A Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) officer attached to the Presidential Guard, State House yesterday appeared at the Harare Magistrates Court charged with burning a Zupco bus and stealing a motor cycle during the recent nationwide protests economic hardships.B

Takunda Lawrence Madamombe (22) pleaded not guilty to the charge when he appeared before provincial magistrate Francis Mapfumo charged alongside his two accomplices, Dennis Maguri (29) of Rydle Ridge Park and Kudakwashe Gapare (22) of Whitecliff North, who also pleaded not guilty to the charge.

It is the state’s case that on January 14, and at around 10am Madamombe and his accomplices together with 200 others still at large, were at Whitehouse Shopping Centre along the Harare-Bulawayo Road where they connived to engage in acts of public violence.

The state alleges that pursuant to their plans, they barricaded roads with boulders, burnt tyres and threw missiles at the motoring public after which they stopped a Zupco bus with registration number AEG 3955 which was proceeding to Harare.

It is the state’s case that they ordered the bus crew and its passengers to disembark after which one Emmanuel Chari, who is already in prison over the same matter, drove the bus and parked it about 40 metres away from the main road where it was set ablaze.

The state further alleges the mob later proceeded to Puma Service Station at the same shopping centre where they chased the employees away, broke the doors and windows to the shop and looted all the groceries.

Madamombe, Maguri and Gapare are also alleged to have joined their colleagues, who are still at large, and proceeded to set ablaze a Mitsubishi pick-up truck which was parked at the service station and later broke into a pharmacy where they looted all the drugs.

During the ensuing commotion, Madamombe is alleged to have stolen a blue Yamaha 50 motorbike which was parked inside the service station. He also allegedly stole various drugs from the pharmacy. Maguri and Gapare allegedly stole a 12-volt car battery which they later sold to a commuter omnibus driver for $60.

During investigations police recovered the motorbike and some drugs from Madamombe’s spare bedroom in Whitecliff suburb.

Standard

The Nelson Chamisa-led MDC Alliance has submitted a dossier to the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) detailing alleged gross human rights violations by the security forces as pressure mounts on President Emmerson Mnangagwa to end a military crackdown on citizens.B

According to the report compiled by the party’s secretary-general Douglas Mwonzora, Zimbabwe has been under a de facto state of emergency since January 14 when the army was deployed to violently crush protests organised by the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) over a steep fuel price increase and general economic hardships.

The report was copied to Mnangagwa.

Titled, State-sponsored crackdown, microwave justice and prisoners of political conscience, the report submitted to the ZHRC on Friday details hair-raising cases of assault, torture, and rape allegedly committed by the security forces across the country.

“Just yesterday, in Hopley, 14 women were raped by soldiers, while four women from Epworth were also raped out of the 13 assaulted people,” reads part of the report.

“Another 28 victims who were receiving treatment were rounded up and taken to Harare Central police before they were released to the medical facility the next day.

“Others are just too afraid to report and are recuperating from home for fear of retribution.”

Two weeks ago, police and the military reacted disproportionately to violent protests during a stayaway called by the ZCTU and social movements.

Twelve people died and several others were injured, while hundreds have been arrested amid allegations that they were being subjected to unfair trials.

The MDC said five MPs, nine councillors and four staff members had been arrested while 43 MPs as well as four staff members and councillors had gone into hiding to avoid arrests and torture.

Bulawayo has the largest number of people arrested, with about 395, followed by Chitungwiza with 138 and Harare with 104.

According to the Human Rights NGO Forum, about 844 violations have been reported with 78 people sustaining gunshot wounds.

The MDC report claims the beatings and firing of live ammunition on protesters happened throughout the country resulting in loss of life, and grievous injuries to many.

“There is a sustained vilification and attack of the MDC by the state media through the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation and The Herald which continues unabated,” the report reads.

“The deliberate nationwide internet shutdown by the state led to a total blackout of information and the state media took advantage of the blackout to misinform and misrepresent facts on the ground.”

The report added: “There was targeted persecution of MDC leaders, Members of Parliament, councillors and perceived members by state security agents and Zanu PF militia followed.

“Detained party leadership and perceived supporters where systematically denied bail throughout the country.

“A de-facto state of emergency is what is obtaining currently, leading to a curtailment of basic freedoms. For instance, in Bulawayo where there is a by-election in Cowdray Park, the party failed to hold its primary elections to select a candidate in preparation for the nomination court this week.”

Meanwhile, a regional legal lobby group has accused Mnangagwa’s government of committing serious crimes against humanity and threatened to take steps to force the authorities to comply with the law in investigating the cases of abuse.

The Southern Africa Litigation Centre (SALC) said it was concerned about reports of gross human rights violations committed by government, which constitutes a breach of international laws and urged the Zimbabwean authorities to investigate the abuses.

The statement took note of the use of live ammunition by soldiers and police on civilians, attacks on victims in medical care, displacements and arbitrary detentions among a litany of other serious violations of human rights during the stayaway.

“Zimbabwe has an international obligation to investigate and prosecute the crimes committed by the police, government security forces and Zanu PF officials against its citizens,” SALC said.

“Should Zimbabwe take no steps towards fulfilling its obligation, the international community has an obligation to intervene in order to hold those responsible for the commission of the crimes accountable.”

SALC warned: “As a regional body that strives to hold governments accountable for the commission of international crimes including acts of torture and crimes against humanity, SALC reiterates its position that it will take steps towards holding accountable those individuals who are committing the crimes in Zimbabwe.”

South Africa’s ruling ANC on Friday slammed the crackdown following threats by the opposition DA to take Zimbabwe to the International Criminal Court.

The United States and British governments have also condemned the crackdown, with Zimbabweans in South Africa, the US and Britain protesting on streets and Zimbabwean embassies condemning the abuses.

Standard

The MDC Alliance president Nelson Chamisa was on Saturday reportedly denied entrance into the National Sports Stadium where the late national hero Oliver Mtukudzi’s tribute concert was being held. Earlier reports indicated that Chamisa’ motorcade was denied access into the Stadium because it was a violation of security protocol

However, a Mail and Telegraph report claims that Chamisa was not in any of the vehicles that were blocked at the entrance. Instead, it was Chamisa’s advance team that was involved in the incident, and as soon as Chamisa was informed of the fiasco, he cancelled his plans to go to the concert.

It has further been revealed that there was no sinister motive in denying Chamisa’s motorcade entrance into the stadium since government officials and other dignitaries had to disembark outside the stadium and proceed on foot.

Chamisa told the Mail and Telegraph that he was not in a position to make a comment when contacted by the publication on Saturday. Said Chamisa:

I cannot give a comment now and state whether I was there or not because that will be exposing how I travel and may compromise my security.

Justice minister Ziyambi Ziyambi said:

Mwonzora and Zvizvai came to me and said security details were blocking Chamisa’s motorcade from entering the stadium.

I asked them whether it was Chamisa or the vehicles that were not allowed to enter but they could not say anything. We sent our senior security details to the gate but the cars had already left.

Only the President’s motorcade is allowed to drive into the stadium on national events so there was an attempt to breach security measures.

M&T

A Twitter user has written telling ZimEye to title Chamisa, “President.”

“…@ZimEye he’s not Chamisa, he’s President N Chamisa. Please!”, the user (below) writes. FULL TWEET:

COVER Supermarkets owner, Mr Bulisani Tshuma, has denied allegations that it is because he uses juju, which has resulted in people who looted from his shops dotted around Bulawayo during the recent violent protests returning the goods.

The violent stayaway held two weeks ago saw many retailers in the high density suburbs emptied and vandalised.

Word has been rounds in the city that some of those who looted from Mr Tshuma’s shops were either dumping the goods in the bush, returning them to the shops or handing themselves in and the goods to the police fearing threats of juju on them.

Bulawayo police deputy provincial spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube said the police have recovered a lot of loot dumped in the bush.

“We have recovered many items discarded in the bush especially in areas such as Entumbane, Ngozi Mine, Nketa and Nkulumane,” said Insp Ncube.

Speaking on condition of anonymity one of the women who confessed looting at Cover Supermarket in Pumula said she decided to return the goods in fear of attracting bad luck.

“Most of the people looted, I looted too but I decided to give police all the goods I took during the protest. I did not know that the owner of Cover Supermarket was one of the congregants at church (name withheld). I handed the goods fearing that something bad might happen to me,” she told Sunday News.

Contacted for a comment, Mr Tshuma confirmed that people where returning the goods but denied ever threatening them with the use of juju or anything even consulting a prophet.

“Yes, people are returning the goods not directly to me or the shops but rather to the police. As a Christian like anyone if anything happens I pray and cry to God. What is so special about my prayer that they may return the goods? They are returning the goods because of guilty consciences, also as the police are doing door-to-door searches, it does not mean that I prayed for them to have bad luck or used any muthi. I do not know what is pushing them to return the goods probably because the police are intensifying their recovery efforts.

“As for my faith I worship the Almighty God and Jesus Christ himself. It is fortunate or unfortunate that when a black person succeed in life they are given all forms of labels. They are also accused of having a certain force behind their success because our minds have been colonised to think that a black person cannot prosper without using some supernatural forces,” said Mr Tshuma.

State Media

Superstar Oliver Mtukudzi’s first wife Melody Murape has said she deeply loved the legendary musician and said the feeling was mutual.

The couple wed on February 24, 1979, with a huge party at Melody’s sister’s house in Highfield, then a subsequent wedding reception at Gwanzura Stadium.

Tuku’s then friend and manager, Jack Sadza, was the wedding planner at the shindig that boasted a staggering 48 bridesmaids.

They were later to break up when Tuku met Daisy, a woman Melody said she will never forgive for messing up her marriage.

Still holding bitter resentment, Melody accused Tuku’s widow of “snatching” her husband, a move she said left her utterly “heartbroken”.

Melody is mother to Tuku’s daughters Selmor and Sandra, and she was at the funeral wake on Thursday in the company of her churchmates.

She said she was devastated with the death of her beloved husband. She recalled with nostalgia how they would meet each time Tuku visited a commercial bank where she worked.

She also recalled the good times they shared each time she met with the musical icon and national hero at family functions such as lobola ceremonies.

“I am the first lady and that does not change. I loved Tuku and I know he loved me back and he died loving me and there is a Shona proverb ‘pane vana haparambanwe’. 
Each time he spoke to the children, Selmor or Sandra, he would ask about me and he would tell them I dumped him. I told him ‘I love you but you know the reason why I left,'” she said ruefully.

“I worked at  … bank and Tuku was a client there and each time he visited we would meet and greet,” she said.

She said even after their separation, there were suggestions that she had another child to prove that she had moved on.

She said her third pregnancy with another man, after the music superstar had moved on with Daisy, was a bitter pill for him to swallow.

“When I got pregnant about 10 years later, Tuku was angry. I remember we met while sending Selmor to school and he was like ‘Selmor, mhama vako inhumbuka iyo (Your mother is pregnant)?’ He was pained. That showed he loved me. I did that to prove that I had moved on and to stop some stories,” she said.

Recalling the courtship days, she said: “It was not easy for Tuku to be accepted by my father. Musicians back then were looked down upon but we sailed through and we had a big wedding at Gwanzura Stadium. Everything was fine until the time she (Daisy) came.”

She said she opted out of the marriage.

“I could not accept to be in a polygamous marriage and I walked away. He tried locking the doors at our Eastlea home but that did not work. He knew the reason I left.

“I will never forgive Daisy for that and may be one day God will intervene, I don’t want to lie that I have forgiven her, I have not. I gave birth to Selmor when she had come, I tried to hold on thinking she would let go of my husband but she could not and I decided to leave,” she said.

Melody said some people tried to separate her daughters from their father but the plan failed.

“Some people tried to sow seeds of division and a lot of things were said. However, Tuku realised that it was trivial and the relations were mended and from there they would meet,” she said.    

She said she will be at the burial of the late musician together with her daughters.

“I’m not here to cause any animosity, I’m here for Tuku’s funeral and I will be at his burial with my children,” she said.

Media Statement|UNICEF joins with the people of Zimbabwe and music lovers worldwide, to mourn the loss of celebrated singer and songwriter Oliver ‘Tuku’ Mtukudzi, who was a UNICEF Regional Goodwill Ambassador for Eastern and Southern Africa.

Following his appointment in June 2011, UNICEF had the pleasure of working with Oliver Mtukudzi on issues relating to young people’s development and HIV and AIDS prevention. He used the power of music and impactful lyrics to speak out against stigma, discrimination and abuse of children, and inspired people at all levels of society to take action on behalf of children.

As a tireless advocate to end child marriage, he composed the emotive song ‘Haasati Aziva’ (‘You can’t pledge your child for marriage’) and most recently, during the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence Campaign, he authored a compelling opinion editorial in Zimbabwe’s Herald newspaper, calling for an end to this harmful practice.

UNICEF offers its deepest condolences to Oliver Mtukudzi’s family and Zimbabweans everywhere.

We honour his memory as a champion of children’s rights.

A Twitter account reportedly run by President Emmerson Mnangagwa has exposed sharp divisions within the ruling party, with two of his top lieutenants clashing over its authenticity.B

The divisions, long manifesting in the Information ministry, came to the fore this week when Information ministry permanent secretary Ndabaningi Mangwana openly trashed claims by Mnangagwa’s spokesperson George Charamba suggesting the President was not in charge of his Twitter account.

“There may be many fake accounts in HE President Mnangagwa’s name, but @edmnangagwa is the legitimate voice of the President,” Mangwana said, adding: “Nothing goes on there but that which represents his views and positions on issues and that which he has explicitly cleared.”

Mangwana is the one believed to be running the ministry’s as well as Mnangagwa’s accounts.

Charamba was moved from the Information ministry to become deputy chief secretary in the office of the president responsible for presidential communications.

Mangwana’s tweet came after Charamba on Wednesday discredited a message posted on Mnangagwa’s official Twitter account last Tuesday, where the Zanu PF leader seemed to suggest that he was committed to enter into dialogue with other political actors and civic groups to address the country’s deteriorating economic situation.

Addressing journalists at State House soon after the swearing-in of Kumbirai Hodzi as substantive prosecutor-general, Charamba said people should not believe everything posted on that Twitter account.

“Just when we were there, the President was drawing my attention to an attempt to, as it were, putting words into his mouth using his Twitter account, right. So, don’t always believe that which is coming through,” Charamba said.

When Mnangagwa returned from Russia and other little known East European countries where he had gone for a week, he used his Twitter handle to call for dialogue after violent protests engulfed the country over his decision to increase the price of fuel by 150%.

Charamba said the protests severely damaged the country’s image.

“It has been a damaging week for Zimbabwe, for political parties, for political leadership, which must in fact inculcate a sense of peace and a sense of order and a sense of constitutionalism in this country,” he said.

In a tweet posted on his micro-blogging site, Mnangagwa said it was time to talk and solve the economic crisis, months after he and his party had declared that they were not interested in dialogue with election losers.

Mangwana insisted whatever came from the Twitter account represented the president’s views and that he would have cleared the posts.

Asked about his work relationship with Charamba, Mangwana said he had a good working relationship with him.

“We work well. In fact, I am coming from a meeting with him,” Mangwana said.

Charamba has said a lot of things that contradict his boss’s tweets, amid reports there were fights for control of the Information ministry.

Standard

By Own Correspondent|South Africa’s African National Congress (ANC) has expressed concern over the government of Zimbabwe’s violent reaction to protests that broke out on January 14 after a sharp fuel price hike was announced.

In a statement released on Thursday, the ANC said that the people of Zimbabwe were justified in protesting against the fuel price hike which would consequently raise the cost of living for the ordinary people.

The ANC also expressed concern with the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo and said that political and economic situations in the two countries should be addressed urgently.

Read part of the ANC statement:

“In the wake of recent announcements of fuel price hikes, citizens have protested, with the tragic loss of life.

The fuel price hikes understandably have a dire impact on the cost of living of ordinary Zimbabweans. This is a matter of serious concern to the ANC.

South Africa has a proud record of working towards building a continent and world which is safer and better. It is therefore incumbent upon the ANC and the South African government to assist the people and leaders of the DRC and Zimbabwe to do everything in their power to bring about political stability and peace in their countries so that they can deal with the economic challenges they are facing.

All initiatives in this regard should be guided by the objectives of SADC and the African Union, in particular, the objective of the AU Agenda 2063, to silence all guns by 2020.

The ANC continues to engage with all political parties in Zimbabwe and the DRC, to encourage them to work towards a peaceful solution and political stability so that all efforts can go towards socio-economic development and reconstruction.

The ANC notes that unless the situations in both countries are attended to quickly and effectively, an increase in economic and political refugees is inevitable.

We, therefore, believe that it is in the best interests of the two countries and their neighbours, including South Africa, to explore all avenues, to ensure that the situations in the DRC and Zimbabwe are stabilised as soon as possible.”

On January 14, the people rose spontaneously across the country after President Emmerson Mnangagwa unilaterally hiked the price of fuel by over 150%. The ensuing chaos led to the shooting and killing of 12 protestors while over 1000 have been arrested.

The brutal crackdown has also targetted opposition political figures and members of civil society organisations. Most of them have gone onto hiding.-DailyNews

By Own Correspondent| The City of Harare on Saturday reportedly demolished illegal tuckshops at Mbare Musika bus terminus.

Eyewitnesses confirmed to ZimEye that tuckshops near the ZUPCO offices in Mbare were demolished but could not confirm that City of Harare demolished the structures.

Said one Zanu Pf stalwart from Mbare:

“We took heed of the notice by the Harare City Council to bring sanity to this area and we are demolishing the structures ourselves in anticipation that we will be relocated to designated areas.”

However, other sources alleged that he structures were demolished by Harare City Council officers.

Said the source:

“The place is an eyesore and it harbours criminals at night which is why there is need for Murambatsvina. I doubt if council realises any revenue from these Zanu pf supporters conaidering that they have literally taken over council space and duties in this area.”

On Friday, City of Harare warned owners of the tuckshops that they should remove their illegal structures “urgently”.

Said Harare City Council in a tweet:

All illegal tuckshop owners in Mbare are advised to urgently remove their structures before dawn tomorrow. Vendors are urged to relocate to designated trading sites. Illegal activities are blocking roads, walkways and entrances into rate paying businesses.

By Own Correspondent|Police have launched a manhunt following the murder of a 25 year old taxi driver from Gweru on Tuesday night.

The taxi driver was reportedly hired by three suspected carjackers from the city centre before they stabbed him and hijacked his car.

Midlands provincial police spokesperson Inspector Joel Goko said reports indicate that the cab driver had been hired by the trio, who pretended to be going to Woodlands suburb, along the Lower Gweru Road.

“I can confirm that we are investigating a murder case, where a male adult aged around 25, was fatally stabbed by unknown people who had hired him from the Gweru central business district,” he said.

“Information we have is that the taxi driver was allegedly hired by these unknown men who wanted him to take them to Woodlands suburb. The three assailants allegedly attacked him on their way and took his car, leaving him for dead in Claremont Park. He later died on admission at Gweru Provincial Hospital.”

Goko said police had since launched a manhunt for the suspects and appealed to members of the public to assist with information that could lead to their arrest.

He appealed to taxi drivers to exercise caution when picking up passengers as the city has, in recent months, recorded an increasing number of people robbed of their vehicles.-Newsday

By Own Correspondent|Two brothers from Rusape who brutally killed a man suspected of having an extra-marital affair with one of the duo’s wife have been hauled to court and charged with murder.

Uedwick (27) and Victor Wafawarova, both of Silverbow suburb in Rusape, allegedly murdered Canaan Nyamombe, also of the same suburb, on December 27, 2018.

The incident came about after Uedwick allegedly used his wife Vimbai Jonasi’s mobile phone to wire a text message inviting Nyamombe to ‘‘her house’’.

An unsuspecting Nyamombe dully complied and went to the house, only to find the Wafawarova brothers waiting for him.

The two brothers allegedly brutally assaulted him all over the body using a log, clinched fists and booted feet stripping him naked and pulling his manhood.

The two, who were self-actors, were not asked to plead when they appeared before Rusape provincial magistrate Mr Shane Kubonera.

Mr kubonera locked them in remand prison and advised them to apply for bail at the High Court.

State prosecutor Gift Mutigwa told the court that Uedwick saw text messages in his wife’s mobile phone where she was communicating with Nyamombe.

He then decided to set a trap.

“Uedwick saw some messages in his wife’s phone which he interpreted to mean she was having an extra marital affair with Nyamombe.

He then confronted his wife about the issue, but she denied having an affair with Nyamombe.

“The wife suddenly walked out of the house and disappeared. Uedwick became angry and asked his wife’s sister, Sheila Jonasi, about the affair to which she denied any knowledge of.

“He slapped her once on the face, demanding that she reveals the truth, but she remained steadfast in her denial.

“Wafawarova then started sending text messages to Nyamombe pretending to be his wife Vimbai Jonasi, informing him that ‘her husband’ was away and she was with ‘her young sister only’.  Nyamombe then told his wife that he was going to a friend’s house to collect a shovel.

“Upon arriving at Uedwick’s house Nyamombe (allegedly) sent a text message to announce his arrival.

Suddenly Uedwick and Victor Wafawarova came out of the house and captured him. He was about to flee. The two brothers started assaulting him with clinched fists, and he fell on the ground.

Uedwick then took a log and went on to assault Nyamombe with it all over the body. Victor continued assault him using clinched fists and booted feet.

“Sensing danger, Victor rushed to Nyamombe’s house to inform his wife that her husband had been caught with his brother’s wife and had been beaten.

Victor took Nyamombe’s wife to the scene.

Uedwick was still assaulting Nyamombe with the log. Nyamombe had then been stripped naked and was lying on the ground unconscious. Nyamombe’s wife then rushed to alert the police.

“Police details arrived at the scene and arrested the two brothers.

They also recovered the log that was used to assault the victim.

An unconscious Nyamombe was taken to Rusape General Hospital where he died on December 28, 2018.-ManicaPost

The late music superstar music superstar Oliver Mtukudzi’s music has, in the past few days following his sudden death, been a constant feature in vehicles, homes, shops and beerhalls signalling the massive impact the man has had.

Tuku’s death is trending virtually on all social media just as it has become dominant in real-life conversation and that is a strong sign of an admired legend whose life is nothing short of archetypal.

When Sungura ace Alick Macheso emerged from the entrance of Avenues Clinic in Harare, where Mtukudzi breathed his last on Wednesday afternoon, the grief that eclipsed his face was telling.

A music star in his own right, Macheso, who was set to go into the studio with the legendary Tuku this year, appeared to struggle accepting the latter’s sudden death and that was the case for fellow musicians, hospital staff, passers-by and journalists that milled outside the health facility.

“I am at a loss for words. I was looking forward to doing projects with him this year, now it cannot be done. I am hurt just as the nation and world is,” said Macheso, battling tears.

Had anyone known the tragedy would strike now, artistes would have fast-tracked their intended projects with Tuku who in his last days had taken the grandmaster role on the music scene where he collaborated and nurtured upcoming as well as established artistes.

Musician Trevor Dongo said he was hit hard.
“Our music industry will never be the same without the iconic legend! I was planning to work with him on my 2019 project, but it’s never going to happen. MHSRIP Nzou Samanyanga,” wrote Dongo on his twitter account.

Aside from the studio, the lanky acoustic guitar wizard had developed cordial relations with artistes and followers,a side which renowned poet/musician Albert Nyathi emphasised soon after learning about his passing.

“It is difficult to accept, I have no words just as we have had performances together at home and in Europe and suddenly this, it is difficult to accept all that is left for us is perhaps to celebrate his life, but at this point that too is difficult because it is just so sudden,” said Nyathi to nods of assent from producer Macdonald “MacDee” Chidavaenzi.

According to MacDee, Tuku was “literally a father to me” and his departure has left the industry orphaned.

“I remember last Father’s Day he called us to Pakare Paye (Arts Centre) and we spent the whole day watching Neria and talking about the old times, then he bought us lunch, he would treat artistes like sons,” he said.

“Just being here (at the hospital) and getting such a shocker you ask yourself: Who is going to be our father in the music industry (and) who is going to keep us sane when we lose control? It is too much!”

No one really knows how the face of local music will look without the shadow of Mtukudzi and had there been a foreword before the tragedy maybe musicians like Macheso would have jostled to create a gem that would amplify the posthumous echo of the legends.

For the fans, perhaps just one more concert would have been organised so that his infinite fan base could enjoy that serenading husky voice fused with brilliant acoustic guitar strumming.

Tuku’s last decade was the darkest epoch in his life, a period marked by bereavement. In 2010 he lost his son Sam who was the apparent heir to the throne. Tuku had started introducing his son to the world through tours, hoping his son would carry on the legacy.

A year later, Tuku visited the grave yard again, to bury his trusted lieutenant, sound engineer and close relative-his Uncle Wonder Mukonowenzou, popularly known as Sekuru Wonder. Sekuru Wonder’s death hit Tuku hard, he even postponed his birthday celebrations that year. The musician said there was nothing to celebrate when he was still in mourning.

Tuku has been under the weather for the past few years, leading to cancellation of a number of shows. His illness propelled rumours of his death. He was rumoured dead nine times in the last decade.

Last week he failed to attend the Coca Cola awards ceremony where he was supposed to receive an honorary award.

Heartbreaks, bereavement, illness and age could have wrecked Tuku this past decade but ‘Nzou’ (the elephant) stood up for the challenge, in Shona they say ‘Nzou hairemerwe ne nyanga dzayo’. After being reported dead and unable to take the next gig, like a phoenix he rose to the occasion.

Named Nzou (Elephant), Tuku had a cat’s nine lives. He survived incidences that could have killed him, narrowly escaping death time after time.

For three he played, for three he inspired and for the last three he stayed.
He was reported dead a total nine times and on the afternoon of Wednesday January 23 2019, when the roumur mill went on overdrive with news of his death many thought it’s that old tale.

A few years back Suluman Chimbetu visited Tuku’s residence after the rumor mill went over drive with Tuku’s death. Upon arrival and being welcomed by a ‘fit’ Tuku, Sulu recorded a video where Tuku boldly and comically said to the nation ‘I am still alive and when I decide to die I will call you,”

Reflecting on the death of Tuku, Sulumani said he dismissed the rumour on Wednesday since it was not the first time to hear of his death.

“I just laughed and thought it was a joke. But when the family confirmed I felt heavy and sad. It’s a huge blow to me and also the arts industry, Tuku was like a father to me, he referred to me as his son.
This is a big gap, we thought Sam (late) was going to take over if Tuku decides to retire but life had other plans, Sam was taken from us early and with the death of the old man we have been robbed,” said Sulu.

Celebrated guitarist Clive “Mono” Mukundu who was part of the Black Spirits band from 2003 to 2007 said when he heard of his death on Wednesday afternoon, he dismissed the news as fake.

On Thursday Mono published a recording of a phone conversation he had with Tuku laughing off the ninth death rumour in 2016.

“How many times do you want to die,” Mono asked, Tuku responded… “This is the ninth time I am dying, but last time I told people that when I am dying I will call them and I am yet to call,”.

“When I heard the news I quickly dismissed it as a rumour since it was not the first time we have heard of his death when he was actually still breathing. I only got to believe it when someone who was at the clinic confirmed to me,” said Mono.

Bulawayo-based Jeyz Marabini described Tuku as a ‘singer of singers’.
“We have lost a great man, we have lost not just a man but also music. He is a hero, he was a singer for singers, and we all looked up to him. He was a man who dedicated his life to music, he was music.

“Everyone in Zimbabwe and Africa are mourning his death, this shows that Oliver was a great man. I had a great opportunity of working with him whilst he was still alive, his music will comfort us,” he said.

The director of Iyasa, Nkululeko Dube described Tuku is a father figure.

“He was easy to approach, you could talk to him about anything and everything. His music spoke and still speaks to everyone, it speaks to the heart despite which ethnic group, country and continent one was from,” said Dube.

Standard

State security yesterday blocked MDC leader Nelson Chamisa from entering the National Sports Stadium where he intended to attend Oliver Mtukudzi’s funeral.

Dancehall artiste Winky D, who has been accused of backing Chamisa with his kaSong keJecha, released late last year, was also denied entry into the giant National Sports Stadium where he was billed to perform before a capacity crowd at the late Tuku’s send-off gig.

MDC secretary-general Douglas Mwonzora described the decision to bar his principal as cowardly and unacceptable.

According to Mwonzora, Chamisa’s entourage was blocked from entering the stadium by state security agents. He said when he went to seek the intervention of Justice minister Ziyambi Ziyambi, he found the gates locked.

“He [Chamisa] came in at around 2pm and state agents manning the gates refused to allow him in,” Mwonzora said.

“The body [Tuku’s body] had just arrived and the proceedings had already started. When he received information that he was not allowed, myself and Murisi Zwizwayi went and tried to engage the government minister particularly Ziyambi Ziyambi. Although the minister seems to have agreed, the people manning the gates closed and locked the gates before going away.”

He added: “This is unacceptable. The person being buried was not known as a member of any political party. His music was unifying. This decision was cowardly and totally unacceptable. He [Chamisa] was unable to go in. We went to complain to Ziyambi because we felt as a Zimbabwean, long-serving MP, and leader of opposition party, he should be allowed to go in, but he was barred from attending the send-off.”

Ziyambi, however, said Chamisa was not barred, but tried to get in with his vehicle when no car was allowed into the stadium for security reasons.

“He wanted to drive in, and this was against the security’s directive. We were all dropped outside the gate,” Ziyambi said.

But sources close to the developments disclosed that Chamisa’s security went and advised the state security that the opposition leader was coming and they were told he would not be allowed in because he would cause chaos through the multitudes of supporters in the stadium.

“They negotiated, but we heard some of the security details saying they would not allow him in and that they would close the main gate so that he uses the small gate where they intended to crowd him off and embarrass him,” a source said.

“Chamisa was told not to come to the gate and Mwonzora was in the meantime negotiating with Ziyambi when the main gates were closed, leaving the said small gate. Chamisa was forced to turn away and leave.”

Winky D was also blocked from entering the stadium and was forced to miss the send-off gig where he was billed to perform.

His manager Jonathan Banda yesterday said: “All I can say is he had difficulties in entering the stadium, he eventually left.”

Winky D was stoned last year in Kwekwe over the song Kasong keJecha seen to be against Zanu PF.

Following the violent protests that led to the deaths of 12 people, injury and arrest of hundreds, Winky D is said to have gone into hiding fearing for his life. He only surfaced at Mtukudzi’s funeral in Norton.

The dancehall artiste jointly produced a song, Panorwadza Moyo, with Mtukudzi in 2016.

Thousands of Zimbabweans thronged the National Sports Stadium to pay their last respects to Tuku, who is set to be buried today in Madziwa in Shamva district.

Standard

[19:19, 25/01/2019] ‪+263 77 301 3463‬: Tirimukuchema kudaro gamba redu Oliver Mtukudzi achatakurwa mangwana 26/01/19 kuNational Sports stadium kuchanoitwa inonzi body viewing.No kudaro mukuru wedu President Advocate Nelson Chamisa vachange variko kuonekana kekupedzisira nemumwe wawo gambawo saiwo.Zvese izvi zvichaika nenguwa dza0900hrs kuseni.Naizvozvo tinokukokai mese vana veshanduko toenda tonozadza Ground mangwana.Wenyu Sachigaro weguta reHarare mukoma Eric Murai.Tisangana ikoko tichiti Chamisa chete chete
[19:19, 25/01/2019] ‪+263 73 785 4090‬: tonoti chamisa chete chete mu ground here chairman,,,,,
[19:24, 25/01/2019] ‪+27 84 644 8620‬: For e sake of respecting Tuku and mourning him with the respect he deserves ,i think dai tambochema mukuru ava without a political mind and give him the respect he deserves.i foresee political muscling and grandstanding overiding the funeral which is not respectful for a man of Tuku,s stature
[19:24, 25/01/2019] ‪+263 73 785 4090‬: chokwadi!!!!
[20:21, 25/01/2019] ‪+263 77 294 9979‬: True. Well said. Politics aside
[20:23, 25/01/2019] ‪+263 77 294 9979‬: This message will reach Zanu pf. What will happen. Aaaah hey
[20:27, 25/01/2019] ‪+263 77 294 9979‬: Noted chairman. But hey, let’s be careful. Togona kunyadzisa as Zimbabweans.
[20:33, 25/01/2019] ‪+263 77 294 9979‬: I get you Chairman. Was just saying if the mobilising message gets in Zanu hands, then it will be a matter of outdoing each other, which will create a political tension
[20:34, 25/01/2019] ‪+27 71 705 6130‬: Saka apa murikuti kunochema Mutukudzi here ipapa.Kunoonesana kuti anevanhu ndiyani zvavo.Ndidzo nyika dzacho .kkkkkk.
[20:37, 25/01/2019] ‪+263 77 294 9979‬: Guys, remember zanu has resources, soldiers,police and intelligence. Kunozadzwa masoja nemapurisa ari mu civ. It can also bus people kubva kumaruvha husiku huno. Tozodii
[20:44, 25/01/2019] ‪+263 77 244 2098‬: Yaaa kuchema akuna kuipa asi vamwe vakafarisa zvekuita kunge rufu nderwe muactivist weMDC vachasungwa. Zvinoda kuziva kusiyanisa mhando dzendufu.
[21:53, 25/01/2019] Mufundisi: This is shameful using a funeral for political gain ummmmmm are we that desperate
[21:55, 25/01/2019] Mufundisi: Ndazvishayawo ini
[22:39, 25/01/2019] ‪+263 73 785 4090‬: Mukuda kuchovhera vamwe kuitira kuti varobwe nema gunners ka,vamwe vakugadza kugara nemboma,huyai mudedzere mega mumukanganise kutaura ED mega vamwe zvekubinhwa pasina cash hatizvikuze
[22:40, 25/01/2019] Mufundisi: Zvonyadzisa zvirikurongwa nevakuru izvi ?????
[22:43, 25/01/2019] ‪+263 73 785 4090‬: ?? apo iye akuvhovhera aripa joza aasi kuona kutsemurwa kukuitwa vanhu
[22:45, 25/01/2019] ‪+263 77 228 0369‬: Kkkkkkk

The Strike is On: Teachers will Negotiate from the Trenches

Apex decisions are done collectively and not unilaterally. The recent unilateral statements allegedly by Cecilia Alexander that Apex has postponed industrial action to open room for negotistion is unfortunate and has no locus standi. Alexander must make decisions after consulting Apex affiliates. That she has unilaterally given a statement without consulting affiliates reveals her filitation and romance with the employer.

Both our notice for industrial action of 8 January 2019 and our 48 hour reminder of the 23 January 2019 matured on 25 January 2019. Apex must therefore proceed as preplanned to meet and shape the modus operandi of industrial action on 28 January. Any other utterances are as unfortunate and ill-conceived. We cannot continue to negotiate for infinity. The law is clear that there must be three negoting meetings, and workers there after can either decide to push negotiations by other means, viz, industrial action or arbitration. That we gave notice to industrial action means we have chosen the path of industrial action.

Its good to learn through grape vine that government has called for further flitation and romance with Apex on the 28 of January. One wonders why the government has to wait until the lapse of the notice period, if it takes workers seriously. It is therefore prudent that while Apex romances with the employer, teachers negotiate from the trenches with effect from Monday 28 January 2019. The legal notice is there and our total action will ensure that better results come from government. We therefore call all teachers across the union divide to sharpen their instruments for combat. If the newspaper setickes are anything to go by, Cecilia Alexander cannot be trusted now, but if she negotiates while we are in trenches she can never betray us as we will only move out of the trenches after a reasonable offer. A complete withdrawal of our labour will quickly resolve the current impasse. Henceforth all teachers are called to withdraw their labour. We will only go back when gvt gives us a good offer. Only our united action as teachers can liberate us and ensure we are not betrayed by Apex.

Our actions should speak more than words. Apex needs to be realigned to respect collective decisions of workers. All teachers must raise the flag of status restoration, by totally withdrawing their labour. However, in our pursuit of genuine labour issues lets also be careful that we are not hijacked by some elements in Zimbabwe who want to attach themselves to everything. Our withdrawal of labour is certainly not synonymous with shut down. Let expedient elements desist from hijacking labour issues.

Viva unity of teachers viva.

Todya marara here?
Kana sora ratsva ngaritsve!

Venceremos

Dr Takavafira M. Zhou (Ptuz President)

Women rights activists have questioned the appointment of a fellow woman Oppah Muchinguri to the Defence portfolio amid allegations that women were being raped by soldiers during her time.

One of the women rights activist, Nettie Musanhu said they were expecting that the appointment of Oppah Muchinguri to the ministry of defense would ensure the safety and security of women and girls around the military.

She expressed worry over reports of soldiers sexually harassing women while the government has remained mum on the issue.

By Own Correspondent| Former Vice President and leader of the National People’s Front (NPF) Joice Mujuru has added weight to calls for thorough investigations regarding alleged rape crimes commited by soldiers following last week’s protest.

Mujuru said because rape violated human dignity, President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration should take rape allegations seriously.

She said:

These allegations of systematic rape levelled against the Zimbabwe National Army should be taken seriously and investigated. Our nation shouldn’t be known across the world because of such criminal acts. 

Rape is one of the most repugnant affronts to human dignity and the range of dignity-related rights, such as security of the person and integrity of the person. we demand answers from the highest office.

A serious government that is open for business protects its women and girls 

FORMER Zanu PF Mashonaland Central chairperson Dickson Itai Mafios appeared at the Bindura Magistrates’ Court on Thursday facing charges of inciting violence during recent protests against fuel price hike

Mafios who is brother to former Local Government minister Saviour Kasukuwere, was not asked to plead when he appeared before Bindura magistrate Vongai Guwuriro, who remanded him in custody to Monday.

The State alleges that on January 15, Mafios approached a group of youths in Chiwaridzo and incited them to join the violent protests over fuel price hikes that rocked the country recently.

Mafio’s family members, who were in the court room, wept when he waved at them while being whisked away by prison officers.

He was represented by a Bindura lawyer Graciano Chapupu Manyurureni, while Clement Kuwanda represented the State.

-Newsday

FORMER Zanu PF Mashonaland Central chairperson Dickson Itai Mafios appeared at the Bindura Magistrates’ Court on Thursday facing charges of inciting violence during recent protests against fuel price hikes.B

Mafios, who is brother to former Local Government minister Saviour Kasukuwere, was not asked to plead when he appeared before Bindura magistrate Vongai Guwuriro, who remanded him in custody to Monday.

The State alleges that on January 15, Mafios approached a group of youths in Chiwaridzo and incited them to join the violent protests over fuel price hikes that rocked the country recently.

Mafio’s family members, who were in the court room, wept when he waved at them while being whisked away by prison officers.

He was represented by a Bindura lawyer Graciano Chapupu Manyurureni, while Clement Kuwanda represented the State.

-Newsday

By Own Correspondent| Zanu Pf leader and President Emmerson Mnangagwa will on Saturday 2 February resume his 2019 ‘Thank You’ rallies at Murewa Centre in Mashonaland East.

Zanu Pf provincial leadership says Mnangagwa’s visit to the province next Saturday presents the party with an opportunity to prove that he has grassroots support at both party and government level.

Mashonaland East Zanu PF provincial chairman Joel Biggie Matiza said the rally gives the province an opportunity to prove to detractors that their leader is loved by the people of Zimbabwe despite protests led by unruly opposition MDC Alliance elements recently.

He said:

“We have been given an opportunity to show the world that we are all behind our President,”

Zanu PF Politburo member Dr Sydney Sekeramayi and Mashonaland East Minister of State for Provincial Affairs Cde Apolonia Munzverengwi appealed to the people of the province to come to the rally in their thousands.

“Let’s come in our thousands and be with our President and show him how much we love him,” said Dr Sekeramayi.-StateMedia

Jane Mlambo| Zanu PF and state security agents are at it again, this time lying that the reason opposition leader, Nelson Chamisa was blocked from entering the National Sports Stadium was because he wanted to get inside with his convoy of cars.

A Zanu PF mole on Twitter accused Chamisa of being unruly.

Since assuming the MDC leadership position, Chamisa has never given the ruling party peace with his ability to connect with the masses.

When he visited the Mtukudzi family home in Norton, Chamisa was seen dancing with women before giving a moving speech that won him applauds from mourners.

The attack on the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission by Minister of Justice Ziyambi Ziyambi is not only sad but illegal.

It is a flagrant violation of the Constitution,a total disrespect of it’s values and spirit and an illegality which must not only be condemned but must come with political cost.

Just like the attempt to destroy the MDC parliamentary caucus ,this is also an act of Executive overreach.

The Human Rights Commission’s independence is constitutional,it is subject only to the supreme law and the people of Zimbabwe through Parliament.

The report by the Commission is factual and balanced. More importantly it is bold, considering the fascist environment prevailing in the country.

The Commission must not only be applauded but must be defended by the citizens, CSOs, the Church and even political parties.

Stakeholders cannot remain silent while democracy and the Constitution, its institutions are under attack by someone who has a track record of abusing the Justice Department for a narrow partisan agenda of self preservation and power retention.

The Justice Minister has no power over independent Commissions,any attempt to temper with them would be executive over reach and is uncceptable.

For someone who is failing to push an agenda for alignment of laws to the Constitution seeking additional and illegal self vested duties is laughable.

He must deliver on what he is mandated to do which for now he has done an embarrassing job.

The MDC will not allow him to harrass commissioners and put unnecessary pressure on them.

They must be allowed to do their job.

In fact we encourage all the magistrates trying cases relating to the shut down to follow the path that the Human Rights Commission has led.

Acting independently saves the nation from ridicule.

All institutions of the state must be professional , effective and strong only subject to regulations as opposed to interests of a political party.

Behold the New. Change that Delivers!

Hon Kucaca Phulu(MP)
MDC National Secretary for Constitutional and Parliamentary affairs

By Farai D Hove| CIO agents reportedly blocked MDC President Nelson Chamisa from entering the National Sports Stadium for Oliver Mtukudzi’s Funeral.

State agents barred Chamisa from attending the funeral, it has emerged.

The party’s Secretary General, Douglas Mwonzora announced on his twitter portal saying:

By Own Correspondent|Opposition MDC Secretary General Douglas Mwonzora has described as cowardly and unacceptable a decision by state security agents to bar MDC President Nelson Chamisa from entering the National Sports Stadium where he wanted to pay his last respect to national hero and icon Oliver Mtukudzi.

Chamisa was refused entry by state security agents who advised him not to enter the stadium using his car citing security concerns.

Said Mwonzora:

The decision by state agents to bar @nelsonchamisa from entering the National Sports Stadium is cowardly and totally unacceptable. Although Hon Zwizwai and myself tried to remonstrate with the government ministers present it was to no avail.

By Own Correspondent| Former Vice President and leader of the National People’s Front (NPF) Joice Mujuru has added weight to calls for thorough investigations regarding alleged rape crimes commited by soldiers following last week’s protest.

Mujuru said because rape violated human dignity, President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration should take rape allegations seriously.

She said:

These allegations of systematic rape levelled against the Zimbabwe National Army should be taken seriously and investigated. Our nation shouldn’t be known across the world because of such criminal acts.

Rape is one of the most repugnant affronts to human dignity and the range of dignity-related rights, such as security of the person and integrity of the person. we demand answers from the highest office.

A serious government that is open for business protects its women and girls ??

VIDEO LOADING BELOW…

By Own Correspondent|President Emmerson Mnangagwa has said while he believes in freedom of speech, the decision to shut down the internet was meant to disconnect protestors and restore peace and sanity in the country.

Last week, there was total internet shutdown following #Shutdown Zimbabwe protests which saw protestors looting and destroying shops. The development saw security forces opening fire at civilians killing an estimated 8 people and injuring scores others.

Said Mnangagwa:

I believe deeply in freedom of speech and expression, and these rights are enshrined in our constitution. You only need to look at a newspaper or read my social media comments to see the level of criticism I get, and I welcome this.

What we saw last week was the social networks being used to plan and incite disorder and to spread misinformation leading to violence. In response, the decision was taken to temporarily restrict access to prevent the wanton looting and violence, and to help restore calm.

I am aware of the criticism of this decision, and we did not take it lightly. The measures were temporary, tactical and aimed at restoring the peace. This has been achieved, all restrictions have been removed and I look forward to continuing to freely engage on social media

By Own Correspondent|President Emmerson Mnangagwa has explained why his administration switched off the internet following protests that rocked the country last week.

In a statement released on his Twitter account, Mnangagwa said his Government had to temporarily restrict access to social media to stop people from planning and inciting disorder and to spread misinformation.

Said Mnangagwa:

I believe deeply in freedom of speech and expression, and these rights are enshrined in our constitution. You only need to look at a newspaper or read my social media comments to see the level of criticism I get, and I welcome this.

What we saw last week was the social networks being used to plan and incite disorder and to spread misinformation leading to violence. In response, the decision was taken to temporarily restrict access to prevent the wanton looting and violence, and to help restore calm.

I am aware of the criticism of this decision, and we did not take it lightly. The measures were temporary, tactical and aimed at restoring the peace. This has been achieved, all restrictions have been removed and I look forward to continuing to freely engage on social media.

Correspondent|SELF-exiled former Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Professor Jonathan Moyo, has pleaded with the Zimbabwe government to allow mourners travelling to Oliver Mtukudzi’s burial free passage through toll gates.

Moyo said the tollgate waiver could be one way of honouring Oliver Mtukudzi who died this Wednesday after a long battle with diabetes.

In a message directed to deputy Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Development, Moyo said: “Adv Fortune Chasi nematambudziko aTuku.

“Folks like my friends going Dande to Madziva to honour the departed national hero (Mtukudzi) on Sunday request from your Ministry a special dispensation for a tollgate waiver on the route. It would be a gesture most appropriate & much appreciated!”

Advocate Chasi responded that this was a reasonable guesture.

“I don’t think it’s an unreasonable suggestion at all. ZINARA should consider it,” Chasi concurred.

The Zimbabwe National Roads Administration (ZINARA) manages the country’s tollgates. It is under the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development.

He added: “Apart from the long queues to arise from the Eskbank Tollgate it would be a sign of honor.”

The deputy Minister could however not be drawn into stating expressly whether the request would be taken up by government.

“Thank you Honourable Chasi. Your listening disposition, rational approach and common decency are humbling. The matter is left in your hands. The ancestors will appreciate the gesture in honour of an exceptional national hero and global icon,” Moyo said.

Oliver Mtukudzi, who died on January 23 at the age of 66, was a great cultural ambassador for Zimbabwe. Known to his fans as Tuku, he was a cultural icon for the southern African country.

His aura and presence had a global resonance with fans around the world, yet the man remained humble and magnanimous.

He was also a businessperson, activist, philanthropist and a goodwill ambassador for Unicef in the southern African region. But it was his innovative music that made him deeply loved.

Dubbed “Tuku music”, it was a blend of southern African music traditions, including mbira, mbaqanga, jit and the traditional drumming styles of the Korekore.

The Tuku burial is set for Madziva, Bindura tomorrow at 2pm.

Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe Music Promoters presents a Dr Oliver Mtukudzi Send Off gig in Harare. Find the details below:

Date: Saturday 26 January 2019
Time: 9am till 6pm
Venue: National Sports Stadium

• Featuring:
• Alick Macheso
• Jah Prayzah
• Sulumani Chimbetu
• Thomas Mapfumo
• Seh Calaz
• KillerT
• Freeman
• Enzo Ishall 
• Exq
• Garry Tight
• Tocky vibes
• Peter Moyo 
• Baba Harare 
• The Charambas
• Nicholas Zacharia
• Diana Samkange 
• Hope Masike
• Edith Weutonga
• Fungisai Mashavave
• Any muridzo
• Freeman
• Sniper
• Mbeu

By Own Correspondent| According to a report by The Telegraph, an unnamed soldier reportedly admitted to committing rape.

Said the soldier in an exclusive interview with The Telegraph:

It was night. We were looking for someone in the MDC. We had an address, this lady was sleeping with a light on. I asked is her husband there, and she said she doesn’t have one. I was done in a minute.

The man also said his unit, who wore civilian overalls and no insignia during the operation, broke “many bones” of MDC supporters by restraining them to the open back panel of an army pick up truck and then smashing it closed on their legs. He said they will beat up people again if they protest.

Justice minister Ziyambi Ziyambi is in record revealing that anyone vuolated by lp

THE underfire Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) yesterday established hotline numbers that people could use to report any acts of misconduct by anyone “purporting” to be a soldier in the wake of widespread acts of brutality against civilians by people in military fatigue.

“The Zimbabwe National Army has noted with concern allegations of misconduct and acts of violence by people purporting to be members of the organisation,” ZNA spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Alphios Makotore, said in a statement.

Since last week, soldiers and police officers have been cracking down against opposition supporters and people suspected to have participated in recent violent protests against the fuel price hikes, amid reports of torture of civilians and raping of women.

People beating up civilians will be armed to the teeth with AK-47 assault rifles and in army and police uniforms, while also using military and police trucks.

The police and the military recently issued a joint statement claiming brutality on civilians was being perpetrated by some ex-military elements using stolen uniforms.

National police spokesperson Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba and Zimbabwe Defence Forces spokesperson Colonel Overson Mugwisi could, however, not explain where the former officers were getting the arms and service trucks they were using to brutalise the civilians.

“The actions by these bogus elements have subsequently put the image of the organisation into disrepute,” Makotore said.

“In view of the forgoing, the ZNA would like to urge members of the public to report any acts of misconduct by anyone purporting to be a member of the organisation using the following military police hotline number 0712 842 318, 0786 452 155.”

On Thursday night, soldiers and police officers allegedly went on a rampage in Harare’s Kuwadzana high-density suburb and forced out a young man, tortured him, accusing him of possessing some petrol bombs before dumping him about 20km away from his home along Harare-Bulawayo Highway after searching his place of residence and finding nothing incriminating.

The matter was reported at Kuwadzana 2 Police Station under case number RRB 3873960.

According to the victim, three armed people in civilian clothes knocked at his door for over 30 minutes and they called for reinforcements after he had refused to open the door.

“Three Nissan NP300 trucks soon arrived and behind them was a police truck with armed uniformed police and military officers. They ordered me to open the door or they would break it,” he said.

“I opened and they ransacked my house, claiming they were looking for a petrol bomb. After finding nothing, they asked me where I worked, where my wife worked, the ages of my children and where they attend school. They took me away, tortured me, tore my shirt and blindfolded me and threatened to feed me to lions (at Lion and Cheetah Park).”

Meanwhile, the National Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (Nango) has demanded that soldiers must immediately be sent back to the barracks and the police perform their duties of protecting citizens and stick to their constitutional mandate after reports of abuse of citizens by law enforcement agents increased.

In a communiqué released yesterday, Nango said: “We are still concerned with the continued presence of soldiers within communities and demand that soldiers immediately go back to the barracks and police play their role of protecting and serving citizens.

“In the same vein, we condemn the law enforcement agents that exude a semblance of being political because law enforcement agents should at all times stick to their constitutional mandate.”

The NGO body also demanded that political parties refrain from giving instructions to law enforcement agents.

“Nango is concerned and notes that intra and inter-political party violence and discord is escalating at the expense of national development. This comes amid incessant corruption in government, poor service delivery, decline in health care and education systems and the general contempt for the rule of law by the military and the police,” the group said.

“We strongly condemn wanton attacks and abductions of civilians and demand an immediate end to abuses and that security of the citizens is ensured.”

They also said children’s rights must be protected after reports emerged that they were also arrested in last week’s clampdown on protesters.

NewsDay

VICE-PRESIDENT Constantino Chiwenga was yesterday taken to task by Roman Catholic bishops, who demanded answers over the recent military crackdown, which claimed 12 lives following bloody clashes between citizens and State security agents.

The prolonged blitz, which followed a stayaway organised by the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) two weeks ago, put the country back into the international limelight as pictures and videos of the military and police brutalising people went viral on social media platforms before government shut down the Internet.

Chiwenga, who was accompanied by Defence minister Oppah Muchinguri and Central Intelligence Organisation director-general Isaac Moyo, to a meeting held at Africa Synod offices in Harare, was grilled by the church leaders, who demanded to know what caused the recent protests as well as the state of the economy.

Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference secretary-general Reverend Father Fredrick Chiromba said the church quizzed Chiwenga and his delegation on what provoked the protests.

“We wanted to get an understanding on the current situation, what we need to do as a nation, things like national cohesion,” he told NewsDay Weekender.

“I wouldn’t want to get into details at this stage, but it was about getting clarification. In fact, we will be engaging further on these issues. It is the beginning of a process that I wouldn’t want to pre-empt at the moment. It was simply to get an understanding on what provoked this situation and get answers why we are where we are and moving on, how government and the church can collaborate so that we move beyond this situation to a Zimbabwe we want.”

Two weeks ago, violent protests erupted in the country following the decision by government to hike the price of fuel by 150%.

At least 12 people were killed by security forces, while more than 70 had gunshot wounds.

The military has maintained a heavy presence in most residential areas and reports of rape have been raised.

The Catholic bishops said they were concerned with the state of the economy and wanted to help as the church in crisis management.

Chiwenga went to the meeting armed with a detailed response on how government was handling the issues.

The VP said he took the meeting as a platform to share ideas with the church on governance and how the State ought to conduct itself.

“We need to brief them about what we are doing in the economy … what we want to do about our relations between the church and the government. I am Catholic myself and we have always done this,” Chiwenga said, as he avoided taking questions on the meeting.

Human rights groups and civic organisations, including the United Nations, have raised concern over the way government responded to the protests.

Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe Heads of Christian Denominations (ZHOCD) will on February 7 bring different political parties to the table to launch the national consensus-building campaign, which is aimed at initiating dialogue on the country’s political and economic problems.

Zimbabwe Congress of Churches (ZCC) general-secretary Reverend Kenneth Mtata yesterday disclosed that currently, there was no alternative to dialogue pertaining to the country’s problems.

He said even if the church was calling for dialogue, the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission must be allowed to take the lead and formulate the technical aspects of how it would be done.

Mtata told delegates at the discussion forum organised by the Zimbabwe National Editors’ Forum (Zinef) and the ZCC that there was need for national consensus and buy-in from the different political parties (Zanu PF) and the opposition, which seem to be singing different tunes pertaining to national dialogue.

“What has been done so far is that the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission (NPRC) must take the lead in this process and they are working with churches and other bodies to initiate the process,” Mtata said.

“If we are going to have national dialogue, we must agree on the process and who guarantees the dialogue outcomes because they must be binding, and we need to agree on who is going to convene this national dialogue.

“As ZCC, we have interacted with political parties and right now we have invited political parties for prayers and ZHOCD is going to launch the national consensus-building campaign.”

He lambasted what he termed as “greed” by political parties which seemed to be calling for dialogue on one hand, but on the other, they also push for their political party interests, which he said ends up hindering the progress on initiating dialogue.

“For those in government, dialogue might be seen as a sign that they are weak and that they have failed, and a sign of giving up authority in government.

But dialogue is a means by which people can find a way of saying ‘where are we as a nation’? That is why it is important for the media to create an atmosphere for dialogue,” the cleric said.

“At the same time, there are people in the opposition who say dialogue is not necessary, and that if we do not assist government, it will collapse. People that think that if government collapses, then we will have another democratic alternative are wrong. In fact, if the system collapses, then what emerges is someone who has guns and power.”

NewsDay

The prolonged blitz, which followed a stayaway organised by the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) two weeks ago, put the country back into the international limelight as pictures and videos of the military and police brutalising people went viral on social media platforms before government shut down the Internet.

Chiwenga, who was accompanied by Defence minister Oppah Muchinguri and Central Intelligence Organisation director-general Isaac Moyo, to a meeting held at Africa Synod offices in Harare, was grilled by the church leaders, who demanded to know what caused the recent protests as well as the state of the economy.

Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference secretary-general Reverend Father Fredrick Chiromba said the church quizzed Chiwenga and his delegation on what provoked the protests. 

“We wanted to get an understanding on the current situation, what we need to do as a nation, things like national cohesion,” he told NewsDay Weekender.

“I wouldn’t want to get into details at this stage, but it was about getting clarification. In fact, we will be engaging further on these issues. It is the beginning of a process that I wouldn’t want to pre-empt at the moment. It was simply to get an understanding on what provoked this situation and get answers why we are where we are and moving on, how government and the church can collaborate so that we move beyond this situation to a Zimbabwe we want.”

Two weeks ago, violent protests erupted in the country following the decision by government to hike the price of fuel by 150%.

At least 12 people were killed by security forces, while more than 70 had gunshot wounds.

The military has maintained a heavy presence in most residential areas and reports of rape have been raised.

The Catholic bishops said they were concerned with the state of the economy and wanted to help as the church in crisis management.

Chiwenga went to the meeting armed with a detailed response on how government was handling the issues.

The VP said he took the meeting as a platform to share ideas with the church on governance and how the State ought to conduct itself.

“We need to brief them about what we are doing in the economy … what we want to do about our relations between the church and the government. I am Catholic myself and we have always done this,” Chiwenga said, as he avoided taking questions on the meeting.

Human rights groups and civic organisations, including the United Nations, have raised concern over the way government responded to the protests.

Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe Heads of Christian Denominations (ZHOCD) will on February 7 bring different political parties to the table to launch the national consensus-building campaign, which is aimed at initiating dialogue on the country’s political and economic problems.

Zimbabwe Congress of Churches (ZCC) general-secretary Reverend Kenneth Mtata yesterday disclosed that currently, there was no alternative to dialogue pertaining to the country’s problems.

He said even if the church was calling for dialogue, the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission must be allowed to take the lead and formulate the technical aspects of how it would be done.

Mtata told delegates at the discussion forum organised by the Zimbabwe National Editors’ Forum (Zinef) and the ZCC that there was need for national consensus and buy-in from the different political parties (Zanu PF) and the opposition, which seem to be singing different tunes pertaining to national dialogue.

“What has been done so far is that the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission (NPRC) must take the lead in this process and they are working with churches and other bodies to initiate the process,” Mtata said.

“If we are going to have national dialogue, we must agree on the process and who guarantees the dialogue outcomes because they must be binding, and we need to agree on who is going to convene this national dialogue.

“As ZCC, we have interacted with political parties and right now we have invited political parties for prayers and ZHOCD is going to launch the national consensus-building campaign.”

He lambasted what he termed as “greed” by political parties which seemed to be calling for dialogue on one hand, but on the other, they also push for their political party interests, which he said ends up hindering the progress on initiating dialogue.

“For those in government, dialogue might be seen as a sign that they are weak and that they have failed, and a sign of giving up authority in government.

But dialogue is a means by which people can find a way of saying ‘where are we as a nation’? That is why it is important for the media to create an atmosphere for dialogue,” the cleric said.

“At the same time, there are people in the opposition who say dialogue is not necessary, and that if we do not assist government, it will collapse. People that think that if government collapses, then we will have another democratic alternative are wrong. In fact, if the system collapses, then what emerges is someone who has guns and power.”

-Newsday

THE late music legend Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi’s first wife, Melody Murape, has bared her soul on her marriage with the late singer who was declared a national hero, becoming the first artiste to receive such an honour in the country’s history.

In a wide-ranging interview with NewsDay Weekender Life & Style on the sidelines of Tuku’s funeral service at his Norton home, Murape said contrary to reports that she was divorced by Tuku, she was the one who moved out of the marriage after the music star decided to take on a second wife.

“Tuku did not divorce me. It’s me who surrendered as I was against polygamy and moved out of our Eastlea home, and people must get it right. Many people peddled falsehoods that I eloped to a soldier. Those were all lies. Tuku was the only husband I knew from the age of 18,” she said.

“When I was leaving our matrimonial home, Tuku cried and then locked me up for almost a week, preventing me from leaving. I just said I was not interested in polygamy.”

Melody — who is the mother of Selmor and Sandra — said Tuku was a loving and supportive husband who would spoil her on several occasions before the marriage broke up.

“I am the first wife. I am the one he wedded in 1979 at Gwanzura Stadium before he became that famous. As a housewife, I would remain home when Tuku went on international trips, but upon his return he used to spoil me a lot,” she said.

“Tuku used to take care of me. I loved him. He also loved me and I know he died while still loving me.”

Melody, however, said he respected Tuku as the father of her two daughters.

“I am pained. Tuku is my daughters’ father. Sandra and Selmor were here talking to their father as they bade him farewell ahead of their United Kingdom tour and barely four days later, they are coming back for the funeral,” she said.

Speaking on the publicised beef between Mtukudzi and her daughter Selmor, who is also an afro-jazz singer, Melody said she had managed to reunite them although it took her almost three years.

“Something had happened that I cannot share with the public that had angered the father (Tuku), but the state of affairs was not as bad as described by the public. Everything was now water under the bridge such that they were about to record a collaboration that was written by Tuku,” she said.

“Yes, there was something that had happened. It is normal in every family that there will be some misunderstandings.”

Melody said her happiest moment with the musician was when they wedded in 1979 at Gwanzura Stadium in Highfield, Harare.

“I married Tuku at the age of 18. I was still young. He was staying at Old Highfield and I was staying at Engineering and we used to meet at Machipisa Shopping Centre,” she said.

She said she first met Tuku at Chimurenga music star Thomas Mapfumo’s show.

“It was a school holiday and I had come to Harare from our rural area to my sister’s place for a Thomas Mapfumo show. So when we were about to get into the concert, Tuku was attracted to me, I was beautiful for sure. I did not know him by then as he was not that famous as I only knew him with his first name Oliver,” she said.

She said although her father had initially opposed her marriage to Tuku, he later accepted it and he was even involved in preparing for the wedding and went on to give her a car as a wedding present.

NewsDay

By Own Correspondent|While the ruling on popular cleric and founder of #ThisFlag movement Pastor Evan Mawarire’s bail challenge has been postponed to next week, his lawyer Tonderai Bhatasara of the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) told journalists that he was optimistic that his client’s freedom bid will not face any challenges.

Bhatasara told journalists that the state’s case was weak.

“The state’s case is weak, and there are no reasons why they should oppose bail. We hope that bail is going to be granted because the responded knows that the accused is mandated to bail that is why they altered the variations we had submitted, they know that there is nothing which can make be said is the reason to deny bail,” he said.

Mawarire is being charged with contravening section 22(2) (a) (iii) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act or in the alternative being charged with inciting public violence as envisaged under section 187(1) (b) as read with section 36(1) (a) of the code.

However, while submitting his bail application, the cleric maintained his innocence, challenging the state to prove if his utterances were in any way close to inciting violence or an attempt to overthrow President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government.

He insisted that nowhere in the video did he say people should engage in violent activities.

However, the state is fighting against Mawarire getting bail on the grounds that he will abscond trial as he has a passport.

Mawarire offered to surrender his passport, title deeds of his parents’ house as a surety to guarantee his availability for trial.

However, High Court Judge Justice Tawanda Chitapi will make a judgement over the matter on Tuesday 29 January.

NATIONAL hero Dr Oliver Mtukudzi will be buried tomorrow (Sunday) at his rural home in Madziva.

The international music icon died at the Avenues Clinic in Harare on Wednesday after battling diabetes.

President Mnangagwa declared Dr Mtukudzi a national hero on Thursday.

Government has provided 43 buses to ferry the mourners to Madziva on Sunday morning.

Addressing journalists in Harare yesterday, Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Monica Mutsvangwa said 30 buses will ferry people from Harare.

“As a sign of love, we are encouraging Zimbabweans to come out in their numbers and attend the burial in Madziva. As Government, we have come up with 30 buses for Harare, so that those who would want to join the mourners can do so. These 30 buses will leave for Madziva on Sunday morning.

“There are five buses organised to ferry people from Mashonaland West while five others have been set aside for Mashonaland Central. There will be one bus for each of the remaining provinces,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.

The Mtukudzi family was allocated two buses.

Minister Mutsvangwa said the Harare buses will depart for Madziva on Sunday morning ahead of the burial at 2PM.

Today, the body of the national hero leaves his Norton home at 8AM for Pakare Paya Arts Centre where a church service will be held.

By 12 noon, the funeral procession departs for the National Sports Stadium where various artists will be performing live.

“Tomorrow, 26 January 2019, a church service will be held at Pakare Paya at 9am. Body viewing will be held there.

“The National Arts Council in conjunction with other stakeholders has organised a concert in honour of our late national hero which will be held tomorrow at the National Sports Stadium,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.

The hearse will leave for One Commando barracks.

Helicopters will take off for Madziva around 3.30pm.

The body will lie in state before burial on Sunday afternoon.

Minister Mutsvangwa said those who cannot make it to Norton can just go straight to the National Sports Stadium where the gates open at 9AM.

“We expect people to be going to Pakare Paya for the church service but some can even go straight to the National Sports Stadium where musicians start entertaining people as early as 9am,” she said.

Minister Mutsvangwa said Zimbabwe had lost a unifier.

“I then want to say, deep in our hearts, we feel we have really lost a unifier. As Zimbabweans let us take this opportunity to think deeper on the advantages of unity among us, as a nation,” she said.

State Media

Celebrated Southern African artistes are set to honour superstar Oliver Mtukudzi posthumously.

He died earlier this week at the age of 66. In a major show, that has been termed as one of the biggest music events on the continent, both local and international artistes are set to perform at the show scheduled for National Sports Stadium today. The show begins at 9am and runs until 6pm. One of the organisers veteran music promoter Josh Hozheri said major local artistes have already confirmed.

“People are still confirming but so far we have Thomas Mapfumo, Sulumani Chimbetu, Jah Prayzah, Alick Macheso, the Charambas, Peter Moyo, Andy Muridzo, Romeo Gasa, Victor Kunonga and Jah Signal.

“Most artistes have cancelled their various shows and many more are still to confirm,” he said. Hozheri said it’s a great honour to have worked with Tuku.

Meanwhile South African artistes are also headed for the concert.

Tuku’s manager Walter Wanyanya said artistes are still confirming through Mtukudzi’s agent.

“So far Ringo, Berita Khumalo and Yvonne Chaka Chaka have confirmed their participation.

“Many other artistes are in talks with our South African booking agent,” he said.

Mtukudzi was a celebrated musician, one of only three locals to be admitted into the Afro-fusion Hall-of-fame in United States.

He succumbed to his long struggle with diabetes.

Tuku grew up in Highfeilds but moved to Norton where he is celebrated for his commitment in nurturing young artistes through the Pakare Paye Arts Centre.

State Media

By Own Correspondent|In a statement issued Friday evening, Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs minister Ziyambi Ziyambi said Goverment will thoroughly investigate allegations of misconduct against any member of the security services urging the media not to whip up citizens’ emotions through publishing articles that promote such.

He urged those with complaints to report them to the police where he promised they will be treated with impartiality and sensitivity.

This follows allegations that soldiers were indiscriminately beating up people in high density suburbs.

There are also allegations that soldiers raped women whilst looking for people who engaged in violent protests last week.

Said Ziyambi:

In the same vein Government wishes to assure the public that all allegations of misconduct against any of our Security Services will be thoroughly investigated and the law will be allowed to take its course. Those with complaints should report them to the police and they will be treated impartially and with sensitivity.

It is also important to note that the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) has issued a statement appealing to all those who wish to complain against the Army to report their allegations to the Military Police on the following numbers:
• 0712 842 218
• 078 645 2155
We call upon our media not to whip up emotions but help bring people together as we hold hands one to another rebuilding our country.

By Own Correspondent|National hero Oliver Mtukudzi will be buried tomorrow (Sunday) at his rural home in Madziva.

Government said it will provide 43 buses to ferry the mourners to Madziva on Sunday morning.

Addressing journalists in Harare yesterday, Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Monica Mutsvangwa said 30 buses will ferry people from Harare.

Mutsvangwa said there are five buses organised to ferry people from Mashonaland West while five others have been set aside for Mashonaland Central. There will be one bus for each of the remaining provinces.

The Mtukudzi family was allocated two buses. Mutsvangwa said the Harare buses will depart for Madziva on Sunday morning ahead of the burial at 2PM.

By Own Correspondent|Polite Weza (35) of Emakhandeni suburb whose video went viral on social media while pushing a plough stolen from a shop at Entumbane Shopping Complex during #ShutdownZimbabwe protests has been jailed five years.

Weza was part of a mob that looted and burnt shops during last week’s violent protests.

Weza was convicted on his own plea of guilty to public violence and theft by Bulawayo magistrate Ms Sithembiso Ncube.

He will serve an effective four years after one year was suspended for five years on condition that he does not commit a similar offence.

The court heard that Weza stole an ox-drawn plough at OK Supermarket and a 20kg bag of maize seed. He also proceeded to other shops where he stole a plasma television set, radio speakers and a generator all valued at $2 920. The total value of stolen goods and property that Weza and his accomplices damaged is $143 187.

Some of the stolen goods worth $1 500 were recovered following the arrest of Weza and his accomplices. Weza was positively identified by police after he was captured on video, which has been circulating on social media.-StateMedia

By Own Correspondent| Pastor Evan Mawarire of the #ThisFlag Movement will spend the weekend in remand prison after a High Court judge deferred ruling on his application for bail to next week Tuesday.

Mawarire is facing charges of subverting a constitutional government or alternatively inciting violence following last week’s violent protests in Harare and other cities.

He was last week denied bail at the magistrates’ courts. Mawarire who is founder of #ThisFlag Movement, challenged the decision at the High Court.

Justice Tawanda Chitapi heard arguments from both the defence and prosecution counsel.

He reserved his ruling to Tuesday next week.

By Own Correspondent| Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Cain Mathema said police in Chitungwiza are investigating a case of misconduct by security forces.

Said Mathema:

The Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage wishes to acknowledge reports of alleged rape, sexual abuse and assaults that have been perpetrated by security forces during the recent operation. So far the police has received one such report from St Marys, Chitungwiza, and the case is already under investigations.-StateMedia

By Own Correspondent|Civil servants have shelved plans to strike following the lapse of the 14 day ultimatum on Thursday issued to government over salaries.

The body revealed that instead of striking, civil servants will resume negotiations with Government on Monday over their salaries and conditions of service.

Civil Servants had issued a 14-day strike notice which lapsed on Thursday but have shelved the plans to down tools in favour of dialogue to find a lasting solution. 

Apex Council chairperson Mrs Cecelia Alexander said they would meet Government early next week.

Said Alexander:

Government has invited us to a meeting early next week,” she said. “We have to sit down and map the way forward. There is no law that says we should immediately go on strike when the notice lapses. We, as Apex Council, have not yet declared a strike. Industrial action is declared, but for now we are dialoguing.

Alexander said as workers they expected Government to have improved on its 19% offer.

By Own Correspondent|South Africa’s the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) has said any assistance Cyril Ramaphosa’s government gives to Zimbabwe must be conditional.

COSATU said while the organisation is not opposed to their government giving assistance to Zimbabwe, any assistance South Africa offers must be conditional.

Said COSATU:

The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) has noted the comments by the South African government on giving assistance to our neighbouring country Zimbabwe. The federation is not opposed to any attempts to help our neighbouring country and its citizens in their hour of need, but we demand that any assistance be conditional.South African … taxpayers and workers will not agree to any propping up of any dictatorship in Zimbabwe

By Own Correspondent| Government collected $166.15 million during the last three months of 2018 from the two percent per dollar transacted tax (Intermediate Money Transfer Tax).

Finance minister Professor Mthuli Ncube introduced the 2% per every dollar transaction tax in October last year as part of his “austerity for posterity” measures in a development which saw him receiving heavy criticism from all sections of Zimbabweans.

Zimra revealed that Government collected $177.27 million with $11.12 million collected at the previous rate of $0.05 per transaction during the first nine months.

Zimra said in its performance report that revenue grew by 848.30 percent from $18.69 million collected in 2017. ZIMRA said it was able to reach the $5 billion mark, in part due to the revision of the Intermediated Money Transfer Tax (IMTT).

By Own Correspondent|Irked by the state of the rule of law in the country, the Law Society of Zimbabwe (LSZ) has called for an emergency meeting on January 28 2019.

The organisation said that it is concerned with what it says are injustices happening at courts.

Read a statement released by the LSZ:

We have received reports from some members and in other instances, we have observed practices that do not show that justice is being done. It would appear that no-one is paying attention to the adage: ‘Justice must not only be done, but it must be seen to be done.’ Irregular and illegal pre-trial processes and court processes appear to be collusively used to deny an accused person access to justice.

The lawyers have revealed that they had reached out to the Chief Justice Luke Malaba to express their displeasure.

Emmerson Mnangagwa’s deputy, Constantino Chiwenga yesterday met leaders of the Roman Catholic Church as part of Government’s efforts to build a common understanding between the State and the church on issues affecting the country.

His visit follows Mnangagwa’s invite last week for a national dialogue among heads of the country’s political parties, religious and civil leaders, whom he urged to set aside differences and come together in the furtherance of the national interest.

Mnangagwa’s call came on the back of deadly disturbances instigated by the opposition MDC-Alliance and its civil society partners that resulted in the loss of lives and destruction of property.

Six people died and goods worth million of dollars were looted by violent protestors who also damaged property worth millions of dollars in the different cities and towns.

Chiwenga told the clerics, who were led by Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops Conference secretary-general Father Frederick Chiromba, that Government’s doors were always open for engagement.

Speaking after the meeting Chiwenga, who was accompanied by Minister of Defence and War Veterans Affairs Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri and other officials, highlighted the importance of mutual understanding between the church and Government.

He said: “We were sharing our ideas on our country with the church and the church sharing its ideas with us. We need to give them what we are doing in the economy.

“We give them what we want to do about our relations between the church and Government. We have always engaged and I am catholic myself.” Father Chiromba said the meeting was at the request of Chiwenga who wanted to brief the bishops on the current affairs in the country.

“He wanted to brief them (bishops) on the current situation and that is what he did,” he said.

“The bishops also responded and asked for clarifications in some areas.

“The main outcome is that Government is keeping an open door for the church so that the church can go to Government and ask for information and other issues. It was simply to get an understanding of the current situation and what we have to do as a nation to bring national cohesion.”

“At the moment we do not want to go into details. Current affairs touch on everything in the country and the discussions were very broad, covering everything and anything that is of concern to Zimbabweans at the moment,” he said.

Father Chiromba confirmed they also discussed the violent protests. “Yes, we would not want to go into details at the moment but it was simply to get clarification and that was given.

“We will be engaging further on these issues. It is the beginning of a process and we would not want to pre-empt.

“We simply wanted to get an understanding of what provoked this situation, to get a common understanding in that area on why we are where we are at the moment and moving on how the church and Government can collaborate so that we move beyond this situation towards the Zimbabwe we want,” he said.

The violent demonstrations, which is part of the regime change agenda by opposition political parties and their foreign agents, saw at least 1 100 people being arrested.- state media

By Own Correspondent|Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Union (ZCTU) leader Peter Mutasa has been charged with treason and is set to appear at Harare magistrates court tomorrow (Saturday).

Mutasa, was charged with subverting a constitutionally elected government or inciting public violence during the #ShutdownZimbabwe protests last week.

Said the ZLHR in a statement

ZCTU President Peter Mutasa has been charged with subverting a constitutional government or alternatively inciting public violence over shutdown protests held last. Mutasa, who is represented by Alec Muchadehama of ZLHR is detained at Harare Central Police Station and is likely to appear at Harare Magistrates Court on Saturday 26 January 2019.

Paul Nyathi|While the whole country and the whole world have gone all out sending condolences on the late National Hero and musician Oliver Mtukudzi, former President Robert Mugabe has shockingly remained silent.

The 95 year old former leader of the country emerged on media complaining that he lost US$1 million cash to relatives at his rural home in Zvimba leaving some commentators claiming that perhaps he was not told of Tuku’s death.

Mugabe was captured by the media clarifying that his employees, some of them relatives, had actually stolen US$ 1 million in cash from him and not the US$150 000 that was initially claimed. The money was in a suitcase and was discovered by the employees when they were carrying out their chores at his rural home in Zvimba.

The suspected thieves, Constancia Mugabe (50), Johanne Mapurisa (50) and Saymore Nhetekwa (47), were granted $2000 bail each after they appeared before Chinhoyi magistrate Felix Mawadze earlier this month.

According to the media the court papers state that in 2016, Mugabe packed books in four briefcases which he took to his library at his homestead in Zvimba. He also included a black polo briefcase containing US$1 million which he gave to Constance to look after although he did not tell her what it contained. When Mugabe requested the briefcase in March 2018, Constance said she could not find but promised to look for it.

After learning that the suspects were living luxuriously, Mugabe sent another employee to look for the briefcase. When the briefcase was discovered it now contained only $78 000 instead of $922 000. After the arrest of the suspects, the police discovered that they had purchased many properties which they could not afford.

Mapurisa who is a caretaker bought a house for US$20 000 at Murombedzi Growth Point and registered it in the name of his wife, Noticia Sibindi. He also bought a Toyota Camry for US$6 800 Nheketwa, another caretaker, allegedly bought a Honda Fit. Muhumbe, employed as a groundsman, bought a Honda CRV and registered it in his brother, Emmanuel’s name.

Only US$42 800 was recovered.