volumes of trade and investment between their countries. In this regard, they directed that a business forum be convened on the margins of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair to bel held in Bulawayo in April 2019.”

Dr Moyo said the two Presidents welcomed decision by Botswana to consider joining the Kaza uni-visa system as this would assist in the promotion of tourism in the countries involved.

He said there was also a briefing between the two Heads of State and Government on the political situation in the two countries.

On the international front, Dr Moyo said: “The Presidents also welcomed the statement by Sadc calling for the unconditional lifting of sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe and noted Botswana’s commitment to continue advocating for the removal of the sanctions.”

State Media

By Own Correspondent| Opposition MDC led by Nelson Chamisa has described as insulting the vehicle scandal revelations involving senior Mines ministry officials.

The party called on government to urgently deal corruption and conduct a lifestyles audit on public office bearers.

Saod Jacob Mafume in a statement:

The vehicles scandal involving senior employees at the Ministry of Mines is an insult to the taxpayer and an indictment to the military government’s rhetorical intention to fight corruption.

The MDC has been arguing that the country needed saving from the hands of a very dangerous cartel which fits the description of George B.N. Ayittey that states that a Vampire state, is one in which the government has been hijacked by a phalanx of bandits, gangsters, crooks, and scoundrels, who use the machinery of the state to enrich themselves, their cronies, supporters, and members of their own ethnic, racial, or religious group and excludes everyone else.

It is unacceptable for the State to lose half a million US dollars to less than ten individuals who imported cars in the name of government only to change ownership in a blink of an eye.

These individuals park imported vehicles and proceed to hire cars for daily duties yet the imported cars were supposed to serve that purpose.

Yet again, millions of public funds are lost in this hiring exercise.

Surprisingly, Mnangagwa in his lack of wisdom created a so-called corruption crack unit in his office in violation of the constitution, supposedly to intensify the fight against corruption.

The crack unit is not only illegal and a waste of tax payer’s funds but clearly ineffective. If anything, corruption continues to blossom.

A few weeks ago, a shocking announcement of the resignation of the entire anti-corruption commission was made with no details provided.

It is, therefore, concerning when these incidences are exposed in the absence of a very important Constitutional independent Commission. Sad to say, even in the presence of the said Commissions, they are pacified, politicized, incapacitated and undermined by the military government.

We saw the undermining and attack on the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission recently for releasing an objective report on human rights violations in January by the state. The courts were swift and ruthless on a man who was charged with stealing a plough during the National Shutdown yet people who swindle the state of millions get away with it.

State security details targeted innocent MDC members and mass arrests took place only for hordes to be acquitted. Yet those with clear cases to answer walk scot-free.

The MDC calls for a comprehensive investigation into this scandal and a full investigation of all vehicles imported for executive use in all government departments.

More importantly, the MDC reaffirms that the following must be done in respect of corruption;-

1. The introduction of criminal sanctions for all corruption-related offences.

2. Strengthening, professionalization and ensuring the independence of all institutions meant to combat corruption including the National Prosecution Authority, Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission, Zimbabwe Republic Police and the Judiciary.

3. Declaration of assets by all public office bearers and senior public executives including those in State Enterprises.

4. State-sanctioned lifestyles audit for all senior public servants and public office holders.

5. Introduction of limited terms of office for senior public executive offices including heads of parastatals.

Behold the New. Change that Delivers!

Jacob Mafume

Farai Dziva| The Twitter Drunkard who made a career rise for himself from a mere rhumba musician to a ministerial job while writing lies and destroying other people, the Deputy Information Minister Energy Mutodi has accused the social media of spreading falsehoods to create chaos and national disharmony.

However social media analysts have said the ruling party is in actual fact creating disharmony.

Mutodi urged the nation to ignore reports of fuel price hikes being circulated on social media platforms.

” FUEL PRICES TO REMAIN UNCHANGED: You are hereby informed that current fuel prices are competitive and will remain in place for a long time.

Messages circulating on social media on fuel price hikes are malicious and meant to cause alarm and despondency,” Mutodi wrote on his official twitter handle.

By Own Correspondent| Botswana President Mokgweetsi Eric Masisi handed over health assistance donation worth 2,1 Million Pula to the Zimbabwean government on Thursday afternoon.

Receiving the donation on behalf of the government, Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa commended the Government of Botswana for the noble gesture which he said will go long way in addressing health challenges in the country.

The donation includes baby nutrition food ‘Tsabana’, Disposable Syringes, Blood Transfusion set, Therapeutic foods, Bandages among others

Botswana President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi has confirmed the BWP1 billion (approximately US$94,5 million) Botswana credit facility to Zimbabwe that will help to breathe life to the country’s private sector.

Fielding questions from journalists at the close of the inaugural session of the Zimbabwe Botswana Bi-National Commission Summit in Harare today, President Masisi says they have increased the facility from BWP600 million to one billion.

State Media

As the MDC Alliance 2019 elective congress builds momentum, the Zimbabwe Morning Post interviewed the biggest opposition party’ Secretary General Douglas Mwonzora who is likely to contest the incumbent Nelson Chamisa.

Since the announcement of the congress dates which is scheduled to take place from May 24-26 there has been mudslinging as party members coalesce around their presidential candidates of choice and Mwonzora has found himself on the receiving end as many view him as the potential candidate to contest Chamisa.

In a wide ranging interview Mwonzora made it clear that internal squabbles are building up in the party with some members exhibiting signs of lack of maturity and failing to live up to the tenets of democracy.

“I have come to the conclusion that not all those people who talk about democracy understand what it is,” Mwonzora said.

I am not Zanu PF
As internal squabbles gain momentum Mwonzora is being accused of being a Zanu PF agent “because he is gunning for Chamisa’ position.”

“I have no idea about Zanu PF’s interference with the MDC Alliance Congress, MDC Alliance has a constitution that allows for people to contest for any positions,” said Mwonzora.

In a candid talk, Mwonzora rubbished the rhetoric that he is Zanu PF, and has dared his competitors to prove their allegations. He explained his role in MDC Alliance politics and pledged his commitment to the MDC Alliance struggle.

“I cannot be Zanu PF because there is an MDC Alliance Congress,” he continued.

“I will be contesting for my sixth position, not yet sure as to what position I will be nominated to contest but will be eagerly waiting for my nomination,” said Mwonzora.

Since joining politics Mwonzora has contested for five posts which include being a district officer for Nyanga, secretary for local government in Manicaland, parly representative to the national council, party spokesperson and party secretary general.

Mwonzora gave Chamisa a run for his money to clinch the secretary general post. The late leader Morgan Tsvangirai had to “smuggle” back Chamisa into the presidium by appointing him a second vice president as he moved to manage the succession wrangle that engulfed the opposition soon after the 2013 elections.

They don’t know what democracy entails Mwonzora expressed disappointment as it came to light that some members of the party lack the basic understanding of democracy, its tenets and principles.
In a hard hitting blow to his detractors, Mwonzora said “the smear campaigns are from competitors and people with no idea of what democracy entails, …I come to the conclusion that not all those people who talk about democracy understand what it is.”

However he remains unfazed and determined. “I am unfazed by it and it won’t affect my decision making matrix,” he added.

Prove your allegations

Mwonzora challenged top MDC Alliance officials who are leading the smear campaign on various social media platforms to prove the said allegations and has labelled them as “lost individuals.”
“I have seen myself being a serious target of mudslinging by some party officials… I dare them to say and prove their allegations before MDC Alliance membership…I challenge them to prove the allegations that they continue to spew,” he added.

“Some are writing from outside Zimbabwe where they are living large in the comfort of their homes and safety. Some simply abandoned our youths in prisons and police detention when we all thought we are in the struggle together,” Mwonzora said adding: “The struggle is here in Zimbabwe.”

My history speaks for itself
In an attempt to distance himself from the allegations Mwonzora explained his involvement in politics as a clear quest for democracy. His achievements and contributions cannot go unnoticed as he played a part in drafting the current constitution.

“I am proud of the role I played as my party deployed me in COPAC aimed at bringing about a new constitution… I played my part in trying to bring electoral reforms in this country, now we have BVR.. I was part of drafters of electoral parties code of conduct which is now the law,” Mwonora said.

Despite all brickbats being thrown at him Mwonzora said: “I will continue to play my part in the democratic struggle.”

Mwonzora joined the treacherous Zimbabwean political landscape as far back as 1988 where he fought against the former president Robert Mugabe’s one party state and managed to get some prison time under his belt.

I joined the democratic struggle as far back as 1988 where we fought as student leaders against the one party state.”

Mwonzora also said he was in the trenches with the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions as its legal advisor after graduating from the university. He also opined that he joined the legal team that successfully challenged the constitutionality of the political parties finance act resulting in opposition political parties getting state funding.

Morning Post

Correspondent|Guruve magistrate Shingirai Mutiro yesterday issued a warrant of arrest for Guruve South legislator, Patrick Dutiro (Zanu PF) and his party community chairperson, Roti Nelson Moyana (66) after the two failed to turn up to answer to contempt of court charges.

The State alleges that on January 15 last year, Dutiro (50) and Moyana went to Norowe Farm, where the messenger of court, Alleta Mutseta was evicting illegal settlers in the presence of Thompson Maguduru and Jabulani Ncube.

On their arrival, the Zanu PF officials told the illegal settlers that the messenger of court was executing a false eviction order.

He allegedly told the settlers to remain at the farm and not to obey the instruction to vacate the farm.

Fearing for her life, Mutseta aborted the eviction. Albert Mazhindu represented the State.

Correspondent|The Nelson Chamisa led-MDC Alliance has called for the suspension and arrest of top Ministry of Mines’ directors accused of misusing their positions to illegally acquire luxurious vehicles for a song.

This comes as President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s “new dispensation” has been preaching the anti-corruption mantra which appears to have been ignored by top government officials as the economy continues to tank due to rampant and unchecked corruption.

“It is unacceptable for the State to lose half a million US dollars to less than ten individuals who imported cars in the name of government only to change ownership in a blink of an eye,” MDC Alliance spokesperson Jacob Mafume said.

“These individuals park the imported vehicles and proceed to hire cars for daily duties yet the imported cars were supposed to serve that purpose. Yet again, millions of public funds are lost in this hiring exercise.

“We expect Mnangagwa so-called corruption crack unit in his office to act and bring the culprit to book. in violation of the constitution, supposedly to intensify the fight against corruption.

“The crack unit is not only illegal and a waste of tax payer’s funds but clearly ineffective. If anything, corruption continues to blossom. A few weeks ago, a shocking announcement of resignation of the entire anti-corruption commission was made with no details provided.”

Mafume said it was concerning that such incidences are being exposed
in the absence of a very important Constitutional independent Commission.

“Sad to say, even in the presence of the said Commissions, they are pacified, politicized, incapacitated and undermined by the military government,” Mafume said.

Last week online media authoritatively and exclusively exposed the rot obtaining in the Mines ministry.

The scandal has sent social media into overdrive with a cross-section of people calling for immediate action from the Mnangagwa led-administration.

The latest vehicle scandal sucks in former permanent secretary Munesu Munodawafa and nine top directors.

Statement By The MDC| The lies around the Botswana credit line to the tune of $US 600 million is in bad taste, an insult against the citizen and bad for diplomacy.

That the Botswana government had to generate communication from the highest office just to correct the lie shows the effect of such reckless behaviour.

Lyssa, the Greek god of madness, has unleashed its angels of dementia and derangement in Zanu PF. There is a shocking reinvention of spin in the military government, the lies and obsession of claiming progress are just too much.

For a government to invest so much personnel, money and time just to misinform the citizen is criminal. This is the reason why they now restrict the use of social media, they arrest journalists and deport ones from other countries.

They want to keep telling lies most of which have been embarrassingly refuted by people involved in the so-called mega-deals.

They lied about securing 3 billion in Davos a year ago, lied about an Afrexim bank loan only for some clarification that only negotiations were taking place and they have also lied about oil deposits in Mashonaland Central.

The MDC contends that a responsible government must communicate accurately to its citizens. It is a basic obligation.

Behold the New. Change that Delivers!

Jacob Mafume
MDC National Spokesperson

ZAOGA Forward in Faith Archbishop Ezekiel Guti’s grandchildren caused a scene at Highlands Police Station on Tuesday when they refused to go home with their maternal grandmother.

The children stay with their mother Ethanim Perfect Munamato Guti at their maternal grandparents’ home after they moved out of her matrimonial home with her husband Lindsay Nyajeka.

Infidelity was fingered as the reason for separation with Nyajeka accusing Ethanim of having an adulterous affair with a married pastor in the church.

Nyajeka, who is said to have been barred from going to the Guti’s residence, had gone to the police station to hand over the minor children to the Archbishop’s wife Eunor Guti where they caused a scene refusing to go.

The children had to be forced to get into a vehicle where Eunor was after some resistance.

Impeccable sources close to Ethanim and Nyajeka said Nyajeka had to bring the children to the police station because he was barred from going to Guti’s residence.

“The separation between Nyajeka and his wife is mainly affecting their children because they are not used to the current setup of having their father staying away from their mother.

“I don’t think that they can resolve their differences.

“Ever since Nyajeka started having problems with his wife, he has never been allowed to see his father-in-law by some church members who envy how he was powerful in the ministry.

“He (Nyajeka) is no longer allowed to go to his in-laws’ place of residence that is why he has to take the children to the police station each time that he was wants to take them back to their mother,” said the source.

— HMetro

Correspondent|THE Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe has described as malicious fake news the reports circulating on social media that a major fuel price hike is imminent.

A message has been circulating on social media saying there will be major fuel price hikes to $5.50 and $5.15 for petrol and diesel respectively.

“Fake news,” said the statement released jointly by the central bank and the information ministry. The social media article is aimed at causing panic buying of fuel and should be treated with the contempt it deserves.

“For starters the alleged meeting at the RBZ with fuel suppliers never took place,” said the RBZ.

The Ministry of Information, Publicity & Broadcasting weighed in: “Most Fake News is not just a prank or messing about. There is a real damage to the economy and livelihoods.

“Real lives are affected when panic is injected into the market and distorts supply and demand. There is no fuel price hike on the way. Let us act and interact responsibly.”

In a televised address in early January, President Mnangagwa announced prices of petrol and diesel which were more than double to tackle a shortfall caused by increased demand and “rampant” illegal trading.

Petrol prices were raised from $1.24 a litre to $3.31 (2.89 euros) and diesel from $1.36 a litre to $3.11.

The president’s announcement came after fuel shortages which began in October last year worsened with motorists sometimes spending nights in fuel pump queues that stretch for kilometres.

The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) then called for a three-day stay away from work and school, which became violent and saw about 17 people dead and property worth millions of dollars destroyed. 

Botswana has agreed to extend a 1 billion Pula (about 95 million U.S. dollars) credit line to Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe’s finance minister Mthuli Ncube said Thursday.

He told Xinhua on the sidelines of the inaugural session of the Botswana-Zimbabwe Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Harare that the details of the facility were still being worked out.

“I cannot say much because the Presidents of the two countries are still working out the details but I can confirm that Botswana has agreed to extend a 1 billion Pula credit line to Zimbabwe,” Mthuli Ncube said.

Earlier, Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi confirmed the monetary deal, saying his country had raised the facility from the initial 500 million Pula to 1 billion in response to a question during the BNC meeting.

Both Masisi and Ncube did not specify what the credit line will be used for.

The announcement of the credit line came a day after the Botswana government on Wednesday denied media reports that it had extended a 600 million U.S. dollars credit facility to Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe is currently facing a crippling foreign currency shortage that has affected importation of essential commodities such as fuel and medical drugs.

In a bid to tame the thriving foreign currency black market that has eroded currency value and competitiveness of the country’s exports, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe last week introduced a foreign exchange inter-bank market where the local currency can be traded against the U.S. dollar and other currencies at market rates.

The local currency debuted at 2.50 against the U.S. dollar last Friday, lower than black market rates of around 3.60.

— Xinhua

Mabel Chinomona: “the Jan protesters wanted to march all the way to State House and you expected vaMnangagwa to just watch all that, just to please this man (Mugabe) …”

https://youtu.be/HINZrww1Pp4

Mabel Chinomona: the Jan protesters wanted to march all the way to State House and you expected vaMnangagwa to just watch all that, just to please this man (Mugabe) https://t.co/AyOJmqZyyF pic.twitter.com/7Q8gnh02us

— Simba Chikanza (@schikanza) February 28, 2019

By Stanley Goreraza|

Amai Auxillia Mnangagwa

You ma’am need urgent help. I suggest you see a both a Psychiatrist and a Priest.

How can you be a normal person when some of the young girls you have hired as maids have had to jump the dura wall, running away from vicious beatings they received from you. Some of them have had to seek assistance and shelter from your neighbours!

This has happened many, many times. You don’t just mistreat your workers but physically abuse them, psychopathicaly harass and humiliate them. The working environment in your home is like that of a concentration camp.

You once did something absolutely demonic! You wrote a horrific letter to your Babamunini, your late father’s brother. That letter drove the man, who in our culture is as good as your father, to tears. I’m not even going to make public what you wrote in that letter because it is just too indecent and I’d like to maintain the little decency I have.

You ma’am are more than a horrible human being. The language you use when you are angry would not be used by drunks in Vito bar in Mbare.

And then you kneel down before the cameras, putting up all these pretences kunge munhu ane hunhu. You are a sadist who seems to enjoy harming others physically, psychologically and emotionally.

Honestly, you need help. You have to sit down by yourself and think of all the extremely evil things you have done to others whom you perceive as nothing because they have no power like you do.

I’m not trying to embarrass you. I’m trying to actually save you from yourself because the person who is hurt most by your behaviour and actions is actually YOU! The evil inside you is only destroying you.

The pain of your powerless victims, is the pain of God. Think about it, before God destroys you.

Ndapedza. Zvasarire imi kufuka kana kuwarira.

LISTEN TO AUDIO…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XiUHjMhyu8E

WATCH VIDEO BELOW

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HINZrww1Pp4

Jane Mlambo| The Zanu PF Women’s League has today issued a strongly worded statement attacking former President Robert Mugabe over his birthday remarks in which he launched a vitriolic attack at his successor Emmerson Mnangagwa.

In a press statement issued this afternoon, the Women’s League Chairperson Mabel Chinomona said Mugabe’s remarks were calculated to bring instability in the country while putting Mnangagwa’s reputation into disrepute.

“The former President is totally ill-advised to allegedly use hostile media and propagate negative reports against the sitting President who for the past 37 years had high respect for him and was his deputy.

“We pray that Cde Robert Gabriel Mugabe in his old age should also respect our President and keep his composure as an old man. He may be reminded too that even during his Presidency not everything was totally perfect in his administration but women continued to support him,”

By Own Correspondent- Two more bodies of artisanal miners trapped at Cricket Mine in Kadoma two weeks ago have been retrieved.

The bodies, which were in an advanced state of decomposition have been identified as Xavier and Cosmic Zvitiki who are uncle and nephew.

This brings the death toll of the artisanal miners who perished in the disaster to 26.

Deputy Chief Government Mining Engineer Tapererwa Paskwavaviri confirmed the latest development and said the duo’s bodies were retrieved after 15 days of extensive de-watering of the mine where they were trapped following flooding.

Information minister Monica Mutsvangwa told journalists at a post cabinet briefing that government efforts to retrieve the bodies of trapped miners was continuing. She offered government’s condolence message to families of the victims, 24 of whom were retrieved on February 16 at nearby Silver Moon Mine.

Eight other miners miraculously escaped death in the flooded mines and were rescued after spending 4 days underground.

Farai Dziva|Hard-hitting MDC A national deputy chairperson, Tendai Biti has slammed the Emmerson Mnangagwa administration for introducing inconsistent monetary policies he described as “voodoo ” economics.

Biti warned of further economic chaos as a result of poor economic policies.

“The situation was bad before 1 October .It was bad before 11 Jan and 20 February Truth is the transaction tax , the fuel levies and the Monetary Policy have compounded the meltdown . The economy is fragile and vulnerable . The citizen is paying the price of voodoo economics,” said Biti.

“According to Emmerson and SI 32 of 2019 gazetted on Friday , Zimbabwe now has 5 currencies which are 1)foreign notes and coins 2) bond notes and coins 3) foreign currency in basket of multiple currency 4)electronic currency (the RTGS$ ) 5 Bills of exchange . What a dog s breakfast !”

By Own Correspondent- Managing director of Western Union Money Transfer Tendai Bindura has clarified the source of shortages for United States dollars at his institution.

The development follows failure by Western Union to disburse foreign currency with some agents closing due to forex shortages.

Bindura however said most banks in Zimbabwe are facing challenges of importing hard cash, thereby delaying remittances services, which depend on availability of foreign currency.

In an interview with the state media, Bindura said problems started when a South African bank, used by local money transfer agencies, changed its correspondent banking partner to Deustche bank of Germany.

He said:

“So we knew clearly what it meant because Deustche Bank had already ditched Zimbabwean banks and they do not have an appetite for money transfer agencies. So if you check with many money transfer agencies, their accounts where closed, so the bank (name withheld) will ultimately close the money transfer accounts to secure their relationship, this process is what they call de-risking which started about 2-3 years back. In fact, the banks told us that we cannot have your accounts anymore.”-StateMedia

By Own Correspondent- Teachers Unions here have blasted government over the recently announced move to deduct salaries from the leave days of teachers who took part in a week-long strike in January.

The Progressive Teachers Union (PTUZ) described the move as retrogressive and an attack on the educators.

PTUZ secretary general Raymond Majongwe said:

“Once again the government is bracing to launch an attack on teachers. The Apex Council gave a strike notice. We’re surprised the government is saying notice was not given.

Punishing these suffering teachers will negatively affect service delivery. The PTUZ position on this is very clear. The government is doing a public kangaroo hearing.

There’s what’s called due process. Instead of writing these statements, they should be discussing serious issues with unions. This they will never win. Teachers are not soldiers.”

In a statement released on Wednesday, the Public Service Commission said:

The PSC has noted isolated cases of abscondment by about 10,200 teachers for durations ranging from one to four days between 5 and 8 February 2019. The PSC would like to advise all those who were absent from work without authority that deductions from their leave days using the principle of ‘no work, no pay’ will be effected.

By Own Correspondent- In a statement released on Wednesday evening, shortly before Alph Lukau’s interview on Gauteng broadcaster PowerFM’s Power Drive, Alleluia Ministries backtracked and denied that its lead pastor had resurrected a Zimbabwean man.

Alleluia Ministries claimed that the mortuary vehicle, which was from Kings and Queens Funeral services, was brought to the church by the alleged “resurrected” man’s family who was identified as Elliot Moyo.

The church alleged that by the time the vehicle entered its premises, there was already movement inside the coffin. The church further said it did not speak with Moyo or his supposed family prior to their arrival at the church.

Read part of the statement:

So, let us for a moment focus on the facts:

“At no stage did Pastor Alph claim that he resurrected. the person shown in the video, who was identified by his family members as Elliot;  from the video footage it is clearly stated that when the mortuary vehicle arrived at the Church premises there was already movement in the coffin;  prior to even praying over Elliot, Pastor Alph states that Elliot is in fact breathing;  the facts surrounding Elliot’s death were presented to Pastor Alph by Elliot’s family (as seen in the video footage) and these were then reports. as such;  during the service Pastor Alph clearly states that the extent of the miracle needs to be verified…”

The church also said it had no engagements with any funeral parlours, as has been widely reported. This is despite the parlour saying that they had been approached to transport the body to the church.

Below is the full text of the Statement by Alleluia Ministries:

Farai Dziva|Deputy Information Minister Energy Mutodi has accused “social media malcontents” of spreading falsehoods to create disharmony in the country.

Mutodi urged the nation to ignore reports of fuel price hikes being circulated on social media platforms.

” FUEL PRICES TO REMAIN UNCHANGED: You are hereby informed that current fuel prices are competitive and will remain in place for a long time.

Messages circulating on social media on fuel price hikes are malicious and meant to cause alarm and despondency,” Mutodi wrote on his official twitter handle.

https://youtu.be/660SMt6SrVg

I talk as the leader of Yard. I told them to be aware and be ready. ED got less votes than his MPs, where have you seen that happening anywhere on earth? Chamisa got votes, so many more than his own MPs over 500,000. 1,6million was for his own MPs. He got 2,1mln votes. So what then happened? This is what you must sit down to review. This thing of trying to fire or expel Mary (Mliswa). Even if you remove her from party structures, she will continue doing her work inside government, and assisting the party because her performance in government is assistive of the party. In the constituency she continues her work. And now you sit down to decide that you want to expel Mary. What really has Mary done wrong? What is it you as a chairman that you could surely fail to sit down to ascertain what she has done wrong?
I do not fight wars for Mary; you are the ones who mess yourselves up. Even ED himself, you do not like him. Because everyone he has chosen you are fighting them. Nduna wants that position, you also and Mai Mhlanga even; is also after it. Mai Mupufumira. Mai Mupfumira is the one who started G40 with Sarah Mahoka when I was chairman. I used to talk with her at her house after being sent by Grace Mugabe, working for her. You were all little kids back then. All the evidence I have it but you forget it. ….

By Own Correspondent- Three Grain Marketing Board (GMB) officials accused of defrauding the parastatal of over $1 million face 8 new charges.

Basilio Sandamu (64), the non-executive vice chairman of GMB and also the director of Romany Farm Pvt Ltd, and Taona Munzvandi (48), the chief executive officer of GMB Pension Fund, are jointly charged with Korbs Mutandiro (59), one of the directors of Romany Farm.

The three are facing fraud charges. The State wants to add eight more counts against them emanating from the fraud charge.

The trio allegedly swindled the parastatal of $1 070 000 in a State land deal. Mutandiro and Sandamu recently made an application for exception, arguing that Romany Farm (Pvt) Ltd must be held liable and not them. The application was dismissed by regional magistrate Ms Lucy Mungwari yesterday.-StateMedia

By Own Correspondent- A 34 year old unemployed man was hauled to court at the Harare Magistrates Court charged with unauthorised access to a computer linked to the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) Paynet server where he allegedly paid himself $2 385 073, through a fraudulently registered company.

Manase Manjovha was not asked to plead when he appeared before magistrate Rumbidzai Mugwagwa, who remanded him to today for bail application.

The complainant, Zimra was represented by its information communication technology security manager Ebrahim Makunganya.

The State alleges that sometime in April last year, Manjovha and an accomplice Stephen Moreka, who has since been arrested, opened three bank accounts with POSB Bank in the name of Talent Mandebvu 4 of Mandebvu village, Chief Mashayamombe, Mhondoro.

The duo also allegedly opened two corporate bank accounts in the name of bogus companies called Limpstone Investments and Del Computers (Private) Limited.

It is alleged on May 4 last year, Manjovha, working in connivance with Moreka, remotely accessed the Zimra Paynet server and uploaded three files into the paynet system with a total value of $2 385 073,20 without authority and then cleared all server logs to cover the trail.

After accessing the Zimra server, they allegedly paid out $2 385 073, 20 to the accounts.

Manjovha is also facing another charge of acquiring a fake birth certificate. It is alleged that on January 2 this year, Manjovha went to the United States Embassy while misrepresenting as Sean Chiyangwa born on April 22, 1985 and applied for a visa to the US.-Newsday

By Own Correspondent- Opposition leader Nelson Chamisa has received an early boost ahead of what could turn out to be a bruising contest when the MDC congress gets underway in May.

A report by a local publication states that several party structures moved to endorse Chamisa’s candidature at the weekend.

This comes as speculation is growing that respected MDC secretary-general, Douglas Mwonzora — as well as one of Chamisa’s two deputies, Elias Mudzuri — could also throw their hats into the ring when the country’s main opposition party holds its eagerly-awaited elective congress in May.

The charismatic Chamisa took over the party’s reins under hotly-disputed circumstances in February last year, following the death of the MDC’s revered founding president Morgan Tsvangirai — who lost his valiant battle against colon cancer on Valentine’s Day, and soon after he had elevated the youthful politician to the party’s presidium.

With behind-the-scenes campaigning gathering steam ahead of the party’s congress, many MDC structures are already marking the territory for their favoured leaders — with a number of them moving to make it clear at the weekend that Chamisa would receive their backing when this highly-anticipated gathering gets underway in May.

“We met as a provincial executive council on Sunday and unanimously agreed to stand by the president (Chamisa), so that he takes us to 2023.

“It was not a difficult decision to reach because what he has done so far is there for all to see … It is clear that nobody in the party at present can match that,” Mashonaland West provincial secretary Edson Ndirayire told the Daily News yesterday.

Mashonaland East provincial chairperson Piniel Denga also said while they had not met as a province to nominate their candidate, the executive had earlier agreed at its provincial assembly meeting that Chamisa should remain at the party’s helm.

“As the chairman, I made that proposal and it was agreed to by all … so when the nomination day comes, we are simply going to refer to that agreement, and so our position is already clear that we are going with Chamisa,” Denga said.

On her part, women’s assembly chairperson Lynnet Karenyi-Kore said the fact that Chamisa had emerged leader at short notice following the death of Tsvangirai — while also going on to perform well in the July 30, 2018 presidential election — was “enough proof that he was a solid leader”.

“As women, we are confident that only Chamisa has what it takes now. He managed to get us over two million votes despite the handicap of having to be thrown at the deep end at the last minute.

“We still want him to continue and see where he takes us because the road we have travelled with him so far is promising … and so come congress he is our man,” Karenyi-Kore said emphatically.

And speaking to the Daily News separately, MDC youth assembly secretary-general Lovemore Chinoputsa also said they were already lobbying other structures to rally behind Chamisa.

“Our support for Chamisa is premised on the principle that young people should be promoted into positions of leadership — hence for purposes of this congress we have taken a decision to work towards convincing all other structures in this regard,” Chinoputsa said.

However, other party insiders said it was not yet “cast in stone that Chamisa will roll over” his opponents in May. This was particularly so if Mwonzora decided to contest him.

“These elections are far from decided because it is early days yet. Anyone, particularly Dougie (Mwonzora) has a chance of winning this post because he is respected and loved by many in the party who see him as mature and level-headed.

“Remember too that five years ago, Chamisa lost to Mwonzora hands down despite him thinking that he had the support of 11 of the party’s 12 provinces.

“As you also know, a day is too long in politics … and indeed, only time will tell when we get to May how the exact picture will look like, as well as who is likely to win,” one of the insiders told the Daily News.

The well-placed source’s sentiments come after Chamisa was defeated by Mwonzora in 2014 for the secretary-general’s post — who was, at the time, considered a rank outsider in those elections.

Chamisa then held the powerful post of MDC organising secretary, a position which was said to have given him the opportunity to revamp party structures in his favour — and which structures were expected to give him an overwhelming victory against Mwonzora, who was the party spokesperson at the time.

Mwonzora scored a shock and unexpected crushing victory over Chamisa — which saw him getting 2 464 votes against his rival’s 1 756. This subsequently left Chamisa as an ordinary card-carrying member, before he was rescued by Tsvangirai who appointed him to the MDC national executive as secretary for policy and research.

There were even unconfirmed suggestions at the time that a stunned Chamisa, unwilling to stomach the results of those internal polls, was even contemplating resigning from the MDC altogether — which never happened. In an ironic turn of fate, Chamisa was to later assume the reins of the country’s main opposition party ahead of his rivals following the death of Tsvangirai last year — albeit, under controversial circumstances.

The 41-year-old was accused of having allegedly used his then assumed closeness to Tsvangirai’s widow, Elizabeth, to torpedo the ambitions of the likes of Mudzuri and Thokozani Khupe.

A titanic leadership battle subsequently ensued in the party, which eventually led to Khupe forming a breakaway faction which went on to perform dismally in last year’s elections.

Chamisa ultimately prevailed over his party competitors after a consultative meeting of the MDC, which was held at its Harare headquarters — and which was attended by 639 delegates from 210 party districts — endorsed him as Tsvangirai’s successor and the party’s presidential candidate in the 2018 polls.-Daily News

By Own Correspondent- Police Spokesperson Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba said that the Bustop TV duo, Gonyeti and Maggie were not arrested for their skit #CharityCharambaChallenge but for wearing regalia similar to police uniform while doing one of their skits 2 years ago.

Gonyeti and Maggie, real names Samantha Kureya and Sharon Chideu respectively, were on Tuesday arrested by the police for producing a film while clad in apparel resembling police uniforms.

Charamba said that actors should, first of all, seek permission from the relevant authorities before using police or military uniform-resembling clothes in their performances.

Gonyeti and Maggie were made to pay $20 each as Admission of Guilty fines.

By Own Correspondent- The Deputy Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Advocate Fortune Chasi said that he could not answer for what is happening with the Zimbabwe United Passenger Company (ZUPCO) buses which have seemingly disappeared from the roads.

While responding to inquiries from the commuting public on Twitter, Chasi said:

I’m very sorry taking too long to respond to the enquiries on buses that have been directed at myself.

I just had no meaningful chance to be on this platform. As previously intimated the matter has been firmly in the hands of ZUPCO itself as well as its parent ministry for sometime now.

By Own Correspondent- Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi has taken the fight against sanctions to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC).

The UNHRC is holding the 40th session in Geneva, Switzerland.

While making his address before the Council on Wednesday, Ziyambi said:

“As enunciated in the Vision 2030, which is aimed at attaining an Upper Middle-Income status by 2030, the Zimbabwean economy remains stable with growth projections for 2019 pegged at 3,1 per cent.

However, Zimbabwe’s economic transformation continues to be hampered by the illegal sanctions imposed by the West.

We, therefore, appeal to the international community to call for the unconditional removal of the sanctions, which have caused untold suffering on our people.”-StateMedia

By Own Correspondent- Prophetic Healing and Deliverance Ministries (PHD) leader Prophet Walter Magaya was again in no show at Harare magistrates courts as his church has been hauled to court over tax evasion.

Magaya sent a representative whose name is yet to be confirmed to answer to charges being leveled against PHD ministries. When PHD made its first appearance on February 16, its leader was also in no show.

PHD ministries was on February 16 2019 charged for breaching Value Added Tax (VAT) regulations on nearly $29 million and the matter remanded to today (February 28) for trial.

The State alleges that the money was generated from the sale of church wares over four years. The complainant in the matter is the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) which was represented by its chief investigations officer, Tinashe Madakadze.

The State is arguing that PHD ministries raises revenue from selling church regalia, anointing oil and holy water, as well as from a guest house which is widely known as Yadah Hotel. Prosecutor Peter Kachirika alleged that sometime in October 2018, Zimra had conducted tax investigations on PHD and recovered financial statements from the church for the period 2013 to 2017. Zimra had also recovered financial statements from the Commercial Bank of Zimbabwe, which were submitted by PHD for a loan application.

The statements showed that PHD had allegedly made sales amounting to $28,7 million between 2013 and 2017. It was further alleged that during the same period, PHD had paid remuneration amounting to $950 522 to the clergyman’s wife, Tendai Magaya. The State also accused PHD of also transferring remuneration of US$2,4 million to Magaya’s own bank account without paying the due Pay As You Earn (Paye) tax.

This is a developing story. Refresh this page for updates

By Own Correspondent- Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi has justified the government of Zimbabwe’s crackdown on protestors before the 40th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) underway in Geneva, Switzerland.

Addressing the Council on Wednesday, Ziyambi said:

“It is important to note that these protests were premeditated, pre-planned, masterminded and sponsored by external forces and local NGOs who were working with some civil society organisations and some workers unions, to make the country ungovernable and to effect regime change.

Government consequently deployed law enforcement agents to quell these protests and avert further loss of life and destruction of property.

It is a pity that the same groups have continued to propagate biased and misleading reports that are aimed at tarnishing the image of Zimbabwe yet they continue to get favourable attention.

This happens even when in cases where they are alleged to have incited the commission of crimes and violations of the rights of other citizens.

In order to protect their interests, their handlers continue to advocate for their release even at the expense of the proper administration of justice.”-StateMedia

By Own Correspondent| Opposition MDC led by Nelson Chamisa has implored Speaker of parliament Jacob Mudenda to protect its legislators amid indications that the party’s youngest legislator Joanna Mamombe is being harrassed by unidentified gunmen suspected to be state security agents.

The party says that unidentified gunmen raided Harare West legislator, Mamombe’s parents’ house on Tuesday night.

The men were looking for the youngest MP at her parents’ home but could not find her.

MDC Alliance spokesperson Jacob Mafume demanded that Parliament should protect MPs.

Said Mafume:

“On Tuesday, unidentified armed men went to Mamombe’s parents’ residence, saying they were looking for her, but they did not indicate where they were coming from.

Like any Parliament in the world, we expect that if there is an MP that needs to be arrested, there are procedures or special police units that deal with that, but if an armed vigilante group hunts down an MP, then it means that Parliament’s Standing Rules and Orders Committee must come in and demand to know what is happening with the MP so that they protect them.

Mamombe is the youngest MP and a woman, and if her security is threatened while she is away on Parliament business, then we expect the Speaker and the Clerk of Parliament, Kennedy Chokuda to care about MPs and seek their protection.

Even when an MP falls sick, we expect Parliament to find out whether the MP is safe because they cannot deal with Parliament issues well if their security is threatened. In this case, we would expect the Speaker to investigate why MPs are being harassed, and why there has been a sudden arrest of MPs.

The alleged raid took place when Mamombe was in Nyanga attending a Parliament workshop.

By Own Correspondent- Econet boss and billionaire Strive Masiyiwa has come under fire for his stance on supporting dictators across Africa in order to further his business interests.

International Socialist Organisation (ISO) leader and firebrand trade unionist Munyaradzi Gwisai blasted Masiyiwa for supporting the champions of authoritarian liberalism such as General Sisi, the Egyptian President and Paul Kagame of Rwanda.

Gwisai was speaking at an event organised by the SIVIO Institute on Wednesday in Harare.

He said:

“Strive Masiyiwa has now expanded with his liquid company from Cape to Cairo and he is now going to do the same across West Africa.

Strive Masiyiwa said the person he thanked most for allowing him to expand is Paul Kagame when he was AU chairperson. That butcher and dictator of Rwanda is the one who facilitated him to do the project.

Strive Masiyiwa now says that ‘I am thankfully General Sisi (Egyptian President)’ the incoming chair of AU. The butcher of Cairo is his friend.

So these are of authoritarian liberalism; they cannot be the friends of democracy. I believe that the only class is the working class, the working class knows no border, the working class knows no country.

Strive Masiyiwa, John Moxon have a greater relationship with Kagame with Bill Gates than with peasant and workers of this country, their vision is a vision of global exploitation.

He is a capitalist whose interest is profiting through the exploitation of labour.”

So for that reason, the only way forward can only be one of social war, a social revolution led by the working class as the way forward.”

By Own Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority ZERA has gazetted the maximum fuel prices Service Stations are supposed to charge.

Below are the new recommended prices:

By Own Correspondent| Harare City Council raked $1,5 million from vendors in 2018, full council meeting minutes have revealed.

The figure was, however, lower than the Council’s projected income.

Read part of minutes from the full Council meeting:

“Revenue collection had declined by 23,39% during the year under review compared to the previous year.

The decline in revenue collection was attributed to the following challenges: inadequate funding for informal sector projects, political interference in the allocation of market stalls to vendors and revenue collection and economic hardship, resulting in traders failing to pay market fees to Council.

Meanwhile, the Council launched a blitz targetting illegal vendors and tuckshop owners in various high-density suburbs.”

Own Correspondent|Reports just revived indicate MDC Acting President Engineer Elias Mudzuri and his backers ahead of congress are demanding that the party holds an extraordinary Congress as a matter of urgency and threatening to ensure the proposed 24 May Congress does not succeed.

“We, as bona fide MDC members, are demanding an extraordinary congress in line with the party constitution. Not the bogus May Congress published by the Chamisa cabal. It is a dictatorship and unconstitutional,” said the party’s official according to the reports.

“It is only the position of the president that needs to be filled, and we demand that Secretary-General Douglas Mwonzora calls a extra-ordinary congress in line with the party constitution so that we fill the position of the president. That is the only vacancy that needs to be filled in the party at the moment,” the source said.

But Mwonzora, on his part, will not budge. If he calls for an extraordinary Congress, that would mean he stays in the same position he is now, as only the president would be contested.

Mwonzora is understood to be aiming for the presidency, and it suits him better if the party goes for the May Congress where all positions will be open for contests instead of an extraordinary Congress.

The Mudzuri camp has petitions going around canvassing for signatures to force Mwonzora to act and call for an extraordinary Congress.

The source continued: “It is the extraordinary congress that is due now, not the May one. There’s nowhere in the constitution where it calls for the May congress.

“We already have a petition circulating , with MDC members demanding the Secretary-General to call for an extraordinary Congress immediately. An urgent court application is on the way if Mwonzora refuses to act.”

The camp plans to hold a press conference mid-next week when they will have gathered enough signatures for their petition.

There is an online copy of the petition and the number of signatures building up. Another petition is going around on printed copies, the source said.

A second source linked to the same camp weighed in: “We have 100 signatures already. The MDC extraordinary Congress cannot be avoided; it is a constitutional requirement.

“All we need is approach the courts if the Secretary-General refuses to entertain our petition, and a simple reading of our party constitution will throw this Chamisa’s so-called May Congress into the litter bin.

“However, we have been trying to use internal processes as much as possible to settle this glaring error of omission and commission by our colleagues.”

“Listen Mwonzora is not bothered with the May Congress even though it’s illegal and unconstitutional because they are calling for an ordinary congress with all positions contested. If he calls for an extraordinary congress he won’t be able to contests because it is one position that will be available and as Secretary-General he is not able to contest.

“The structures are so angry with Mwonzora because he is showing that he likes power too much and he has no respect for the party constitution. The congress delegates feel betrayed by him.

“It’s both very interesting and shocking to note that Douglas Mwonzora has now come in full force preparing for the illegal Chamisa’s congress of 24 – 26 May. That squarely confirms some people everyday’s fears of having these lawyers as our leaders as a nation a total disaster. Lawyers in Zimbabwe are the same.”

The group warned Mwonzora against participating in the May Congress, as the terrain has been tilted to favour Nelson Chamisa. The camp further accuses ZANU-PF rejects of funding Chamisa in desperate bid to save Mugabe’s legacy, citing the massive support Chamisa now receives from former hardcore Mugabe apologists such as Jonathan Moyo as an indication that Chamisa was a Mugabe project.

“Instead of defending the Constitution, and Secretary-General of the party, Douglas Mwonzora thinks everything is now set for him to repeat a 2014 thumbing of Chamisa in the Secretary-General congress contest.

“What Mwonzora is failing to understand is that the whole terrain has changed and is presently pointing at Chamisa’s outstanding advantages. Facts now have it that Chamisa is receiving massive support from G40 who are using him to fight to reverse the November 2017 coup.

“Look at how Jonathan Moyo, Shadreck Mashayamombe, Jealousy Mawarire and Agrippa Bopela Masiyakurima are all now acting as if they are more MDC than all of us. They all hope to propel Chamisa to power so as to save Robert Mugabe’s legacy.”

Last week, the Chamisa camp, who last year announced the Congress would be held in October 2019 “in line with the Constitution as the last Congress had been held in October 2014,” suddenly made a u-turn and agreed for a May 2019 Congress.

While this looked like a climb-down by Chamisa, the Mudzuri camp thinks otherwise.

“Whilst the announcement of the illegal May congress may seem to be a climb-down by Chamisa who initially wanted an October one, the facts point to the contrary. If the Secretary-General chooses to abrogate the law and derelict his duty, history is not going to be lenient with him. So he needs to do the right thing and call for an extraordinary Congress now.

“Section 9.21.1 of the MDC Constitution should be Mwonzora’s guideline for now. As it stands now, Douglas Mwonzora and Nelson Chamisa are different sides of the same coin. The two are two faction leaders who are egocentric and enemies of constitutionalism.”

Party leader Nelson Chamisa is out of the country on a diplomatic offensive. He left Eng. Mudzuri, one of his deputies, as the acting president.

Efforts to get a comment from Mudzuri himself were not successful.

By Own Correspondent| Speaker of the House of Assembly Jacob Mudenda has professed ignorance over why opposition MDC legislators are being harrassed by suspected state security agents.

Mudenda said that Members of Parliament are protected by the law and the Constitution of the land.

Mudenda’s remarks follow the MDC Alliance’s claim that its MPs are routinely being harassed by suspected state security agents, the latest case being that of Harare West MP Joanna Mamombe who was allegedly stalked by a group of six armed gunmen.

Said Mudenda:

I do not even know the issues pertaining to their security and why they are being harassed.

Yes, I did receive a letter from leader of the opposition in the National Assembly, Thabitha Khumalo, saying her party MPs were being harassed, and I have already dealt with the issue.

Khumalo and those that were in hiding before Parliament went for recess are now attending Parliament sessions.-Newsday

A Bulawayo widow lost more than $40 000 after a Harare man allegedly cloned her late husband’s bank card and went on to conduct illegal point of sale (POS) transactions at various retail outlets.

Timmy Kuzhangaira (27) of Sunningdale suburb yesterday appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Mr Tinashe Tashaya facing fraud charges.

He was granted $500 bail and remanded to March 20 for trial.

Kuzhangaira was ordered not to interfere with State witnesses and to report at Bulawayo Central Police Station thrice a week as part of his bail conditions.

Prosecuting, Mr Nkathazo Dlodlo said between January 31 and February 7 this year, Kuzhangaira went to Bradfield Shopping Centre in Bulawayo and allegedly spotted the complainant Ms Margaret Watson buying groceries at TM Pick n Pay Supermarket using her late husband’s bank card.

The court heard that while an unsuspecting Ms Watson was paying for her groceries using the card, Kuzhangaira allegedly managed to copy her card number and the pin code.

“He then cloned the card and went on to make several POS transactions at various retail outlets in Bulawayo and in the process prejudicing the complainant of $43 013, 77,” said Mr Dlodlo.

Ms Watson discovered the illegal transactions on her late husband’s account and reported the matter to the police.

During investigations detectives saw Kuzhangaira in a Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) video footage at TM Pick n Pay Supermarket at Bradfield Shopping Centre.
He was allegedly captured while in the process of transacting using the cloned bank card.

Police detectives accidently bumped into him at the same shopping centre and he was arrested.

He was found in possession of five more cloned cards in his possession.

The court heard that Kuzhangaira had turned TM Pick n Pay Supermarket at Bradfield Shopping Centre into a hunting ground where he allegedly targetted mostly the elderly shoppers.

Card cloning is the production of counterfeit bank cards by criminals after acquiring information contained in the magnetic strip of the bank card.

Criminals get this information through gadgets known as skimmers.

Card cloning is becoming rampant in Zimbabwe as card cloning syndicates are taking advantage of the uptake of plastic money by business organisations and members of the public.

According to police, 154 cases of card cloning were reported in 2018.

The Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers (CZR) said its members have also fallen victim to the scammers, who in some instances steal POS machines from shops and service stations and upload data which they use to clone debit cards.

– state media

OPPOSITION MDC leader Nelson Chamisa has, in a no-holds-barred interview with international media, accused his political nemesis President Emmerson Mnangagwa of being out of touch with reality and misleading the world about the state of the country.

Chamisa on Monday told French broadcaster, France 24, that unless there is sincere, honest political dialogue between the two parties, the country’s crisis would take long to end.

“Clearly, what Mr Mnangagwa is saying is an indication of how out of touch with the reality of what is happening in the country, he has chosen to institutionalise deceiving the world, deceiving the people and deceiving himself,” Chamisa said.

This came after Mnangagwa recently told the same news agency that Chamisa, with backing of some foreign agencies, triggered last month’s countrywide protests as part of their regime change agenda.

But Chamisa dismissed the allegations.

“Those are accusations by misplaced appreciation of the facts in Zimbabwe. We are very clear, we do not subscribe to violence,” he said.

The MDC leader said the crisis in Zimbabwe was caused by poor leadership, theft of elections and increase of fuel prices by over 150%.

“The clarity, when we have looked at this issue, is that the problem in Zimbabwe, which we have seen, is occasioned by the deficits and omissions by government, particularly the price hikes of fuel by 150%, which was instituted by Mr Mnangagwa, is what then triggered action by citizens in a non-violent manner. Of course, we had incidents of violence, which we condemned, which we do not subscribe to,” Chamisa said.

The government has in the past few weeks arrested over 1 000 suspects, among them MDC legislators and civil society leaders in connection with last month’s skirmishes. Chamisa said he was shocked that Mnangagwa’s government was after the MDC when even the State-linked Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission had produced a report condemning government’s heavy handedness in quelling the unrest.

“Why Mr Mnangagwa chooses to look at the MDC and picks on the MDC baffles the mind. We are not working with any foreign power. We are not working with any international organisation. If anything, the struggle for change in Zimbabwe, the struggle of freedom and democracy is underwritten by the people of Zimbabwe without the support of anyone, but of course, we welcome the solidarity of the international community and the people of the world who feel that the people of Zimbabwe need total freedom and total change,” he said.

Turning to the socio-economic problems, which the MDC has said are underpinned by the contestation around the July 30 2018 general elections, Chamisa called on Mnangagwa to stop blaming him and instead solve the crisis.

“Great leaders are supposed to solve problems not explain problems. Mr Mnangagwa is explaining the problems, he is not solving the problems. This is why we have said come to

your senses, come to the party and let us reason together and let us resolve the problem affecting Zimbabwe, instead of finger-pointing,” he said.

The opposition leader also demanded an investigation into the extrajudicial killings of 17 people last month to ensure that those who pulled the trigger are brought to book.

Mnangagwa has since demanded evidence, including names of the 17 people killed during the violent protests accusing instead, non-governmental organisations and the MDC of stage-managing the deaths, torture and allegations of rape against the police and army.

Chamisa said Mnangagwa had unwittingly let the cat out of the bag when, in Mwenezi, he publicly acknowledged that he had unleased the military on the people and demanded that he takes responsibility for the killings and violence against unarmed civilians.

“If he is claiming to be in charge of the affairs of the State, he must also account for the affairs, developments and actions of the State. We have 17 people whose names are known, if there is a genuine desire to get to the bottom of this matter, let there be an investigation. That investigation has not be called for … to hold the people to account, including himself, because what happened was extra constitutional, it’s not allowed – the taking away of life, even if people turn violent, there are ways of dealing with violent people,” he said.

Chamisa noted that even former President Robert Mugabe, who himself was accused of severe repression during his time in power, has strongly criticised Mnangagwa’s crackdown. The opposition leader called Mugabe’s remarks “confirmation” that the current president had “crossed the line”.

Chamisa said he was ready “anytime” for “a credible and genuine” dialogue with Mnangagwa, but insisted that it should be done through international mediation, citing South

Africa, the inter-governmental Sadc or the African Union as “ideal” go-betweens.

This comes as State media yesterday reported that Zimbabwe had, alongside Kenya, Liberia and Rwanda, been considered as “largest improvers” on the continent in the last 10 years despite a worsening social and political fabric in the country.

On Saturday last week, Mnangagwa vowed to track down human rights doctors and lawyers, who treated the injured and represented them in courts respectively.

NewsDay

Correspondent|The Central Vehicle Registry (CVR) has announced that all vehicles changing ownership will remain with their current number plates due to shortages in supply of number plates.

In a statement, the CVR stated the changes would take place with immediate effect. “Due to the shortages of number plates CVR has changed its policy on change of ownership.

“With effect from today 26 February 2019 all vehicles changing ownership should maintain current plates, what only changes is the new registered book with details of the new owner.”

The CVR said motorists will now pay a $15 and acquire a new registration book with the new owner’s information and “no plates will be surrendered.

“Exceptions, whereby new plates are to be issued, include when government or local authority vehicles change ownership and when public service vehicles change ownership.”

The statement said new plates are still to be issued when converting from the obsolete “check letter” plates, when replacing lost, damaged or defaced number plates.

The president of the chief’s council Fortune Charumbira has shot down claims by rights groups and opposition political parties that he is a Zanu PF member saying he does not belong to any political party but subscribes to the values and principles of the ruling party.

Charumbira said that the chiefs share the same liberation ethos as those of Zanu PF and they are both fighting for their people.

“I hear people saying that I am a member of Zanu PF but that is not true. I am not a member of Zanu PF but I identify with the principles and values of the ruling party.

“Zanu PF fights to defend the freedom of our people and as chiefs we subscribe to that. I am not in any Zanu PF structure and hold no membership card to the party.

“Chiefs belong to everyone regardless of political affiliation and we are not political. There are people who vote for different political parties because they identify with their values but not necessarily on membership basis,” said Charumbira.

Asked if he would attend opposition rallies the same way he does with Zanu PF rallies, Charumbira said he would not because it will give a wrong connotations.

“I will never attend opposition rallies because it is not right to do so. But that does not mean I do not interact with them. I can even call MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa and discuss issues but I can never have a meeting with him.

“Chiefs have been accused of threatening people to vote for Zanu PF but that is all lies. Some people judge us by what we say on Zanu PF rallies but they fail to understand the deeper meaning of our words.

“Chiefs work with the government of the day and in our case we have Zanu PF in charge,” said Charumbira.

Charumbira has been dragged to court on numerous occasions for openly declaring his support for Zanu PF when the constitution compels the traditional leadership to be apolitical.

Morning Post

Own Correspondent|Politically forgotten former Deputy Prime Minister Arthur Mutambara has taken swipe at MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa who he has described as a joke to opposition politics as he lacks consistency and a clear strategy on dealing with ZANU-PF.

Speaking on Wednesday at a Harare conference organised by SIVIO Institute (SI) International Summit, Mutambara said: “I want to urge the MDC Alliance to think being strategic. What do you want; one day you say ‘we don’t want an inclusive government, we just want reforms, we want to talk about reforms’; another day, they say ‘we want an NTA (National Transitional Authority)’.

“It’s a joke because there is no one who accepts that. The opposition won’t accept that because they want to be in power and in government, and Zanu PF won’t accept that.”

Mutambara added, “And now two weeks ago, I hear ‘we want two years for Mnangagwa and two years for MDC and the next day we don’t want that’”

In his remarks, Mutambara said it was remote that Zanu PF would accept MDC demands for the formation of a transitional authority, let alone recent demands by MDC leader Nelson Chamisa to be allowed to rule for two years during the current Emmerson Mnangagwa tenure.

He said the opposition needs to have a clear strategy and roadmap on how they want critical issues in the country addressed, adding that he was not satisfied with Chamisa’s inconsistency in outlining the main opposition’s overall demands.

This, he said, has unnecessarily brought a lot of confusion among opposition supporters and neutrals.

“In terms my friends in the opposition (MDC), I have lots of respect; they did very well even by the rigged election. 2.1 million votes are a lot of votes, they did very well in Parliament and in everything,” said the former leader of an MDC breakaway party.

Since his controversial defeat to Mnangagwa in the July 2018 elections, Chamisa has made several demands from Mnangagwa which have all been rebuffed.

The young opposition heavyweight has demanded Mnangagwa to accept “defeat” and gracefully surrender power to him while claiming he is the one who actually won the highly disputed poll.

Chamisa has also been linked to demands of a GNU but has been strong in denying his party was not “desperate for a GNU”.

The ex-cabinet minister and MP has also demanded a transitional authority to superintend over the country’s affairs until the next elections.

Lately while addressing his supporters at an “election victory” thank-you rally weekend, Chamisa has demanded that he be granted time to rule the country for two years as a compromise gesture by Mnangagwa.

The SIVIO Institut International Summit provides an opportunity for non-partisan and objective dialogue on the current challenges facing Zimbabwe.

The conference was held under the theme: “First year of the 2nd Republic: Continuing with the old or Breaking with the past” and was attended by captains of industry, opposition political party leaders, labour and civil society.

ABOUT 10 200 teachers will have their leave days deducted as punishment for embarking on an industrial action early this month, the Public Service Commission (PSC) has said.

Thousands of teachers participated in a strike called by the Progressive Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) and the Zimbabwe Teachers’ Association (Zimta) early this month demanding a salary increase and bettter conditions of service.

In a statement yesterday, PSC acting chairperson Mr Ozias Hove said the commission will not pay teachers for not working and a repeat of the industrial action will attract a more severe punishment.

“The PSC has noted isolated cases of abscondment by about 10 200 teachers for durations ranging from 1 to 4 days between 5 and 8 February 2019. The commission will employ the principle of “No Work, No Pay” to punish teachers who deserted their duties.

“The PSC would also like to advise all teachers who were absent from work without authority that deductions from their leave days (of the offending individuals) using the principle of no work no pay will be effected,” said Mr Hove.

He said the commission was treating the 10 200 as first offenders and a repeat will attract a more severe punishment.

Mr Hove said members of the civil service who reported for work but did not provide any services will be deemed to have been absent as they did not render any service at all.

“The industrial action was illegal as the Government was in the middle of negotiations with civil servants through the National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC),” said Mr Hove.

Teachers downed tools for almost a week and the teachers’ unions called off the strike after the Government committed itself to operationalising non-monetary incentives and other benefits.

Sector-specific issues which the teachers want addressed include acting, head of department and examination allowances, accommodation challenges, corruption within Government when members want to transfer, among others.

They also want their children, up to three per individual, to be exempt from paying school fees at Government schools.

State Media

A suspected fraudster who had been on the run since last year after he allegedly connived with a Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) official and attempted to swindle the tax collector of over $2 million, appeared in court yesterday.

Manase Manjovha (34) from Bulawayo allegedly connived with Zimra’s systems administrator Stephen Moreka who was arrested and taken to court last year.

Following the arrest of Moreka, Manjovha went into hiding and was declared a wanted person by the police.

He then fraudulently obtained new identity documents under a different name. Manjovha was arrested at the American Embassy where he had gone to apply for a visa using the fake documents.

He appeared in court yesterday before magistrate Mrs Rumbidzai Mugwagwa charged him with fraud and “unauthorised access to a computer or computer network”. He was remanded in custody to today for bail ruling after the State led by Mr Sebastian Mutizirwa opposed bail.

It is the State’s case that sometime in April last year, Moreka and Manjovha hatched a plan to steal from ZIMRA.

They opened several bank accounts. Moreka who was on sick leave, accessed the ZIMRA paynet server.

They allegedly connived and uploaded three files into the paynet system with a total of $2 385 073,20 without the authority’s permission.

The duo directed ZIMRA to make payments to the various bank accounts they had fraudulently opened, it is alleged.

To cover-up for the offence, they allegedly cleared all server logs and deleted files. However, the deleted files were recovered by the company’ accountant who then reported the matter to the superiors.

A report was made to the police and investigations led to the arrest of Moreka.

State Media

Paul Nyathi|Former NMB chief executive Mr James Mushore, who was appointed Harare town clerk in April 2016 before Government rescinded his appointment has won his case against Harare City Council after a labour officer ruled that his contract of employment was unlawfully terminated.

The City Council cancelled Mushore’s contract in August 2017 after it claimed he was not the best candidate for the job.

Mushore signed a two-year contract with Harare City Council on April 1 2017 before being sent on forced leave a week later after Government rescinded the appointment. Government argued his appointment was unprocedural and violated the Urban Councils Act.

According to the law in question, council was supposed to submit the names of three candidates to the Local Government Board for approval. Harare has not been decisive on the matter, hiding under the pretext that Mr Mushore had a pending matter at the Labour Court against council.

Mushore’s appointment was sanctioned by the then MDC leadership which put pressure on former Harare deputy mayor Chris Mbanga to resign over allegations that he defied a party directive not to suspend him.