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By Own Correspondent- Deputy Minister for Defence and War Veterans Affairs Victor Matemadanda said that soldiers were this week deployed to protect school gates and ensure that thugs do not attack learners.

He said this in parliament while responding to Mashonaland East Senator Jane Chifamba who has asked why soldiers had been deployed at school gates.

Said Matemadanda:

Unlike the initial Lancaster House Constitution, which was written by people who represented the political opinion of a minority, the Constitution we have now was written by the people.

It says if police fail to control the security situation in the country, then they can request aid from the soldiers. So soldiers do not deploy themselves, they are deployed by the police at schools to remove thugs troubling school children where the police feel they cannot contain the situation.

The country has been experiencing uneasy normalcy after the government deployed troops in full force across the country to deal with violent protests that broke in January after a massive fuel price hike.

By Staff Reporter- Two opposition MDC legislators Settlement Chikwinya and Lloyd Mukapiko have been arrested on new charges.

This was after they had gone to report to police as part of their bail conditions.

Alert : Hon Chikwinya & Hon Mukapiko have been arrested on new charges this Friday.

They had gone to a police station to report to police as part of their bail conditions on another matter @nelsonchamisa @Welshman_Ncube @BitiTendai

— MDC (@MDCAllianceZW) February 8, 2019

Addressing the clergy and other national leaders at a breakfast meeting organised by the Zimbabwe Council of Churches on Thursday, MDC leader Nelson Chamisa implored the state to stop persecuting opposition leaders and their supporters on the basis of belonging to MDC.

Said Chamisa:

“…….We have MDC leaders who are not living in their homes because they are being persecuted not because they have committed any crime but simply because they belong to MDC.”

By Own Correspondent- Deputy minister of Information and Publicity Energy Mutodi has hinted that President Emmerson Mnangagwa could have deliberately ignored Thursday’s invitation to a churches dialogue prayer meeting in retaliation to MDC leader Nelson Chamisa’s failure to attend the pre dialogue meeting he had organised on Wednesday.

The meeting, hosted by the Zimbabwe Council of Churches, was a church initiative aimed at bringing together the country’s national leaders towards bringing consensus on dialogue.

Speaking after the breakfast prayer meeting, Mutodi lashed out at Chamisa and said he was playing difficult despite “knocking repeatedly on President Mnangagwa’s door”.

Said Mutodi:

“How can the President come when Chamisa also did not come to State House for the brainstorming of the negotiations?

We cannot always be the ones to come to the negotiation table when others do not. We cannot always come to the negotiation table on the terms and dictates of other people.

We have set up the platform for negotiation. We have called all political parties to State House. The State House belongs to government. So everyone was supposed to come.

We do not need that dialogue. We had not called for that dialogue in the first place . It was him (Chamisa) who has always been knocking on President Mnangagwa’s door for dialogue.”

Government has threatened to deduct salaries of civil servants who went on strike without the blessing of the Apex Council.

A majority of teachers across the country have not been reporting for duty since Tuesday, citing incapacitation due to high transport costs and poor salaries.

The striking teachers are demanding their salaries to be paid in United States dollars or a minimum of $1 700 in bond notes.

Public Service Commission (PSC) chairman Vincent Hungwe said discussions between government and the Apex Council on the improvement of conditions of service for civil servants were still continuing in the context of the National Joint Negotiating Council.

“The Apex Council has neither declared a strike nor declared deadlock in the negotiations. The commission has since been made aware of the isolated cases of abscontment by a minority of teachers at specific schools across some districts and provinces in the country,” Hungwe said in a statement.

“Accordingly and in keeping with applicable regulations, the commission advises members that unauthorised non-attendance at workstations will result in corresponding deductions from the salaries of the offending individuals on the basis of the principle of “no work no payment’.”

The commission said some sections of the civil society continued to report at their workstations in the interest of the public, who are entitled to their uninterrupted service.

Hungwe said incidents of intimidation or coercion to withdraw labour should be reported to law enforcement agents and the Primary and Secondary Education ministry and PSC inspectorate agency was to continue monitoring attendance and take action to contain instances of abscondment in all schools.

Yesterday, many pupils in some parts on Harare were sent home after most teachers did not report for work.

The Zimbabwe Teachers’ Association (Zimta) and the Progressive Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) said about 80% of their members have heeded the call to withdraw labour since Tuesday and they were calling all of their members to go on strike.

“The government has not positively responded to our call for an improvement into our working conditions and remuneration. The industrial action intensifies tomorrow and we call upon all our members not to set foot at schools,” Zimta and PTUZ said in a joint statement.

-Newsday

Norton member of parliament, Temba Mliswa has accepted to step down from his position as the Mines Committee chairperson to allow for investigation into his alleged bribery case.

According to the Herald, Mliswa abused his position as Mines Committee chairperson to solicit a $400 000 bribe from investor James Ross Goddard of JRG Contracting (Pvt) Ltd.

“I want to support what you have ruled and by so doing, I am a person of integrity and honour and I, therefore, step down as Mines Committee chairperson until the investigations are done. I am innocent until proven guilty and I uphold my integrity,” Mliswa said.

By Own Correspondent- Addressing a dialogue meeting for national leaders, Zion Christian Church (ZCC) Bishop Nehemiah Mutendi has urged MDC leader Nelson Chamisa and ZANU PF leader Emmerson Mnangagwa to emulate the late MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai and former president Robert Mugabe and dialogue for the benefit of the nation.

The former leaders agreed to dialogue under the mediation of the Southern African Development Community 2008.

Said Mutendi:

We must follow the examples of our predecessors. During the difficult period in our country, Dr Joshua Nkomo sought peace and our Former President Robert Mugabe sat down with Nkomo and they talked peace.

Tsvangirai made peace with Mugabe and he did not consider it humiliation but he did it for peace. When Mugabe made peace President Mnangagwa was his right-hand man when Tsvangirai made peace Chamisa was his right-hand man so why can’t it happen now?

By Own Correspondent- National Constitutional Assembly leader Professor Lovemore Madhuku said opposition parties have a contribution to make in issues of governance.

Professor Madhuku said this soon after meeting President Emmerson Mnangagwa at State House at a pre- dialogue meeting which was attended by over 20 presidential aspirants who contested last year’s July 30 harmonised polls.

Said Madhuku:

The purpose of today’s meeting was really to find each other. We are Zimbabweans and as Zimbabweans there can be no harm in meeting from time to time discussing issues we face as a country. The most important issue is to raise the standard of living of our people. As opposition political parties we have a contribution to make as Government has also a contribution to make.

Jane Mlambo| Church leaders have defended President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s no-show at yesterday’s prayer meeting saying his letter indicated that he will send a representative should he fail to make it.

Zimbabwe  Council Of Churches (ZCC) secretary general Reverend Kenneth Mtata said Mnangagwa had indicated that he will attend the indaba but included a line that said a delegate will stand for him should he fail to come.

“We did not receive a formal communication on why the President didn’t come but it was clearly stated in the letter which we received from the President’s office which said that if he fails to come he will send a delegate to represent him,” said Mtata in an exclusive interview with The Zim Morning Post.

Yesterday, opposition leader, Nelson Chamisa blasted Mnangagwa over his no-show at what he described as a neutral platform.

Chamisa had earlier bunked a meeting at State House which was attended by 21 losing Presidential candidates citing the venue and a host of conditions that he said should be met to allow proper dialogue to proceed.

By Own Correspondent- Zanu Pf’s Generation 40 (G40) has been resuscitated by a new crop of party stalwarts amid indications that youths are demanding their space in the Youth League.

In a tweet posted Thursday on its official page @zanupf-patriots, the youths notified those above 40 years that their time at the helm of the Youth League was up.

Said the youths:

To cdes above 40 years who still want to be in the youth league.

Our party membership starts at 16 years so if you are more than 40 years and still want to remain in the youth league it means you are not progressive, Sure you want to spend more than 24 years running with the youths. No.

To cdes above 40 yrs who still want to be in the youth league‼️

Our party membership starts at 16yrs so if you are more than 40 years and still want to remain in the youth league it means you are not progressive. Sure you want to spend more than 24 years running with youth, no.

— ?? ZANU PF PATRIOTS ?? (@zanupf_patriots) February 7, 2019

The tweet follows revelations by Deputy Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Energy Mutodi that he is ready to become Politiburo Secretary for Youth if President Emmerson Mnangagwa appoints him to that position.

“I am ready to serve as the ZANU PF Secretary for the Youth League if President ED Mnangagwa chooses me,” said Mutodi.

“I am committed to the establishment of an informed, vibrant, vigilant and empowered youth league for the good of our party ZANU PF and for the greater good of Zimbabwe.”

Last week, the ZANU PF Youth league passed a vote of no confidence on its 51 year old Secretary for Youth Pupurai Togarepi and four other members of the Youth League.

The five were accused of treachery and failing to defend President Emmerson Mnangagwa and the party and also diverting party funds.

In a media briefing at the ZANU PF headquarters in Harare yesterday, ZANU PF youth league national political commissar, Godfrey Tsenengamu, said the vote of no-confidence was moved and supported by two-thirds majority of the national youth league executive council.

“Cde Togarepi and Cde Matutu converted and diverted resources meant for the youth league for personal use or for use without the resolution of the youth league national executive council,” Tsenengamu said.

By Own Correspondent– Leader of the splinter faction of the MDC T Dr Thokozani Khupe has urged political leaders to embrace unity regardless of their political beliefs.

Khupe said this after attending a meeting presided by President Emmerson Mnangagwa at the state house to discuss the framework for dialogue and interaction.

Said Khupe:

We must pride ourselves as a country because of the fact that we have managed to come together as opposition parties and the ruling party to chat the way forward with regards to our country and our economy. We are saying we must put our differences aside as political parties and come together so that we talk about moving our country forward. We want a better life for every Zimbabwean. The people of Zimbabwe want food on their tables, they want jobs, they want houses and they want good health and education. We agreed as political parties that we are going to dialogue as political parties around these issues so that we find permanent solutions to the problems bedevilling our country.-StateMedia

Finance minister, Professor Mthuli Ncube posted about his meeting with the United States Ambassador to Zimbabwe Brian Nichols and how as government they are focused on the reform agenda.

Soon after his post, Mthuli got a brutal response from the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Union (ZCTU) who told him that his policies had worsened the country’s economic and political situation.

Below is what Mthuli Ncube said and the response he got.

” I met with the US Ambassador to Zimbabwe to discuss Zimbabwe’s reform agenda. As government we are focussed on the reform agenda,” said Mthuli Ncube.

In response, ZCTU said

You are responsible for the human rights violations we are facing. It is your policies that are hurting citizens and which your Government is protecting by brutalising citizens. All respect is lost.

You are responsible for the human rights violations we are facing. It is your policies that are hurting citizens and which your Government is protecting by brutalising citizens. All respect is lost.

— ZCTU – Zimbabwe (@ZctuZimbabwe) February 8, 2019

A PARLIAMENTARY probe team will be set up to look into allegations that Mines Portfolio Committee chairperson, Temba Mliswa, and three other MPs demanded a $400 000 bribe while carrying out an inquiry into Hwange Colliery Company’s operations.

Speaker of Parliament Jacob Mudenda announced the decision yesterday after Makoni South MP Misheck Mataranyika (Zanu PF) moved a motion of privilege in response to reports which alleged that Mliswa together with Magwegwe MP Anele Ndebele (MDC Alliance), Binga North MP Prince Dubeko Sibanda (MDC Alliance), and Gokwe Kabuyuni MP Leonard Chikomba (Zanu PF) solicited a bribe from businessman James Goddard so that they could facilitate him to secure a contract with Hwange Colliery Company.

“During the period that the four MPs allegedly met Goddard, the Mines Committee was doing an enquiry into the operations of Hwange Colliery,” Mataranyika said.

“The allegations are very serious and injurious to the reputation of the MPs, the committee and Parliament, and in that regard, the allegations made constitute breach and contempt of Parliament. However, in raising this matter, I am not saying that the MPs are guilty, but simply to provide the MPs with an opportunity to clear their names and protect their integrity and that of Parliament.”

Mudenda said section 194 (1) (a) of the Constitution states that a high standard of professionalism and ethics must be promoted and maintained as one of the basic values and principles guiding public administration.

“To that extent Parliament must be seen to abide by this provision among others. Having listened to the report by the MP, indeed, the allegations are serious and have the potential to damage the integrity of Parliament, the Mines Committee and MPs,” he said.

After Mudenda had ruled that a Privileges Committee to look into the matter be set up, Mliswa and the quartet seemed unfazed and were even supporting the
motion.

“I want to support what you have ruled and by so doing, I am a person of integrity and honour and I, therefore, step down as Mines Committee chairperson until the investigations are done. I am innocent until proven guilty and I uphold my integrity,” Mliswa said.

Mudenda agreed that Mliswa steps down until the matter was investigated and concluded.

In an unrelated matter, Mudenda announced that Chegutu West MP Dextor Nduna (Zanu PF) will now chair the Transport Portfolio Committee instead of Murewa North MP Daniel Garwe.

Meanwhile, Energy minister Joram Gumbo also told the Senate that fuel queues were being caused by motorists still clearing their coupons purchased before the fuel price increases.

He said the central bank had procured 24 months’ worth of fuel, adding that the queues were also caused by hoax social media messages of another looming fuel price hike.

-Newsday

BITTER political rivals, President Emmerson Mnangagwa and MDC’s Nelson Chamisa, again failed to meet face to face at a strategic national dialogue meeting convened by the Zimbabwe Council of Churches in Harare yesterday as the two leaders adopted hardline positions to talks.

Zimbabwe churches are seeking to broker talks between Mnangagwa and the MDC leader which would lay the basis for the recovery of an economy struggling from shortages of cash, fuel, medicine and some basic commodities including bread.

Disputed elections last year deepened the economic malaise, while a security crackdown on post-election protests in August and another ruthless suppression of demonstrations against fuel price increases of 150% last month drew comparisons with the dark days of former President Robert Mugabe’s regime.

Mnangagwa skipped yesterday’s prayer meeting after initially indicating that he would attend. He was instead represented by Defence minister Oppah Muchinguri.

Chamisa, who snubbed a meeting called by Mnangagwa at State House on Wednesday to discuss an agenda for talks aimed at tackling Zimbabwe’s crisis, attended and told the gathering that any talks without the MDC Alliance, would not solve the political crisis, which he said was at the centre of the current economic meltdown.

“I can assure you that there can be dialogue by any other party, but that dialogue will not resolve our issues because it’s a matter of what is the dispute. The dispute is a matter of the electoral result that was disputed. That electoral result that was disputed was not disputed by some of the political parties that are in agreement with President Mnangagwa. I disagreed with President Mnangagwa,” Chamisa said.

He told church leaders that he snubbed Wednesday’s talks because the convenor was not independent.

“Some would say, but Chamisa why didn’t you go to State House yesterday (Wednesday)? For a good reason, if we have to dialogue, we need an independent, respected and credible mediator between us. The church in this case is an appropriate convener,” Chamisa said to applause.

The MDC has maintained that unity and political stability will not be resolved unless the issue of Mnangagwa’s legitimacy is resolved. Chamisa’s dispute of the July 30 2018 electoral results has been backed by the European Union and Commonwealth elections observer reports which said the results were not traceable or verifiable.

“It should not be difficult for me to sit and meet with President Mnangagwa, and I am saying President not because our dispute has been resolved. He is president of his organisation, I am president of my organisation, so until that issue is resolved it becomes difficult for us to move things forward,” Chamisa said.

“I would have wanted him to be here. I have been ready yesterday, last year, I am ready today, tomorrow, the next hour if there is a room even at this hotel to meet with President Mnangagwa to resolve the issues affecting the people of Zimbabwe, because any minute longer is a life wasted, it’s time wasted.”

He added: “The bishops have acknowledged the source of the problem. The fundamental problem is that we need healing, we need peace, we need unity. We need to have a coming together of people and for that to happen, there has to be President Mnangagwa and myself.”

Mnangagwa, who was supposed to attend the prayer meeting, was represented by Muchinguri, who delivered a speech on his behalf.

The Zanu PF leader did not acknowledge the role of the church in leading the dialogue, but instead said the church should pray for peace and leadership in the country. Mnangagwa, in his speech, said the turbulence “was only temporary”.

“Therefore, the starting point and exception is that we must love ourselves, and our God-given country as a united people with a common destiny, government further perceives the church as the light that never wants, that guides our nation towards hope, optimism and a positive expectation,” he said.

Both Mnangagwa and Chamisa quoted from the same scripture as they concluded their speeches, calling on each other to repent from their wickedness.

“The healing of our nation rests in the prayers and supplications of the church for 2 Chronicles 2 verse 14 says: ‘if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land’,” Mnangagwa’s speech read.

Speaking after the meeting, Information deputy minister Energy Mutodi said Zanu PF and Mnangagwa did not need the current talks because they won the elections, but had only convened dialogue at the behest of Chamisa and his party.

“We don’t need that dialogue, we have not called for that dialogue in the first place, the opposition MDC is the one that has been petitioning the President to call all political parties for dialogue and this is the call that the President has replied,” he said.

Zion Christian Church leader Nehemiah Mutendi called on Chamisa and Mnangagwa to put aside their egos and put the nation forward.

He said they should take a leaf from Mugabe and the late MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai who despite massive differences met and found a solution following a disputed 2008 poll, culminating in the formation of a unity government.

Meanwhile, political leaders who attended Wednesday’s meeting of presidential candidates who ran in the July 30 harmonised elections last year reportedly left the preparatory meeting more confused than they arrived with no binding decisions having been made.

Political leaders including Daniel Shumba, Divine Mhambi Hove of National Alliance of Patriotic and Democratic Republicans said the meeting was a shambles, did not have an agenda and left more questions unanswered and with a way forward generally unclear.

Shumba, a former Mnangagwa close ally and ex-Zanu PF parliamentarian, had no kind words for the meeting, saying he had no confidence in what had appeared to be a door into closing political instability in the country.

“A disappointingly unstructured discussion, which had no agenda nor outline. The moderator, Retired Justice Selo Nare (National Healing and Reconciliation Commission chairperson) was out of his depth as he failed to grasp issues and was not in control,” Shumba said.

“I have never seen so many cheerleaders with the exception of Nkosana Moyo, Noah Manyika and myself who spoke to the issues well, the issues which include human rights violations, the role of the military in civilian life and the electoral process. In short, I have no confidence in the process.”

Hove said the meeting was a platform for opposition leaders who cheered on the government with the exception of Shumba and Moyo.

“I must say Thokozani Khupe, Lovemore Madhuku were the first speakers on the panel and they came in with a tone of really forging forward with dialogue,” he said.

“Then came Shumba with strong words, talking about dissatisfaction and how people had to be genuine if talks are to work and how the army is ravaging the community.”

In the back and forth that characterised the meeting, Hove said there was agreement for need to dialogue, but the objectives and targets of what needed to be discussed remained elusive.

Build Zimbabwe Alliance leader Noah Manyika said the meeting was successful only in the sense that he was able to tell Mnangagwa directly what he thinks.

Mutodi said the talks were mainly to discuss the economic fortunes of the country, how sanctions can be dealt with and how Zimbabwe can get back on its feet.

He added that the Zanu PF government will not tolerate any talks about the legitimacy of Mnangagwa’s victory nor would they seek to revisit an issue closed by the ruling of the Constitutional Court.

“We are not going to have negotiations to determine the outcome of the elections. We are not going to have negotiations to determine who is legitimate and who is not legitimate, the issue of legitimacy has been solved by the people through the ballot,” he said.

-Newsday

The amount of foreign currency held by the banking sector jumped 38% between September and November 2018, reaching near two-year highs following a central bank directive to separate forex accounts from bond note and electronic deposits, official data shows.

Banks held US$84.6 million at the close of November, up from US$61.5 million at the end of September, just before the central bank announced the ring-fencing of forex deposits.

Banks’ forex holdings have plummeted since 2015, and current stocks are still way below the monthly average of US$200 million before the crisis set in during the last quarter of that year.

The introduction of tight exchange controls in May 2016, which saw the Reserve Bank taking control of foreign currency allocations to key economic sectors, as well as the introduction of a parallel ‘bond note’ quasi-currency later that year, worsened the country’s forex crisis.

The authorities have said the separation of foreign currency accounts from bond notes and electronic deposits, which stood at just under $10 billion at the end of November, was the first step towards reforms that will culminate in the re-introduction of a local currency.

The second step was the setting up of a platform to allow local electronic transfers of foreign currency.

The central bank is expected to float the bond notes and electronic deposits, which are currently pegged at parity to the United States dollar. The currency peg proved punitive to exporters and it has created pricing distortions that are hurting business.

Most exporters, including gold and tobacco producers, surrender significant amounts of their earnings to the central bank, in exchange for over-valued electronic deposits and bond notes.

The production of gold, Zimbabwe’s top export, collapsed 59% percent September and November 2018, as a result of the foreign currency crisis.

-Newzwire

By Own Correspondent| Minister of Finance and Economic Development Professor Mthuli Ncube said the effects of economic reforms will lessen as the year progresses.

Ncube said this while addressing students of the National Defence Course-Intake 7 of 2018 at the Zimbabwe National Defense University in Mazowe.

He said:

Reforms are continuing, but what happens is that over the next six months we are carrying out more reforms and will achieve quite a bit, so obviously after six months then we have less reforms and towards end of year, even less reforms. So we are doing more now and less as we go forward, but it does not mean reforms are finished we will still carry out more, for instance privatisation takes a while so it always carries on, but certainly on the macro-economic front, we should have made quite a bit of progress.-StateMedia

By Own Correspondent| Addressing delegates at the national leadership breakfast prayer meeting in Harare Thursday, President Emmerson Mnangagwa implored the church to be resilient and continue teaching their congregants to live Christ-like lives characterised by hard honest work.

In a speech read on his behalf by D3fence minister and Zanu Pf national chairperson, Oppah Zvipange Muchinguri, Mnangagwa encouraged citizens to shun all forms of corruption reiterating that his doors qere open for dialogue.

Said Mnangagwa:

“These are the qualities, the values and principles that should be embedded in all our people as we build the Second Republic.

“We all belong to this country, united by our national flag and anthem with a shared vision to become a middle income economy by 2030.

“I thus appeal to the church to motivate their congregants for the accomplishments of this vision and improve the quality of life of our people.

“Let us desist from a ‘them and us mentality’. Over and above advancing the national development agenda. I appeal to the church to continuously pray for our nation without ceasing.

“The healing of our land rest with prayers and supplications with the church.”

By Own Correspondent| Finance minister Professor Mthuli Ncube has revealed that Zimbabwe is on course in clearing its debt to international financial institutions (IFIs).

Ncube said government is already in talks with creditors over bridging finance to settle the arrears.

Prof Ncube said this in an interview on the sidelines of his presentation to students of Defence Course Intake 7 of 2018, at the Zimbabwe National Defence University in Mazowe.

Said Ncube:

“We just need to work harder to make sure that we access the bridging resources for that.

In terms of the bridging resources themselves, of course we are having conversations with the creditors themselves because that is where we can get the cheapest funding.

The cheapest funding you can ever get is from themselves (the World Bank, IMF and African Development Bank) and there are mechanisms through which this can be done and we are working on that; we are having a conversation on that.”-StateMedia

By Advocate Walter Nyabadza| The Government of Zimbabwe, through the Perm Sec for the Ministry of Information and Publicity, Nick Mangwana, has blatantly lied it was not aware that International Commission of Jurist (ICJ) had intervened and raised alarm over the observance of the “Rule of Law” in the country’s judicial system.

Asked, during a Policy Dialogue Forum held at Sapes Trust last night, whether it was true that “the International Commission of Jurists had taken measures directly with the government of Zimbabwe in support of the largest trial monitoring intervention that has ever happened in Zimbabwe by both local and regional players” Mangwana responded, “I have never heard of it!”

Meanwhile, and, in apparent conflict of facts, the Chief Justice of Zimbabwe, Luke Malaba together with the Judicial Service Commission, has issued a statement to address numerous concerns expressed by the International Commission of Jurists and the Law Society of Zimbabwe amongst other local and international players, over the excesses of the military including killings and rape of alleged protestors during what is popularly known as “SHUTDOWN” and subsequent “Mass Trials” currently prevailing in the country to date.

In his statement, the Chief Justice noted with concern accusations of predetermined or instructive dispensation of Justice, the denial of bail, mass trials and refusal of magistrates to hear legal practitioners. He reminded lawyers that avenues are available for substantiated complaints against the conduct of any judicial officer whose actions are extra-judicial. “Where there is a suspicion that the magistrate has acted on an extra-judicial instruction or has been swayed or influenced unbecomingly, that is an ethical issue, which should be reported to the Judicial Service Commission”, he said.

To that end, the Chief Justice has instructed the Acting Secretary of the Judicial Service Commission to constitute a tactical committee of members from the following stakeholders-: the Acting Chief Magistrate and his deputy, representatives from the Law Society of Zimbabwe, the National Prosecuting Authority, the Zimbabwe Republic Police and the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services.

The purpose of the committee will be to address all issues and take all adminstrative measures to ensure speedy trials, with due respect to the rights of accused persons to expedient and efficient justice. The committee will, through its chairperson, report to the Chief Justice until all the issues have been addressed to the satisfaction of all the stakeholders.

Advocate Walter Nyabadza is a Zimbabwean Human Rights and Constitutional lawyer, Legal Advisor for the National Reclamation Assembly and Writer.

A British parliamentarian has dismissed utterances made by the Zimbabwe Defence Forces that the 17 protestors who were killed during the January riots were shot by civilians who stole army and police uniforms.

United Kingdom Member of Parliament and the chair of Britain’s All-Party Parliamentary Group on Zimbabwe, Kate Hoey said those claims are ‘nonsense’.

By Own Correspondent- Opposition MDC leader and 2018 presidential candidate in the harmonised election, Nelson Chamisa has said that he is ready to meet with President Emmerson Mnangagwa for dialogue at any time but as an equal insisting that he polled more votes than the incumbent in the just ended harmonised polls.

Chamisa told delegates at a prayer meeting organised by the clergy at the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC) in Harare that he won the 2018 presidential election with 2,6 million votes even though the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) gave him a lesser figure.

He added that the dispute in Zimbabwe will be resolved if he (Chamisa) and Mnangagwa meets since the other 21 presidential candidates did not contest the presidential result.

Said Chamisa:

I’m ready to meet President Mnangagwa. I say President not because our dispute is resolved, but he’s President of his party and I’m President of mine.

Meanwhile, Mnangagwa’s close ally and Deputy Minister for Information Energy Mutodi claimed that the reason why Mnangagwa did not show up for the prayer meeting was that Chamisa did not come for the pre dialogue discussion meeting organised by Mnangagwa at State House on Tuesday.

Said Mutodi:

“It is him (Chamisa) who has been knocking on President (Mnangagwa’s) door for dialogue……we cannot have dialogue with pre conditions.

President Mnangagwa was represented by the ZANU PF national chairperson who is also Minister of Defence, Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri at the prayer meeting who read his keynote address.

VIDEO BELOW…

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By Farai D Hove| Barely two weeks after soldiers under her command raped numerous women and killed more than 15 people, Zimbabwe’s pastors who include ZAOGA founder Ezekiel Guti, allowed Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri to use bible verses to preach to the whole nation while standing in front of them.

I urge the nation to remain positive and steadfast – Oppah pic.twitter.com/5raOPMiwVi

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) February 7, 2019

The meeting at the HICC in Harare, that was meant to be a reconciliation dialogue prayer session, was turned into a Bible competition showroom. Muchinguri is seen in the below footage speaking at large from timeline (…) while reading Zanu-pf president Emmerson Mnangagwa’s speech.

None of the pastors took stand to condemn the harassment of their own church members, military bloodshed, and arbitrary arrest of innocent people seen in the last 3 weeks and has continued to date.

Guti who has even appeared in public wearing Mnangagwa’s scarf, kept repeating: “Father bless Zimbabwe, Bless Zimbabwe,” without going straight to the core of the cause of people’s suffering.

While President Chamisa attended, Mnangagwa bunked the function and was represented by Muchinguri.

LIVE: Ezekiel Guti Keeps Repeating: “Father Bless Zimbabwe!” He’s Too Scared Of Mnangagwa? https://t.co/Pzd2NMtf2L via @ZimEye pic.twitter.com/ro41wkXcmH

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) February 7, 2019

WERE THE CHURCH LEADERS RESPONSIBLE?

VIDEO:

NOT A SINGLE MENTION OF THE MILITARY BRUTALITY AND KILLINGS OF AUG AND JAN, ARE THESE PASTORS CIOs JUST USING CHAMISA?

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) February 7, 2019

FORMER Vice President Joice Mujuru has revealed why she snubbed the framework for dialogue meeting called by President Emmerson Mnangagwa yesterday.

In thinly-veiled attacks at President Mnangagwa’s, Mujuru indicated shoe would never participate in “kitchen dialogue”.

She also accused Mnangagwa of seeking legitimacy from a few selected Zimbabweans instead of “all the people of Zimbabwe, black or white.”

Writing on social media, Mujuru said: “In 1978 Smith invited all Parties to dialogue. Muzorewa, Ndabaning Sithole & some selected Chiefs like Chirau attended.

“Mugabe hit back saying “legitimacy is not sought through some kitchen dialogue but from all the people of Zimbabwe, black or white,” she said.

Leader of the main opposition MDC, Nelson Chamisa, also snubbed the event which was attended by 21 presidential candidates or their representatives.

https://twitter.com/ZimEye/status/1093437839692496896?s=19

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Facebook post by Emmerson Mnangagwa|This afternoon we began our process of national dialogue, the fulfilment of the pledge I made upon my inauguration to engage and consult all my fellow Presidential aspirants on ways to move our country forward.

Nobody has a monopoly on good ideas, and we all have a part to play towards the prosperity and well-being of our country and our people. As the adage goes, ‘individually are just a drop, but together we are a mighty ocean’. We thus have more to gain from unity than from individualism.

As leaders of political parties, our gathering today is a milestone, which should always remind us of the supremacy of dialogue over conflict, and of collaboration over confrontation. I sincerely look forward to the sage advice and healthy exchange of views with my brothers and sisters.

MDC Secretary General Douglas Mwonzora currently attending the national dialogue breakfast meeting has appluaded the effort by the church to bring the nation together.

“Attending the National Leadership Breakfast meeting at the HICC in Harare organised by the churches. The efforts by the churches to bring together the nation’s political progranists should be commended and supported.”

“We must pride ourselves as a country because of the fact that we have managed to come together as opposition parties and the ruling party to chart the way forward in regards to our country and our economy. We are saying we must put our differences aside as political parties and come together so that we talk about moving our country forward. We want a better life for every Zimbabwean. The people of Zimbabwe want food on their tables, they want jobs, they want houses and they want good health and education. We agreed as political parties that we are going dialogue as political parties around these issues so that we find permanent solutions to the problems bedeviling our country.”

MORE ZANU OF TERORRISTS TO BE ADDED TO SANCTIONS LIST pic.twitter.com/gAnFD1zbn3

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) February 6, 2019

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Midlands South Movement for Democratic Change Alliance has threatened demonstrations against the Gweru Magistrate Courts if two of the party’s senior members Amos Chibaya and Livingstone Chimina are not released. 

Speaking in Gweru on Monday, the party’s Chairperson in the Province Francisco Masendeke said if the courts fail to release their members, they will be forced to express their discontentment through a demonstration.

“We are demanding the immediate and unconditional release of Honourable Chibaya and Honourable Chimina and all those arrested and imprisoned with them.

“We demand that the state withdraws these clearly unsubstantial charges,” Masendeke said.

“Should these demands for the release of our comrades not be acceded to, we shall embark on a peaceful demonstration as imbedded in our national constitution so that we clearly show those responsible that as residents of Gweru and people of Midlands we are not happy and we have a right to raise our concerns,” he said.

Masendeke also said as a party they are also going to petition the courts demanding proper fair justice. 

Gweru Mayor and MDC-A Provincial member Josiah Makombe, at the same press conference, said party members have since been blocked from seeing the two legislators with only his lawyers and wife allowed to see him. 

“We went there to try and see him on three occasions and I was denied to see him they said only three people were allowed to see him.

“Later on there was a memoir that was written that said Hon. Chibaya and Hon. Chimina can only be seen once in seven days, which means his wife can only take food to him,” Makombe said.     

Hon. Chibaya and Hon. Chimina were arrested on the 16th of January 2019 on incitement of violence charges, alongside several other youths on charges for public violence following the January 14 to 16 national shutdown called for by the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions, and have been remanded in custody at Whawha Prison since as their trials drags on three weeks later.

Hon. Chibaya was rearrested at the prison on Tuesday 29th of January after being granted $500 bail by Masvingo High Court Justice Joseph Mafusire, just as he stepped out, facing new charges of subverting a constitutionally elected government.

The subversion charges are based on an article that was published four weeks back in the Dailynews on the 2nd of January 2019.

In the article, Chibaya is quoted saying “2019 is the year that we are going to send Mnangagwa packing. This month, unlike before, we are not going to toyi-toyi around the streets but straight to State House because that is where the person who stole our votes resides.”

-263Chat

ZIMBABWE Republic Police are holding a soldier after a foreign currency dealer was kidnapped and robbed in Chitungwiza.

Norest Nyasoro, an Air Force of Zimbabwe officer, is due to appear before a court on Thursday.

Police in Harare have seen a spike in armed robberies, which they believe are being carried out by soldiers who remain deployed countrywide following widespread fuel protests on January 14.

The soldiers have also been accused of committing human rights violations, including meting out violent beatings, killings and rape.

Nyasoro was detained by police after a 27-year-old man from Unit M Seke, in Chitungwiza, walked into St Mary’s Police Station and recounted a terrifying ordeal at the hands of four men.

Ophias Chinomona was trading foreign currency at the Zengeza 2 shops on January 30 when he was approached by two men driving in a white Toyota IST vehicle who asked him to find them United States dollars. They left promising to return the following day.

At about 10AM the following day, the men returned, this time in the company of two others and asked Chinomona to get into their vehicle to complete the transaction, according to a police report.

To his horror, Chinomona told police the vehicle pulled away and drove towards Chikwanha Shopping Centre. The men told him they were soldiers on an operation to arrest illegal foreign currency traders.

“They showed him their army camouflage but did not produce their work identity cards,” the police report says.

Chinomona was frisked and robbed of US$1,300; $400 bond notes and R50. He was slapped and punched, before being “kicked out” of the vehicle which had come to a stop near a Trek garage in the suburb.

Over the weekend, Glenview police arrested another soldier, Shephard Magorimbo from the Presidential Guard, on extortion and fraud charges.

Officially, the government denies soldiers are committing crimes in the communities where they have been deployed, blaming the criminal activities on opposition supporters that it says stole army uniforms and guns.

Zimbabwe is under a virtual curfew. In the high-density suburbs, young men are routinely stopped, made to lie down and beaten while being accused of taking part in the January 14 protests triggered by a 168 percent increase in the price of fuel that was decreed by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Human rights groups say they have documented at least 17 killings, and 81 shootings to date. — ZimLIVE

MDC Alliance national chairman Morgen Komichi has told a Harare magistrate that Zimbabwe Electoral Commission chairperson Justice Priscilla Chigumba is an elections fraudster and alleged that other commissioners were even surprised with the results she announced for the 2018 presidential election.

“ZEC acting chief elections officer Utloile Silaigwana honestly told us that the presidential results would be announced after verification was done and he took us to a room where there was a television. We were surprised when we came back in the announcement room and found Chigumba already announcing the presidential results. We waited for her to conclude and she announced her fake results of nine provinces and I did not interrupt her,” said Komichi, who was leading evidence during cross-examination by his lawyer Obey Shava.

He alleged Chigumba was in another room at the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC) doctoring figures of the elections with the help of other people he described as “boys”.

“Our relationship with Zec had been okay in the past despite not approving their figures. We have been working well as chief election agents of MDC with the former Zec elections officer Lovemore Sekeramayi, Justice George Chiweshe, Justice Rita Makarau and Silaigwana. When we had a problem, we would come to Zec and if we found them in a meeting, they would adjourn the meeting and attend to us in the past. We had a relationship of brothers,” Komichi said.

“But things started to change when Chigumba took over. She would tell us she is busy, especially to us MDC members. Even other commissioners like Silaigwana who were apprising us of the developments during the announcement of the results did not know the programme of events.

Komichi said during the break, he then addressed the gathering, telling them to disregard the results because they were “fake”.

He insisted that what he did was not illegal because he waited for the commissioners to announce their fake results.

Komichi was asked by prosecutor Michael Reza what the court would do if someone from the gallery started shouting in court in the middle of proceedings. Komichi replied that Reza’s example did not resemble what he did.

“Your Worship, there is a clear example where the prosecutor, Reza, was nearly choked by Tendai Biti in court during the adjournment of the case, and the newspapers reported of the incident. But Biti was never arrested because it was an adjournment. Your Worship was not in court, that’s why he was not arrested,” Komichi responded.

He said he was vindicated that Zec was announcing fake results after the body announced three different sets of presidential results after the incident.

Four witnesses testified in the case and the State closed its case, but the court dismissed Komichi’s application for discharge, saying he had a case to answer and must be put to his defence.

Komichi is expected to call his witnesses.

He is facing charges of contravening section 186 of the Electoral Act by allegedly interrupting the official announcement of results.

By Own Correspondent| Addressing leaders of opposition parties at State house in Harare in Wednesday at the inaugural post election dialogue of political parties, President Emmerson Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe needs to implement key reforms first as a way of promoting investment.

Mnangagwa called on Zimbabweans to unite and proffer ideas in how best to make the country an attractive ibvestment destination for the good of the country.

He said:

Whatever our political affiliation none of us can ever thrive in an environment of poverty and economic stagnation.We have to revive and grow our economy in order to create durable livelihoods and employment especially for our youths. We have abundant resources and an educated and dedicated workforce. With unity at home and successful reengagement abroad, Zimbabwe is an attractive destination for domestic and foreign direct investment. Admittedly, there are key reforms which we need to embark upon which is where all of us come in to profer ideas both for reforms and to make ourselves more attractive for investments. I challenge all of us to come up with ideas thaf can take our country forward.

Prosecutor-General Kumbirai Hodzi yesterday had the last laugh after the Constitutional Court ruled that an application challenging his appointment to the esteemed offices was filed out of time.

Justice Paddington Garwe made the ruling in the case in which one Mr Simbarashe Zuze was contesting the appointment last month of Mr Hodzi as the substantive Prosecutor-General.

The judge sitting in his chambers upheld submissions by lawyers representing President Mnangagawa and his co-respondents the Judicial Service Commission and Chief Justice Luke Malaba, Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi and Mr Hodzi — that the action brought against the Head of State was deemed abandoned and incapable of being heard let alone treated as urgent.

Ms Fortune Chimbaru of the Attorney General’s Office represented President Mnangagwa and confirmed the latest development.

“Their application has been deemed abandoned for failure to comply with rule 9(5) of the Constitutional Court rules which requires the filing of proof of service within two days,” she said.

Adv Lewis Uriri instructed by Mr Addington Chinake of Kantor & Immerman represented Chief Justice Malaba and the JSC.

Adv Uriri said the ruling means the application was a nullity hence there was nothing before the court to talk about.

“What it means is that there is nothing before the court as far as we are concerned. Our view is that the matter is dead.”

Adv Uriri, however, said the matter would be brought as a normal court application, as the judge decided to restrict himself to deal with the issue of urgency.

In the main application, Mr Zuze asked the apex court for an injunction declaring Mr Hodzi’s appointment unconstitutional, null and void.

He claimed President Mnangagwa breached the constitutional obligation imposed upon him, when he picked Hodzi whom he said was among the lowest performers during the interviews.

But in their response, the JSC and Chief Justice Malaba insisted that the elevation of Mr Hodzi as substantive prosecutor-general last month is legal and constitutionally valid.

Mr Hodzi was one of the 10 candidates who were interviewed publicly for the esteemed post at the end of 2018.

The JSC argued that the process of appointing the prosecutor-general is regulated by Section 259(3) as read with Section 180 of the Constitution.

“The President exercised his discretion and appointed the fifth respondent (Hodzi) to the office of the prosecutor-general,” said the JSC.

“Accordingly, there is nothing irregular about the appointment of the fifth respondent to the office of prosecutor-general. His appointment was wholly compliant with the relevant constitutional provisions.”

The JSC set the record straight when it stressed that the method of scoring candidates during public interviews was not prescribed by the Constitution.

It said it came up with a system as one of the considerations before preparing a list for submission to the President.

“How candidates are ranked in the public interviews is by no means the only consideration taken into account by the JSC when preparing a list of qualified persons,” the JSC said.

The JSC further stated that in making recommendations for the appointment, the commission was not limited to the score sheets, but would also take into account other attributes such as the personality and diligence of the candidates as well as the need for gender and regional balance.

In this regard, the JSC argued that Mr Zuze’s application was without basis and bad at law.

The other candidates were Mrs Noria Mashumba, Mrs Florence Ziyambi, Ms Jessie Majome, Mrs Wendy Chingeya, Justice Maphios Cheda, Mr Misheck Hogwe, Mr Tinomudaishe Chinyoka, Mr Edmund Marondedza and Mr Tichaona Mantsebo.

Mr Hodzi has been acting PG since July 24 last year and replaced Advocate Ray Goba who resigned mid last year.

Prior to July 24, Mr Hodzi was deputy Attorney-General in charge of the Legal Advice Section since 2012.

State Media

By Paul Nyathi|The Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) claims that it has restored peace and order in the country after it was invited to quell violent protests last month that led to the loss of lives and left a trail of destruction, a senior official has said.

Addressing journalists yesterday, ZDF (Inspector- General) Major-General Douglas Nyikayaramba said they were ready to pull out soldiers deployed to assist the police in the maintenance of law and order subject to confirmation from the law enforcement agencies.

He said ZDF would, however, institute investigations into allegations of gross misconduct and human rights abuses levelled against its members and those found guilty would be dealt with decisively in terms of the law.

Zimbabweans embarked on a protest over fuel price increases, which unfortunately turned violent resulting in looting and burning of properties including police stations, vehicles and shops, among others.

“The ZDF wishes to inform members of the public that these disturbances have come to an end. Peace and security have returned to the country owing to close cooperation of the country’s security forces and the genuine support they received from members of the general public,” said Maj-Gen Nyikayaramba.

“Public support given to the Defence Forces is not to be taken for granted, hence the need to sincerely thank members of the public for the positive role they played in quelling the disturbances.”

He said they were ready to withdraw their soldiers once police indicate that their continued presence was no longer necessary.

Members of the army went on a spree killing at least 16 citizens and raped scores of women in the process of their operation.

Nyikayaramba said ZDF had instituted investigations into the several allegations against their members that included rape, human rights abuse, assaults, extortion but he said no reports had been lodged with the police in respect on most of the complaints raised.

“As the ZDF, we do not condone indiscipline. If after investigations members are found to have committed the purported offences, they will be arrested and disciplined accordingly,” said Maj Gen Nyikayaramba.

“On rape and assault allegations, it is an anathema, diabolic, uncouth for any member of our society to commit that act, it is not consistent with our culture, moreso for a member of the ZDF,” said Maj Gen Nyikayaramba.

Source: State Media

By Own Correspondent| President Emmerson Mnangagwa has tabled one of the conditions for dialogue saying opposition political party leaders should recognise him as the country’s legitimately elected leader.

Mnangagwa said as is the nature of any contest, there can be only one winner and the winner happened to be him.

He said this while speaking at the launch of a national dialogue process Wednesday attended by most of the July 30 2018 presidential aspirants and their representatives.

Nelson Chamisa, leader of the MDC and Joice Mujuru of the National People’s Party however snubbed the event. 

Said Mnangagwa:

As is the nature of most contests, only a single candidate will emerge as the winner, which in this case happened to be myself. That apart, this was indeed a victory for our fledging democracy and as such, a victory for all of us as Zimbabweans.

In view of the July 30 harmonised election results and subsequent Constitutional Court pronouncement, I suggest that we all accept the results of the harmonised elections as the legitimate expression of the will of the Zimbabwean people in order for us to focus on the next elections which are due in 2023…We should close ranks as a nation, speak with one voice but that does not mean all agree but disagree in harmony. Above all, it should open doors for interaction between and among us. Let us be remembered as a generation that united Zimbabweans. Zimbabwe is one, our national flag is one, our national anthem is one

Press Statement|The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) would like to assure workers and citizens that it will continue to carry out its representative mandate without fear despite the heavy military clampdown on its 14-16 January stay away.

We note that issues that prompted the January stay-away have not been fully
addressed and we will not be deterred by the unleashing of the state repressive apparatus on workers and citizens.

The price madness is still raging, fuel is still unaffordable and workers are still being paid in RTGS and bond notes when most commodities are being charged in hard currency.

While we re-emphasise our call for workers and citizens to desist from
violence during protest actions we urge them to continue demanding
accountability, jobs, affordability of basic commodities, good governance
and state protection.

We would like to remind the government that the right to demonstrate is
enshrined in the Constitution of Zimbabwe and security services must be used
to facilitate such free expression not as weapons against civilians.

Unleashing security services on unarmed civilians will not solve the socio economic strife.

In the wake of such challenges afflicting workers and citizens the ZCTU will
not abandon workers and citizens but would continue to capacitate them through necessary trainings on their rights.

The ZCTU demands that government addresses socio-economic structural
mismatches and implement practical policies that recognise workers’ rights and dignity.

J. Moyo
Secretary General

By Own Correspondent| Daniel Shumba, one of the presidential candidates invited to the State House meeting by President Mnangagwa said the meeting meant to discuss a framework for dialogue and interaction was a disappointingly unstructured discussion full of Mnangagwa cheerleaders.

Shumba who is the leader of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) said the meeting was made of Mnangagwa’s cheerleaders.

He said only him, Nkosana Moyo and Noah Manyika raised relevant issues.

Speaking on Twitter, Shumba said he has no confidence in the process.

Said Shumba:

A disappointingly unstructured discussion. No agenda nor outline of the meeting. Moderator was out of his depth. Never seen so many cheerleaders. N. Moyo, N. Manyika, and myself spoke to the issues well. I have no confidence in the process.

A porous process without an underwriter or milestones can not form the basis of a serious National Dialogue. I witnessed amazing and preposterous proposals from some seemingly compromised principals. Am curious to see the draft framework agreement.

I put across very pointed issues of constitutionalism and the rule of law and was candid regarding the repeal of unconstitutional statutes in particular the Reconstruction Act. Rape, imprisonment, and the various violations of human rights were some of the issues I raised.

By Patrick Guramatunhu| Earlier today I received a letter signed by the Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr Misheck Sibanda inviting me and the other candidates who participated in the 2018 election to a meeting with the President at Munhumutapa Offices on Thursday the 7th of February at 10:00 am to discuss “The Framework for Post Election Dialogue by Political Parties.” said Dr Noah Manyika

“Let me state clearly and unequivocally that I don’t believe the president has created the right conditions for dialogue, something that is in his power to do. I will attend this meeting to hear if he is now prepared to do so and will only be prepared to join any continuing dialogue if this is clearly the case.”

Dr Manyika, please do not waste our time with the usual foolish political apologies and posturing. You and your fellow opposition candidates who participated in last year’s elections are tripping over each other for a seat on the gravy train and that is all you have ever care about.

In his Book, The Struggle Continues 50 years of tyranny in Zimbabwe, former MDC Alliance Senator and Minister of Education in the GNU, David Coltart, admitted no one in the opposition should have participated in the 2013 elections because it was clear as day that Zanu PF was going to rig those elections. However he and his fellow travellers in the opposition did participate regardless because of greed.

“The worst aspect for me about the failure to agree a coalition was that both MDCs couldn’t now do the obvious – withdraw from the elections,” explained Senator Coltart, in the book.

“The electoral process was so flawed, so illegal, that the only logical step was to withdraw, which would compel SADC to hold Zanu PF to account. But such was the distrust between the MDC-T and MDC-N that neither could withdraw for fear that the other would remain in the elections, winning seats and giving the process credibility.”

With not even one reform implemented since the last elections it was clear Zanu PF was going to rig the 2018 elections. This time, a number of the opposition parties had come together to form the MDC Alliance still there was no talk of boycotting the elections.

Dr Manyika, Dr Nkosana Moyo and many others joined in the what one can only describe as the scrum for the scraps they knew Zanu PF would throw to entice them to participate. The opposition candidate did not even have the common sense to demand that ZEC release a verified voters’ roll although this is a legal requirement.

All the election observers from organisation and nations with any democratic election credentials have all dismissed last year’s elections as unfair and not to acceptable international standards. In short, Mnangagwa rigged the last elections, he has no mandate to rule. This Zanu PF regime is illegitimate!

Still, it is true that by participating, there were 23 presidential candidates alone, Zimbabwe opposition are “giving the process credibility!” In other words it is these foolish and greedy opposition candidates and parties who are giving some modicum of legitimacy to any otherwise illegitimate Mnangagwa regime.

The over the top crackdown by Zimbabwe’s security forces last month in which hundreds of thousands of ordinary people were beaten or raped, thousands arrested and 12 shot dead has the illegitimate Mnangagwa regime under the spotlight. There is an AU summit coming up and the regime is desperate to show the world it is engaging all Zimbabweans stakeholders in a national dialogue.

This is just nonsense! Zanu PF has repeatedly rigged elections and used brute violence to impose themselves on the nation. In November 2017 Mnangagwa and his junta friends forced Mugabe to resign at gun point.

This is Zanu PF modus operandi, the party will negotiate on its terms, Mnangagwa wants to be recognised as the legitimately elected head of state, for example. And, just to be absolutely certain regime’s claim to power is never ever threatened, the party is holding the gun to the nation’s head. The 1st August 2018 and last month’s barbarism were all a timely reminder of what the regime will do to retain its iron grip on power.

No nation worth its salt would ever allow itself to be held to ransom especially after 38 years of appeasing the same thugs with disastrous consequences we can see all round us. However, Mnangagwa knows that there will be no shortage of participants to his proposed gun-point national dialogue as long as he offers a few gravy train seats.

What Zimbabwe needs, and has been dying for decades, is for the country to implement the democratic reforms as agreed at the on set of the 2008 GNU and lay a solid foundation for a democratic Zimbabwe in which the freedoms and rights of all including the right to free elections and right to life itself are guaranteed.

Sadly, it is not just Mnangagwa and his junta who are holding the nation to ransom; the junta is being helped private individuals like Professor Mthuli Ncube and the opposition are ignoring the political reality that Mnangagwa rigged the elections for their own selfish gains.

The British Parliamentary Committee of Zimbabwe met to review the UK’s policies on Zimbabwe in light of the rigged July 2018 elections, the brutal violence by the Zimbabwe security services of 1st August and last month. One of the many positive recommendations to the Committee was that the British government should review the targeted sanctions on Zanu PF leaders with the view making them tougher. Great idea!

The likes of Professor Mthuli Ncube, Kirsty Coventry, the 24 President Advisory Council members, opposition leaders like Chamisa and Manyika, etc. who all continued to frustrate efforts to pressure Zanu PF to step down must all be added to the revised sanctions list.

These individuals know Mnangagwa is illegitimate but as long as it helps them gratify their own insatiable greed for power and influence, they continue to prop it up. Imposing sanctions on them will send a clear message that they cannot a continue to hunt with the hounds and run with the hare.

If Zanu PF remains in office till 2023, we can be certain of one thing – the regime will rig those elections too. This is why Zanu PF must be forced to step down a.s.a.p. After 38 years of corrupt and tyrannical Zanu PF rule, the nation needs the time and space to implement the democratic reforms. Nothing of any substance can ever be accomplished until Zimbabwe is cured of the curse of rigged elections and pariah state.

Correspondent|As furore over the Ndinyengeiwo video continues to ravage the streets of Zimbabwe social media, Five Star Hotel, Meikles has released a statement distancing themselves from the shenanigans.

In a statement, the hotel- which preferred to refer to the “Ndinyengeiwo video” as an ongoing issue on various social media platforms- claimed that the Business Centre where the star of the Ndinyengeiwo video works is subcontracted to a private company and that they have nothing to do with the management of its affairs.

We are being told the Business Centre had/has somewhat become something of a mini tourist attraction as suitors trip over each other to win (or at least attempt) the heart of Lorraine Guyo who is at the centre of the storm. Reports are that her employer , overwhelmed by the situation has had to let her go.

Below… the Official Statement

In response to an ongoing issue on various social media platforms, Management of Meikles Hotel would like to advise that the Business Centre situated in the lobby of the hotel is a privately run, outsourced facility which is operated and managed by a private company.

Lorraine Guyo-Meikles Hotel SPEAKS OUT on “Ndinyengeiwo video”
Lorraine Guyo-Meikles Hotel SPEAKS OUT on “Ndinyengeiwo video”

ZAPU president Dumiso Dabengwa has for over a month now been sidelined from hectic political activity as he has been holed up in South Africa where he was flown after his health reportedly deteriorated late last year.

Dabengwa, a strong Zanu PF critic, has been in South Africa since December last year with then party national chairperson Isaac Mabuka assuming the position of acting president.

Zapu national spokesperson Iphithule Maphosa yesterday confirmed that his boss is currently receiving medical attention for an undisclosed illness in the neighbouring country.

“I can confirm he is facing health challenges but he has been attended to by South African doctors and he is in good spirits,” said Maphosa while refusing to give more details.

He, however, dismissed rumours that Dabengwa was bed-ridden.

“He is not admitted in hospital. Neither is he bed-ridden. He was supposed to undergo an operation but it was deferred for medical reasons. We wait for the new dates while he is at his home in South Africa. He is the usual DD we all know, in his high spirits,” Maphosa said.

Dabengwa joins a bandwagon of high-profile Zimbabwean nationals who have always sought medical remedy in the neighbouring country.

Meanwhile, the Zapu national spokesperson has gone into self-exile in Namibia following the shutdown which turned violent last month, resulting in a crackdown by the country’s security forces.

Maphosa claims he was forced to flee after security details allegedly invaded his house in the evening.

He claimed the soldiers and police first came, searching for him in connection with the protests, but were told he was out of the country having left on January 6.

Maphosa further said he returned home on January 20 but had to flee the same night after four police officers returned the same evening he had returned.

“As they were at the gate trying to gain entry, I hurriedly sneaked out by jumping the precast wall into the neighbour’s yard and fled,” he said.

“I was never part of the demonstrations so it dawned on me the regime could be having a hit list and were using the stay-away as cover for targeted persecutions,” he said.

Maphosa, however, said he was not feeling safe in Namibia as “we all know how the Zimbabwean regime invested in secret service.

“CIO operatives are all over neighbouring countries and as such safety cannot be guaranteed”. — DailyNews

Dear Friends,

I have just returned from the meeting at State House where I was able to hand deliver the letter below to President Mnangagwa after reading it out aloud to all who were in attendance. Blessings. Dr. Noah Manyika

MDC Alliance on Wednesday snubbed a pre-dialogue meeting of all presidential candidates with President Emmerson Mnangagwa meant to try resolve a political and economic crisis, saying any dialogue with the president must be brokered by an independent outside mediator.

Those who attended include Nkosana Moyo, Noah Manyika, Lovemore Madhuku, Thokozani Khupe, and seveal other presidential candidates from the 2018 elections.

The Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) said it would take part in the talks only if they were held under the supervision of the United Nations, African Union or regional bloc Southern African Development Community.

“The MDC’s position is that the dialogue process must be convened by an independent mediator and not one of the disputants,” the MDC said in a letter responding to Mnangagwa’s invitation to the talks.

The MDC has said Zimbabwe’s problems stemmed from last year’s presidential vote. Mnangagwa won but MDC accused his side of rigging the results, which he denies.

Joice Mujuru, an opposition leader and former vice president to Robert Mugabe, also did not attend the meeting although other smaller parties met Mnangagwa at state house offices in Harare.

In a speech before the talks, Mnangagwa said his opponents should accept his election win, and he urged them to call for the removal of U.S. sanctions on ruling party and government officials.

“Peace can never be imposed from outside but must issue from within our own society,” Mnangagwa said, in an apparent reference to the MDC demand for an outside mediator.

Zimbabwe has held disputed elections since 2000, which coincided with an economic recession, but in 2009 the ruling ZANU-PF party and the MDC formed a unity government, which ushered economic and political stability.

Last July’s vote, the first since Mugabe was forced to resign after a coup in 2017, was seen as an opportunity to pull Zimbabwe out of its diplomatic isolation and prompting an economic recovery. Instead, the vote left the nation polarised.

Rights groups and witnesses say armed men in police and army uniform have continued to make night raids at homes of opposition activists where they beat up occupants, a charge denied by security forces.

A video surfaced this week of a soldier beating women at a house in a Harare township while another man held a pistol and frogmarched three young men.

Army’s Major General Nyikayaramba told reporters that the army used proportionate force against protesters and that no one had reported rights abuses against the military.

The Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO forum said on Wednesday that 17 people had died since the mid-January protests although police still insist three people were killed.

In Harare, a strike for better pay by public sector teachers entered its second day as some stayed at home while others attended school but did not teach, with unions accusing security agents of intimidation. — Reuters

Correspondent|ZANU PF Youth League on Wednesday passed a vote of no confidence firing its five leaders namely Pupurai Togarepi, Secretary for Youth Affairs Lewis Matutu, Secretary for Administration Tendai Chirau, Admire Mahachi and Mercy Mugomo.

They are accused of failing to defend President Emmerson and the Party.

Chirau confirmed the incident but said their suspension is null.

“It’s true Cadres that a Vote Of No Confidence (VONC) has been passed on five Members of NEC.

“I am part of the five. However a VONC is subject to confirmation of the National Disciplinary Committee of the Party.” Chirau said.

6th  February, 2019

Chief Secretary to the President & Cabinet
Munhumutapa Building
Samora Machel Ave
Harare

Att: Dr M. Sibanda

RE: INVITATION TO DISCUSS THE FRAMEWORK FOR POST-ELECTION DIALOGUE BY POLITICAL PARTIES

We acknowledge receipt of a letter inviting the MDC to participate in a meeting set to discuss “post-election dialogue” framework.

The party notes that Mr Mnangagwa has finally acceded to the call by President Advocate Nelson Chamisa of the need for dialogue as a way of resolving the national crisis.

The MDC believes in genuine and sincere dialogue that ultimately must benefit the people of Zimbabwe. We also believe that national dialogue is part of the unfinished liberation struggle agenda.

It is our considered view that at the core of the crisis in Zimbabwe is the disputed presidential election result and the associated governance issues. In view of this, the MDC’s position is that the dialogue process must be convened by an independent mediator and not one of the disputants.

In this respect the MDC believes that genuine dialogue can only take place if regionally facilitated and mediated by SADC and guaranteed by the AU and the UN. It is also our view and position that genuine dialogue can only take place when a conducive environment has been created for the same.
In this respect the people of Zimbabwe and the MDC calls for the following:

1. Immediate cessation of all forms of violence against the people including rape, killings, shootings, torture, abductions as well as a genuine and transparent process to bring to book those responsible for killing, maiming and raping defenseless citizens,
2. Restore and guarantee the security of all citizens.
3. Immediately stop arbitrary arrests, mass trials, and all violations of the rule of law.
4. Restore and guarantee the independence of the judiciary and cessation of all executive interference with the judiciary and judicial processes.
5. Restoration of the rule of law and an end to malicious prosecutions and the miscarriage of justice being witnessed at Rotten Row magistrates courts.
6. Release of all political detainees and prisoners of conscience.
7. Restore and guarantee the respect of all human rights particularly political freedoms, security of each citizen and all civil rights.
8. The immediate return of all military personnel to the barracks, since the country is not at war.
9. Restore and guarantee freedoms of association, expression and movement.
10. Unbanning of civilian politics and decriminalization of the MDC party by an immediate end to the harassment and persecution of our party’s leadership and their families. Cognisant of the need to balance the fears, interests and aspirations of all the potential stakeholders in the dialogue, the MDC is amenable to sincere discussions around the issues we raise and how best we can create a conducive environment for dialogue.

Yours Faithfully
Sessel Zvizvai
Chief of Staff to the President

By Chirumanzu Correspondent| A top Emmerson Mnangagwa ally, Chief Chirumanzu has died.

ZimEye is reliably told Gerald Mudzengi bled to death.

He was bleeding at the nose and mouth, a close source told ZimEye.

Further details were not available at the time of writing.

Mudzengi was well known in the area for womanising. He had an obsession with dating young girls and was visibly unwell in recent days.

He was found dead at around 8am on Wednesday.

– MORE FOLLOWS

Gerald Mudzengi

A ZIMBABWEAN court on Tuesday 5 February 2019 ended the lengthy
detention in prison of prominent pro-democracy campaigner
Kukhanyakwenkosi Mkandla, who was arrested last month and charged with
public violence over the anti-government demonstrations held across
the country.

The 34-year-old Mkandla was arrested on 17 January 2019 by Zimbabwe
Republic Police (ZRP) officers in Gwanda in Matabeleland South
province and charged with public violence as defined in section
36(1)(a) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act or
alternatively for malicious damage to property as defined in section
140 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.

During trial, which was presided over by Magistrate Nomagugu Ncube,
prosecutors claimed that Mkandla, a film maker, forcibly disturbed the
peace, security or order of the public by going on a rampage
destroying property and in the process stoning ZANU PF provincial
headquarters offices and damaging four window panes and uprooted a
sign post at the ruling party’s offices.

But Magistrate Ncube on Tuesday 5 February acquitted Mkandla, who was
represented by Mehluli Dube of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights
(ZLHR), after ruling that there were several inconsistences in the
evidence led by the state from its witnesses during the human rights
activist’s trial.

Meanwhile, the trial of Nkanyiso Ncube, another Gwanda resident on
public violence charges continued at Gwanda Magistrates Court on
Wednesday 6 February 2019, where he is also facing charges of
obstructing or endangering free movement of persons or traffic as
defined in section 38(c) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform)
Act.

Prosecutors claim that Ncube burnt some tyres and placed them on the
tarmac and blocked traffic and the free movement of persons, thereby
endangering people or traffic using the road.